Louis Skinner, Force Majeure

Former winemaker Todd Alexander closing Atelier Freewater, relocating to France following January citation

Walla Walla Valley’s Force Majeure Vineyards has hired Louis Skinner as winemaker. Skinner was previously winemaker at Betz Family Winery, one of Washington’s most highly regarded producers.

“We knew right away Louis was a perfect fit,” says Force Majeure owner Paul McBride. “Louis is passionate about winemaking, and I know the wine quality is going to continue at the highest level.”

Experience at some of Washington’s best wineries

Skinner started out in the wine industry in 2008, working as a wine buyer at Fine Wine & Cigars in Redmond, Washington. It was there that McBride first met him.

“I’ve known Louis for a long, long time and was always impressed by his acumen and passion for wine,” McBride says. “Even at that young age, it was clear he was going places.”

Skinner subsequently interned in 2010 at Betz Family. He then worked at nearby DeLille Cellars, another top producer. Skinner initially worked at DeLille as cellar master and was promoted to enologist.

Betz Family hired Skinner as assistant winemaker in 2014. He was promoted to winemaker in 2016, taking over from founder Bob Betz, MW. (Betz has continued to consult for the winery.) When Ackley Brands purchased Betz Family in May of 2024, Skinner continued on at the winery.

Skinner brings to Force Majeure experience working with the appellations where the winery has its estate vineyards. The winery, which produces approximately 3,500 cases annually, owns a 40-acre vineyard on Red Mountain. It also has a 9-acre vineyard in the southern section of Walla Walla Valley where the winery is located.

“He’s going to be able to hit the ground running,” McBride says of Skinner. “You’re not going to find a better, more experienced winemaker than Louis dealing with Red Mountain and its tannins, nuances, and subtleties.”

Citation leads to Alexander’s exit from Washington

Skinner takes over winemaking responsibilities from Todd Alexander. Alexander joined Force Majeure as winemaker and general manager in 2014. He previously worked as winemaker at the Napa Valley cult winery Bryant Family.

Over his decade-plus in Washington, Alexander established himself as one of the state’s most talented winemakers. The Force Majeure wines have consistently been among the highest-scoring wines in Washington across a number of publications.

During his tenure at the winery, Alexander was also responsible for relocating Force Majeure from Woodinville to Walla Walla Valley. Alexander oversaw renovation and construction of the winery’s production facility and tasting room in the valley, among other accomplishments.

However, Alexander’s fortunes in the Northwest turned after he was one of 30 people arrested or given a citation in Portland, Oregon at the beginning of the year. He subsequently pled guilty to one charge of unlawful prostitution procurement, a misdemeanor, on March 7th in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Alexander and his wife, Carrie, have their own brand, Holocene, which focuses on Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In a March 20th email to Holocene list members, the Alexanders stated that they would be relocating to France, where they already own property. Holocene will, however, continue.

The couple also announced that Atelier Freewater will be closing effective April 30th. The Alexanders opened the tasting room and event space in the southern section of Walla Walla Valley in 2023. The property was listed for sale earlier this month.

Prior to his citation, Alexander served as winemaker for a number of other high profile projects. These included making the estate wines for WeatherEye as well as wines for Cimento, From the Sky Down, and Black Square. Additionally, Carrie Alexander worked as director of marketing at Force Majeure.

The great dream to continue at Force Majeure

Force Majeure made its first vintage in 2004. The winery was originally named Grand Rêve, the ‘great dream,’ rebranding after a trademark dispute.

Since the winery’s inception, Force Majeure has been one of a handful of wineries setting the standard for quality in the Columbia Valley. Much of that effort has focused on growing fruit of the highest quality. Renowned grower Ryan Johnson started out with McBride at Force Majeure, left the winery for a period, and then rejoined to manage the winery’s estate vineyard in 2024.

After Alexander joined as winemaker and general manager, he largely became the face of Force Majeure. Now, McBride and Johnson will once again be at the forefront. Force Majeure’s goal – elevating the quality and appreciation of Washington wine – remains unchanged.

“I want Force Majeure wines to always be a benchmark but also true expressions of terroir,” McBride says. “What this project is all about is trying to bring really talented people to bear, taking some risks, trying to do some things perhaps differently than how others have done it, and trying some new things.”

McBride says that the past series of weeks following Alexander’s arrest have been some of the most difficult of his life. However, Force Majeure will continue forward into the winery’s next chapter.

“We’ve put our hearts and souls and fortune into it,” McBride says. “We’ll continue that push. We’re going to get through this and come out better on the other side.”

The original version of this article stated that Todd Alexander was arrested. Alexander received a citation but was not among those arrested.

Image courtesy of Louis Skinner. 

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