Julio Fay-Cruz

Julio Fay-Cruz joined the Quilceda Creek team in 2023 as the winery’s Estate Sommelier. Julio is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a certified WSET Educator and is currently enrolled in the WSET Diploma program. He brings this expertise to Quilceda Creek’s intimate on-property tasting experiences offered exclusively to its private membership.

A classically trained tuba player, Julio received his Bachelor in Music from the Manhattan School of Music in his native state of New York. He went on to receive his Master in Music from Lynn University in Florida, and a Graduate Certificate in Performance Music from the University of Connecticut before moving to Washington state for a graduate program at the University of Washington. During his studies, a part-time position in the tasting room at Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates shifted Julio’s career path and he fell in love with wine. There, Julio quickly worked his way up to become Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Lead Wine Educator, while studying through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program.

Julio’s love for fine wine and his commitment to excellence drew him to Quilceda Creek Winery. As Estate Sommelier, Julio will guide Quilceda Creek’s guests through private tastings of the latest releases and available library wines.

When not at the winery, Julio performs music throughout Seattle, enjoys cooking at home with his family and being a dad to both his child and two dachshunds.