K Vintners
Call him an edgy rock ’n’ roll aficionado, an any-reason-to-ride motorcyclist, or a wine-loving freak—just don’t call him lucky, because it’s not by luck that Charles Smith has succeeded in the wine business. We’re not talking about successful small-lot wine production. No, we’re talking over-the-top production under such labels as K Vintners, Charles Smith and The Magnificent Wine Company. To succeed, you must have a good product, yes. Equally important, however, is a business vision and the wherewithal to market your product—which Charles has in spades. His rare combination of amazing palate fused with focused energy has garnered the man and his wines a cult-like following.
Charles is on a quest to create exceptional syrah as well as other varieties that express the terroir of Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley. The syrah grape happens to find Washington very hospitable, thriving in places like Walla Walla and Wahluke Slope, where Charles acquires his fruit. His 2005 Old Bones Syrah received a 99 point rating from none other than Robert M. Parker’s Wine Advocate. In 2009, Food & Wine magazine awarded Charles the prestigious “Winemaker of the Year” award. I’d say his quest has been fulfilled.
Originally from northern California, Charles managed rock ’n’ roll bands in Scandinavia for 11 years before moving back to the U.S. and launching K Vintners. He also is the creator and winemaker for The Magnificent Wine Company, whose bottles sport his boldly lettered label “House Wine” (see Walla Walla Wine Works). The wines themselves go easy on the wallet, with price points in the teens. Another point in their favor: They are ready to drink with an evening’s meal, and truth be told, that is why most Americans buy wine—for the dinner table, not for the cellar.
The K Vintners winery and main tasting room are located a few miles east of Walla Walla on Mill Creek Road. (A satellite tasting room downtown is planned, but had not yet opened at press time.) Unless your eyes happen to be glued to the Blue Mountains ahead of you, you can’t miss the giant K looming in front of the small vineyard and a big, old farmhouse, a massive tree ensconced next to it. Once you arrive, be prepared to party. This isn’t one of those genteel, reverential, church-quiet establishments; it’s a house of kick-ass wines. Party on, dudes!
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K Vintners was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Walla Walla WineTrail East on page 498!
