Kiona Vineyards Winery

Kiona Vineyards Winery began as a ten-acre vineyard when John and Ann Williams planted the Red Mountain Appellation's first grapes back in 1975.

From this humble beginning, this small plot of land grew into the first Red Mountain Winery, with the help of their former partners, Jim and Pat Holmes. It celebrated its inaugural 1980 vintage with the opening of their tasting room in 1983—which, at the time, was located in the daylight cellar of Ann and John's home.

From Red Mountain Pioneers to the Hall of Fame

After retiring from his position as a metallurgist and systems engineer in 1994, John devoted his full time to Kiona Vineyards Winery where he applied the viticulture and enology research he learned through the Washington State University's programs. Ann similarly devoted her energy to serving on boards for winery associations, managing the Kiona Vineyards Winery tasting room and personnel, and developing the winery's promotions.

John and Ann (along with former partners Jim and Pat) were inducted into the Washington Wine Hall of Fame in 2007 to honor their accomplishments in advancing the winemaking industry in the state.

Excellence Runs in the Family

Drawing on 27 years of viticulture and wine making experience, John and Ann's son, Scott, acts as the head winemaker at Kiona Vineyards Winery. In addition to being named a "Grape Grower of the Year" by the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers, Scott has also had two wines on Wine Spectator's "Best 100 Wines of the Year" list.

At Kiona Vineyards Winery, viticulture practices are paramount to producing excellent wines. Their wine grapes are nurtured to optimum maturity using techniques honed by years of experience. Scott believes these winery practices respect the character of the grapes with minimal intervention, which allows for intense varietal aromas and flavors in the finished wine.

Featuring estate grapes, Kiona produces a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Lemberger, White Riesling, and Ice Wine (which is really frozen on the vine!). They are best known, however, for their Cabernet Sauvignon — a world-class deeply colored wine with great balance and structure that can be enjoyed now or cellared for many years, thanks to its extended oak aging.

Paying Homage to the Desert

Completed in April of 2007, the "Desert Modern" architectural-style tasting facility features tile, metal and concrete exteriors to artfully emulate the natural beauty of the surrounding desert.

Upstairs, the 10,000 sq. ft. area holds the tasting room plus a gift and art gallery featuring local artists. With vaulted wood ceilings, granite tasting bars, Terrazzo-style concrete floors and a large expanse of windows (offering panoramic views of the vineyards), it's hard to imagine a better place to enjoy a glass of wine. A unique viewing window lets you visually experience the equally impressive 10,000 sq. ft. underground barrel cellar.

Daily tastings are accompanied by informal discussions from staff and owners on grape varietal viticulture parameters, terrior descriptions, and wine making philosophies. Annual events include the "Spring Barrel Tasting" and "Catch the Crush" during harvest, which provide an in-depth look at harvesting, grape processing, and the intricacies of crafting wines.