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Hi everyone –

I’m always on the hunt for the next great brand. Not necessarily the next great WINE, for that is pretty easy to find. With almost 10,000 wines now available to Minnesota retailers, there is a TON of good wines to be had.

But finding a great brand is a different thing. I have some criteria:

• Obviously, quality has to be higher than their peers. It also has to be consistently high across the whole portfolio.
• They have to be family owned, or have a tight group that has run the company for decades. No on-a-whim turnover of staff based on spreadsheet and economic factors.
• They have to exhibit a sense of place, and be leaders when referring to a particular wine region.
• They have to be leaders in sustainable farming and long-term planning for a region.

Favorite examples include wineries you hear us talk about often: Ridge Vineyards, The Eyrie Vineyards, Bedrock, Lopez de Heredia Viña Tondonia, La Rioja Alta, the Perrin Family of the Southern Rhône, Frog’s Leap, Alain Graillot, Joseph Drouhin, Drappier Champagne, and many more.

Today I want to give you a deep dive into a favorite brand that you may not know a lot about: KIONA VINEYARDS of Red Mountian, Washington, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this month!

Background on Kiona Vineyards

Nestled on the slopes of Red Mountain in the Yakima Valley, Kiona’s journey began in the early 1970s when John Williams and his friend Jim Holmes, both engineers at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, decided to embark on a viticultural adventure. In 1972, they purchased 80 acres of sagebrush-covered land at the foot of Red Mountain, near Benton City, Washington. Initially, the idea was to develop a shopping mall, but John had a hunch that the area’s sandy loam soils and favorable climate would be ideal for growing grapes. They were the first ones to recognize the potential of this site.

Learn more about Red Mountain AVA

By 1975, they had planted their first vines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling, marking the inception of what would become the Kiona Estate Vineyard. This pioneering effort was instrumental in establishing the Red Mountain area as a prime viticultural region. The first vintage under the Kiona name was produced in 1980, and the winery quickly gained recognition for the quality of its wines. At the time there were only 20 wineries in all of Washington (today it’s over 1000).

The Williams family has remained at the helm of Kiona Vineyards and Winery ever since, now spanning three generations. John’s son, Scott Williams, took on the roles of vineyard manager and winemaker, further expanding the family’s vineyards and enhancing the quality of their wines. Scott’s sons, JJ and Tyler Williams, have also joined the family business, bringing fresh perspectives and continuing the legacy of innovation and excellence.

Today, Kiona Vineyards encompasses five estate vineyards on Red Mountain, each with distinct characteristics:

• Kiona Estate: The original vineyard, home to the esteemed Lemberger planting.
• Heart of the Hill: Known for producing deep, brooding, and assertive wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Artz Vineyard: Acquired in 2019, primarily planted to Bordeaux varieties, producing wines of profound concentration and character.
• Ranch at the End of the Road®: Versatile site producing pure and concentrated fruit, including Syrah and Sangiovese.
• Sunset Bench: The primary site for Red Mountain Malbec, with plantings of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

As of this month, January 2025, Kiona Vineyards and Winery celebrates 50 years on Red Mountain, marking half a century of dedication to viticulture and winemaking. Their commitment to quality and innovation has solidified their reputation as a leader in Washington’s wine industry, and their wines continue to be enjoyed by enthusiasts around the world.

What makes Kiona special for us is the seamless blend of legacy, quality, and an undeniable sense of place — everything we want in a brand. If you’re a fan of truly handcrafted wines with personality, Kiona is a must-know name. Every bottle from Kiona is essentially a love letter to Red Mountain’s terroir.

Another reason Kiona shines is their range of wines—there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a velvety, structured Cabernet Sauvignon, a refreshing Riesling, or their flagship Lemberger with its bright, fruit-forward charm, the diversity is unbeatable. Wine lovers flock to Kiona for the way they honor both classic and lesser-known grape varieties. Plus, their pricing is refreshingly down-to-earth. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a bottle of exceptional wine.

Beyond the wines, it’s the people and the story that captivate you. The Williams family pours generations of care into everything they do, and when you visit the winery, you can feel it. It’s not just about selling wine—it’s about connecting with the people who drink it. It’s wine with heart, history, and a whole lot of flavor.

