Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brad Binko. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brad, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I have always been very fortunate to had strong role models in my life. No one greater than my father. He is the hardest working person I have ever met and still continues to be even though he is almost 70 years old. He has owned his own business for over 30 years and is one of the most generous people I have ever met as well. He donates his time, knowledge and man power. Growing up in Buffalo you get used to snow, he still snow blows his neighbors drive ways and cuts my sister’s lawn. He got this from his father who was a first generation immigrant to America. When I hurt myself in 2019 he and my grandfather came into Walla Walla to help me with harvest, my busiest season.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
This is a super exciting time for myself and the winery. Eternal Wines, established in 2014 in Walla Walla, WA. has always been a producer of small batch, single vineyard wines. As a sommelier these were the wines that I gravitated to, and sought out. So naturally when I started a winery I wanted to share that passion. In 2017 I won a research grant and chose to go to Chili to study Carmenere. Fast forward a couple years later and we released a documentary on my travels and the grape Carmenere. To this day we have produced over 100 different bottlings and received over 300 90 point scores from these wines. In June, 2024 we purchased a property which would become our new winery, tasting room and vineyard. We opened our forever home in March 2025 to the public featuring nightly events, happy hour specials, all the sporting games and a food truck on site. In 2025 the Seattle wine awards gave us winery./winemaker of the year. We will be planting the site in Spring 2026.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Knowledge seeking: Its always been a thirst of mine to seek knowledge on wine. This is why I became a fine dining bartender, then a sommelier and then went to school for Enology & Viticulture. It’s important to keep this up and keep your skills dialed in.
Self drive: No one is going to tell you to get up and do not only the things you need to do but the things you need to get ahead. Whether it is working 60 hours a week, and going to school or working your way up the tree of wisdom you need to motivate yourself.
Vision: All three of these tie in together. Vision is important because a lot of the time other people can’t see what your dream is even after you explain it to them. Don’t be afraid to believe in yourself and your own vision but don’t be too proud to accept criticism.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
It happens a lot to everyone. Something that helps me is a to do list. You should have a today list, this week list/this month list and this year. It is way easier to look at the paper and say I am doing this today and do it. Crossing things off always feel good and you can see your progress. It also helps when you feel overwhelmed to write it all out. Then you can break big jobs down into smaller more manageable ones.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://etrnalwine.com
- Instagram: /eternalwine
- Facebook: /eternalwine
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradbinko/
- Twitter: /eternal_wines
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drinkwashingtonstateeterna1442
- Yelp: /eternalestate
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
