Kiona Vineyards and Winery
Kiona Vineyards was founded by John and Ann Williams in 1972 with the purchase of 86 acres of raw land in the arid climate of Southeastern Washington. The Williams’ recognized that this area could produce grapes that exhibit the fruity varietal intensity of the cooler Yakima Valley and the rich full-bodied character of the warmer Columbia Basin.
Before the first vines were planted, wells were drilled, roads were platted, and electricity was brought in from three miles away. Combined with these climate conditions is a deep, well drained, chalk like soil structure, which is very similar to the finest vineyards in Europe. The initial Kiona production in 1980 was only 504 cases.
Located in what is now called the Red Mountain Appellation, the site is internationally recognized and known for growing some of the best Cabernet grapes in the state. Red Mountain grapes are used in many world-renowned wines including the award-winning wines of Leonetti Cellars, whose winemaker, Chris Figgins, is another WSU alumnus, and Col Solare, which is managed by a partnership that includes Ted Baseler, President and CEO of Ste. Michelle Estate Wines.
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Benton City, WA
Established 1972
Annual production: 25,000 cases
www.kionawine.com
• 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon voted “Best Wines of Washington” by Washington CEO Magazine
• Multiple awards for Gold and Double Gold by Wine Press Northwest
• Pioneered and brought richly-deserved acclaim to the Red Mountain AVA
Wine-By-Cougars wine club has previously showcased Kiona Vineyards and Winery. All alumni, friends of WSU, and wine aficionados alike can enjoy hand-crafted superb wine delivered to your doorstep.
Did you know?
Wine Enthusiast Magazine named Washington State as the 2001 Wine Region of the Year, the first American region to receive the award.