Woodinville, Wash.—Domaine Ste. Michelle announced Paula Eakin will be the new winemaker for the company’s sparkling wine program Michelle. Eakin starts work in her new position in April after the retirement of 20-year veteran Rick Casqueiro. Eakin has worked with Casqueiro for the past two years and has more than 20 years of experience in winemaking for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. “Eastern Washington’s dry, warm climate and cool night time temperatures produce balanced flavorful grapes with crisp acidity, which is critical for quality sparkling wine,“ Eakin said in a press release announcing her new job. “Our growing conditions and northerly latitude produce sparkling wines with delicate aromatics and flavors. I look forward to spending more time in the vineyards and working with our growers and vineyard managers to find the best fruit possible for our cuvées.”