An EWU-licensed wine, Eagle Red, made its debut this spring.

In recent years, licensed collegiate wine has quietly become its own genre, sharing a tailgate table with branded barbecue sauce and the logoed golf towel. A long list of universities — Big Ten stalwarts, SEC powerhouses, the occasional Ivy — have pinots and cabernets labeled in school colors.

Beginning this spring, Eastern took its first step into this crowded cellar. It did so with a big advantage over its peers: Our grads actually make some of the world’s best wine.

At this year’s Alumni Awards Gala, the university debuted Eagle Red, the first-ever EWU-licensed wine. Made in partnership with McKinley Springs Winery, where winemaker Reid Klei ’05 works his vinification magic using some of Horse Heaven Hills’ finest fruit, the wine is a bold custom cuvée crafted with Eagle pride.

A portion of each bottle sold will go to EWU’s Alumni Legacy Scholarship, meaning, for the first time, that a student’s education may be subsidized in part by an Eagle alum having a special bottle at dinner. “I think it represents the Eastern alumni well,” Klei says. “Everyone is bringing their own strengths to the table, but together we’re stronger.”

The collaboration is the fruit of a two-year effort led by Kelsey Hatch-Brecek, Eastern’s director of alumni relations, who worked closely with Klei on the blend and its distinctive packaging. Bottles are dressed in matte black, with a sleek Eagle4Life logo alongside the EWU insignia — more boutique Walla Walla than Eagle Store.

Eagle Red’s first run is limited to 200 cases. The wine will also appear in the fall shipment for the Eagle Flights Wine Club, and will be available for a time in the McKinley Springs tasting room in Prosser, Washington.

“I’m super excited to roll out this bold new wine, and to raise our profile among the state’s community of wine connoisseurs.” Hatch-Brecek says.

One of my greatest privileges as alumni director is witnessing the impact of our graduates. Each day I am reminded of the passion, pride, and unwavering commitment that define our 125,000-strong alumni community. I see Eagles stepping up—mentoring students, attending regional gatherings, cheering on our teams, sharing their stories and carrying the spirit of Eastern into their communities and workplaces around the world.

Your engagement matters. Whether you join an event, volunteer your expertise, support scholarships or simply wear your red on Fridays, you help strengthen the Eagle4Life experience for generations to come. Our team is here to help, and we remain focused on building meaningful opportunities that keep you connected—to each other, to campus, and to the future of EWU.

I encourage you to get involved in whatever way fits your life right now. Each action—large or small—strengthens our community and helps shape the future of Eastern. In 2026, the Alumni Association is expanding opportunities for you to engage—on campus, on the road and online. From career networking to regional meet-ups and enhanced traditions, we’re creating more ways for you to stay connected, give back and celebrate what it means to truly be an Eagle.

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm, generosity and love for this university. Together, we are writing the next chapter of what it means to be an Eagle4Life.
Go Eags!

Kelsey Hatch-Brecek,
Director of Alumni Relations