Learn more about this amazing third generation winery at their website.

The wines: there’s something here for everyone!

“Farm and Family for three generations”

Kiona Riesling (off-dry, 11.5% ABV)

This Riesling is a bright and refreshing expression of fruit and acidity. Bursting with notes of green apple, lime zest, and a whisper of honey, it strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and crispness. A versatile wine that’s equally at home with spicy dishes or just a good sunset. Absolutely lovely and one of the best food-pairing wines out there.

Kiona Chenin Blanc

A lively and vibrant Chenin Blanc with layers of pear, quince, and a hint of honeysuckle. Its balanced acidity and smooth texture make it a delightful partner for creamy cheeses or seafood. It’s approachable yet refined—an easy crowd-pleaser with a touch of elegance. It goes to show why Chenin Blanc rocks.

Kiona Chardonnay

This Chardonnay leans into its richer roots but does so with finesse. Notes of soulful oak (not too much!) are complemented by a burst of ripe golden apple and a hint of citrus. Perfectly suited for roast chicken or quiet evenings in—it’s comfort wine at its best. This is damn good Chardonnay, perfectly balanced, and really proves why Chardonnay considered one of the great grapes of the world. In the right winemaker’s hands, you get wines like this!

Kiona Lembrerger

You’ve heard me talk about this wine before, but I gotta say I’m loving it more than ever. A hidden gem that brings vibrant red berries, a subtle earthiness, and just enough spice to keep you intrigued. Its medium body and soft tannins make it wonderfully food-friendly, pairing beautifully with grilled meats or hearty vegetarian dishes. This wine is like discovering your new favorite band—unique and unforgettable. Lemberger, the grape, is also known as Blaufrankish in Austria.

Kiona Estates Cuvée

This sorta-Bordeaux-style blend is silky and polished, with layers of black cherry, plum, and a touch of cocoa. Structured yet approachable, it showcases the elegance of Red Mountain fruit while remaining versatile at the table. A classic choice for steak night or a dinner party centerpiece.

Check out this blend: 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 7% Lemberger, 4% Syrah, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Add in about 50% YUM! and you end up at 150% AWESOME! 🙂 — sorry, I just had to throw that in there!

Kiona Red Mountain AVA Cabernet Sauvignon

Bold, powerful, and unapologetically expressive, this Cabernet is Red Mountain terroir in a glass. Rich blackberry, cassis, and dark chocolate meet firm tannins and a long, satisfying finish. It’s the wine you reach for when the moment demands something special.

Kiona Late Harvest Riesling (8.4% ABV)

This late harvest Riesling is a luscious, honeyed treat. Aromas of apricot, peach, and candied citrus leap from the glass, followed by a silky sweetness that’s balanced by lively acidity. Ideal for pairing with fruit tarts, creamy cheeses, or simply savoring on its own.

Kiona Ice Wine 375ml (7.8% ABV, 100% Chenin Blanc)

A decadent dessert wine that’s nothing short of a masterpiece. Intense flavors of honey, dried apricot, and tropical fruit are woven together with vibrant acidity, creating a luxurious and lingering finish. Best served chilled, it’s the ultimate indulgence to cap off a memorable evening.

Kiona sampler two packs and “Discovery Box”

We’re offering some of the wines as two pack “discovery” sets at further discounts:

• Classics: Chenin Blanc and Red Mountain Caberenet
• Cool Kids on the Block: Riesling (off-dry) and Lemberger
• Sweet tooth: Late Harvest Riesling and Ice Wine

Plus for the deepest discounts possible, we have a “Kiona Discovery Box” with one bottle of each wine in the offer.

In conclusion / buying advice

This is a brand to get to know. I’m putting them on my short list of my favorite producers in the world. They bring everything we want to the table: tradition, family, great farming, integrity, curiosity, and quality.

We can’t ask for anything more. But wineries like Kiona only thrive when people get to know their wines. Grab a few of them and I guarantee you won’t be disapointed.

Thanks, everyone!

Jason Kallsen
Sommelier and founder/owner of Twin Cities Wine Education

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Offer and special pricing are available as inventory lasts