Coming from a family that is six generations deep in the Walla Walla Valley, brothers Chris and Cameron Kontos have a deep connection to the local community. Their father is a partner and co-winemaker at Fort Walla Walla Cellars, and has had a strong influence on Cameron’s winemaking style.
Cameron took wine classes at Walla Walla Community College and then spent an eight-year stint at Forgeron Cellars before he and his brother launched Kontos Cellars in one of the Walla Walla “incubators.” Flash forward six years later, they pair have opened a brand new tasting room in downtown Walla Walla.
“The vineyards we select are paramount in our winemaking process,” says Chris. “We love that the soil we grew up on lends itself to such amazing vineyards as Les Collines, Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Summit View.”
They primarily produce 100% single varietals because they feel it allows them to showcase the true beauty and character of the individual grape.
Profile: This Walla Walla Valley Merlot is a wow-wine that serves up glossy-smooth tannins and intricately woven flavors of dried cherry, plum, currants, tobacco, mocha, violet. Gentle spice notes grace the long robust finish.
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding
Alcohol: 14.3%
Website: www.kontoscellars.com