Terry and Lisa Davenport say they left corporate careers in Seattle to start an estate winery in Walla Walla’s pastoral Southside neighborhood, but it could be that the property, (the site of a former winery) serendipitously found the Davenports and their family. “With 20-year-old vines, a tasting room and production facility in place, the property literally invited itself into our lives,” says their son, Cameron Davenport, who is a partner in the family winery along with his wife Kasey.
Cameron and Kasey had moved to Walla Walla five years earlier and became rooted in the local wine industry through his burgeoning career as an executive chef and her talents as a wedding planner. They saw the potential in Kinhaven to become an extension of their passionate roles in the culinary and hospitality world, as well as an opportunity to work together.
“We started a renovation of the tasting room which included creating an expansive patio—we were excited to have groups gather together and enjoy our views and each other,” Kasey explains. An intimate area in the vineyard was cleared to create a dining-in-the vines venue where private dinners and weddings are held.
With assistance from consulting winemaker David Stephenson, Kasey and Cameron’s first harvest was 2019. They look forward to releasing an estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the fall of 2021. Stephenson helped connect the couple with other fruit sources in the state, resulting in other varietals such as Carménère and Chardonnay and others. “The goal was always to create world class wines that match the beautiful location and sense of place. Small-lot wines with a big heart, crafted to be enjoyed with those you love,” adds Kasey.
It’s clear this winery and venue are quickly shaping up as a truly unique Walla Walla destination for many reasons, including great wines that can be shared among friends set against a splendid backdrop of estate vineyards, big skies and panoramic mountain views.
Visit and Taste: $20 tasting fee, refundable with purchase; 1050 Merlot Dr, Walla Walla; (509) 525-1226, open Thur-Sun 11-5pm from May-November, www.kinhavenwinery.com
Below are two releases we recently reviewed:
Kinhaven 2017 Carménère
91 pts.
Smoothly textured, offering intense aromatics of fresh ground pepper, capsicum, citrus and dark red fruit that announce this savory red. Juicy acidity marks the palate, layered with graphite, cranberry, violet and hints of orange peel that meld with fine tannins on the earthy finish. $65
Kinhaven 2018 Columbia Gorge Chardonnay
92 pts.
Sourced from Celilo Vineyard, this shows elegance and refinement with a creamy persona supported by lovely structure. Enticing pear, apple, Tuscan melon, lemon essence and blanched almond weave seamlessly alongside clean-cut mineral notes. Stays well balanced on the finish. $45