Our Team

Judith Shulman, Owner & Manager

Judith always chose the road less traveled.  Looking back, she only paid attention to the shoulder fairy who said “Forget the risk. Go for it!”  Growing up in the City of Chicago she became street-wise with few expectations and imagined she would be an artist someday.  Self-supporting at a young age, she honed her business skills and obtained her degree in Psychology working full time in a Chicago law firm as an accountant.  Then came Yale Law School thanks to a generous grant program, and when the time came to get back to work, she selected Seattle on a map.  With the primary goals of family, friends and independence, she became one of the first female tax and business lawyers in the City and became a partner in the law firm of Davis Wright.  She remained attached to the world of art, and served for years on the Board of Seattle Shakespeare Company.

Listening once again to her annoying shoulder fairy, Judith left her comfortable life with 2 small children in tow to start her own company.  The first years of her woman-owned business (a specialized real estate company of “landmen”) almost did her in, but after 17 years, she sold the national company to an international engineering company and moved to Walla Walla to drink wine and have fun.  She bought 40 acres south of town and ventured into the world of wine, both drinking and learning.  Always a fan of the wines crafted by Mary Derby, she became a partner in DAMA in 2009 .   “Thank you, shoulder fairy.”

 Judith now lives with Gracie, the DAMA winery dog, surrounded by crops, sculptures, and spectacular views — potentially the future vineyard property for DAMA Estate Wines.  She is devoted to the wine industry, a few remaining legal clients, her amazing family and friends, her work for non-profits, and always the arts.  

Judith Shulman can be contacted at judith@damawines.com.

Mary Derby, Founder & Wine Creator

Mary is a wine-loving, family-doting, classically-trained opera-singing, food fanatic from rural Minnesota.  After years of pursuing careers in opera, food and wine, she moved with her husband to the Walla Walla Valley.  Beginning in 2000, she and her late husband, Devin, created the brand and wines of Spring Valley Vineyard, then achieving acclaim as some of the best wines in Washington and nationally.  Devin’s tragic death in 2004 forced Mary to decide between starting her own wine venture in Walla Walla or returning to the midwest with her young son.  Nine nationally-recognized winemakers helped make this decision, by creating together from their own grapes a one-time Syrah vintage called “Devin” with the proceeds going to Mary to help financially.  With this act of love from her dear friends and community, Mary was able to remain in the Walla Walla wine industry and started DAMA Wines.  She soon became recognized for her natural talents and exceptional palette, which enables her to craft a wide range of Bordeaux and Rhone style wines, and also explore newer varietals grown in Washington with great results.

Mary’s history and passion, as well as her singing, add multiple dimensions to the wines she creates.  Using the skills learned from her wine-making mentors, and her  unforgiving palate, Mary creates wines with unusual balance and interest, or “squillo.”  In singing, squillo is the vibration of the voice that is heard after a note has been sung.

Mary Derby can be contacted at mary@damawines.com.

Jeff Hickenlooper, Manager/Wine Society Concierge

Jeff Hickenlooper is a wine industry maven with over two decades of experience in the wine industry. He has a passion for exceptional wines and unforgettable experiences. Originally from the Northeast and Midwest, Jeff has made Walla Walla his home for several years.

 “I’ve been fortunate enough to combine my love of wine with marketing, logistics, and customer service. My journey began in fine dining, where I honed my skills as a sommelier and general manager at several esteemed restaurants.”

 Jeff then transitioned into the wine industry, holding key roles at several wholesalers, importers, wineries, and organizations, including Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, Revelry Vintners, and Cutting Edge Selections.

“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the world and traveling to as many wine-making areas as possible to learn and taste the diversity of the wine universe. Now I am excited to join the iconic DAMA Team!”

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys playing music, exploring the PNW’s hidden gems with his wife of almost 30 years, daughter and her husband, and friends, and enjoying the sensational wines of Walla Walla.

Jeff Hickenlooper can be contacted at jeff@damawines.com.

Lori Mitchell, Private Event Sales & Creative Manager

Lori is a native of the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL.  After experimenting with other locations across the country, Lori made her way to Walla Walla to further her wine education including completing the Certified Specialist of Wine program through the Society of Wine Educators.

“By taking on the challenging role of Tasting Room Manager with this talented team of women at DAMA I have learned the depth and scope of running and creating a wine tasting room experience and brand”. I then realized that my creative style would be better utilized in event planning for our guests and marketing the brand with online emails, and collateral” 

Lori comes to DAMA with a true passion for great wine and its artistry, and a desire to learn more about the processes that make up the wine business.  As Tasting Room Manager, she worked to create a true one-of-a-kind experience for all guests — Wine Society members, wine tasters, and special events and after 7 years as Tasting Room Manager, took on the Private Events & Creative Manager role.

“I am now in my 9th year with DAMA Wines. I have ventured into a more creative role with the team”.

Lori lives with her husband of 38 years, Dave Mitchell, and rescued dogs, Mingus (Charles Mingus) and Miles (Miles Davis). When not in the tasting room you can find her riding her horses, Mozart and Unico, cooking up something for friends, traveling and volunteering in the community, and of course drinking wine!

Lori Mitchell can be contacted at lori@damawines.com.