Our Story
The present
welcome to walla walla
At Walla Walla Vintners, every day brings a new chapter in our love story with wine.
From our newly constructed modern winery nestled in the Mill Creek foothills to our LIVE certified Cut Bank Estate vineyard, we’re creating spaces where wine lovers can connect with what makes this valley so special.
Our portfolio tells the story of who we are – those incredible Sangiovese-based wines (yes, we make four different ones!) and our beloved Cabernet Franc and Merlot are just the beginning.
Our Story
The Past
Deep roots
In 1995, when Walla Walla Valley was just beginning to whisper its potential, Myles Anderson & Gordy Venneri turned their home winemaking passion into something extraordinary- And became the valley’s eighth bonded winery.
In those early days, when you could count the valley’s wineries on your fingers, Walla Walla Vintners helped write the first chapters of what would become one of Washington’s most celebrated wine stories. Their legacy wasn’t about bells and whistles – it was about creating a place where friends could gather, share a bottle, and feel like family.
When Scott & Nici took up the torch in 2017, they embraced that same spirit that makes our valley special. Like the stories shared over countless bottles, our roots run deep in this valley’s rich soil, and carry forward a tradition of bringing people together through wine.
Our Story
The Future
The Next Chapter
Standing in our new Rocks District vineyard, you can feel the magic beneath your feet. It is a story written in cobblestones that’s capturing the world’s imagination.
Our 18 acres here represent more than just land. They’re our piece of what Wine Spectator’s Harvey Steiman calls “the most distinctive AVA in the United States.”
We’ve planted our newest estate vineyard to Cabernet Franc; joining a community of passionate growers who’ve spent the last quarter-century discovering the incredible potential of this remarkable place.
As we continue to invest in what makes the Walla Walla Valley truly special, we know we’re not just making wine. We’re crafting connections, preserving traditions, and sharing the magic of this incredible corner of the world, one glass at a time.
Passion And Purpose
Passion & Purpose
Scott and Nici’s journey to Walla Walla is a testament to following your heart. Working alongside winemaker Derrek Vipond, they bring their passion for delicious, expressive wines and genuine hospitality to every bottle we create.
Every decision we make, from sustainable farming practices to creating welcoming experiences in our new space, is guided by a simple truth. The best wines are the ones shared with friends.
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary as a family-owned and operated winery, we’re honoring the past while boldly stepping into the future, crafting wines that tell the next generation of Walla Walla stories. At Walla Walla Vintners, we believe great wine is meant to be shared.
Like art, each bottle is crafted with passion, expressing both the maker’s vision and the unique character of our valley.
Scott and Nici’s journey to Walla Walla is a testament to following your heart. Working alongside winemaker Derrek Vipond, they bring their passion for delicious, expressive wines and genuine hospitality to every bottle we create.
Every decision we make, from sustainable farming practices to creating welcoming experiences in our new space, is guided by a simple truth. The best wines are the ones shared with friends.
As we celebrate our 30th anniversary as a family-owned and operated winery, we’re honoring the past while boldly stepping into the future, crafting wines that tell the next generation of Walla Walla stories. At Walla Walla Vintners, we believe great wine is meant to be shared.
Like art, each bottle is crafted with passion, expressing both the maker’s vision and the unique character of our valley.
Our Story
THe Walla Walla Team
Crafting new connections
As we continue to invest in what makes the Walla Walla Valley truly special, we’re also adventuring beyond, seeking out Washington State’s most extraordinary vineyards to tell even bigger stories through our wines.
We’re not just making wine – we’re crafting connections, preserving traditions, and sharing the magic of this incredible corner of the world, one glass at a time.
Scott haladay
owner & operator
Scott Halladay found his true calling in 2016 when he became the steward of Walla Walla Vintners, drawn to the remarkable beauty and legacy of this beloved winery nestled in Washington wine country. With a background in business leadership and a passion for process improvement, Scott brings thoughtful vision while honoring the winery’s storied past as he guides it into an exciting new chapter. When he’s not focusing on the future of the winery or developing new vineyard sites, you’ll find him hitting the slopes at Bluewood or sharing stories over a bottle of wine with friends and family poolside.
Current favorite wine
2021 Bello Rosso
derrek vipond
head winemaker
Derrek Vipond’s journey to becoming winemaker at Walla Walla Vintners began with family dinners that sparked an early appreciation for the art of wine. After pursuing his craft from Napa Valley to Australia, Derrek’s path led him back to Washington, where he honed his skills at prestigious wineries before joining our team. His philosophy is beautifully simple: great wines come from happy, collaborative teams, and that energy flows directly into every bottle we craft. When he’s not in the cellar, you’ll find him chasing powder days, exploring back roads, or training Lucy, his spirited puppy companion.
Current favorite wine
2021 Merlot Walla Walla Valley
Chris Berning
national sales director
Chris’ journey to wine began in the heartland of Indiana, but it was Oregon’s call that led him to the Pacific Northwest over two decades ago. A Certified Sommelier and CWS, he brings his deep wine knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to sharing our story across the country. His passport is stamped with visits to the world’s most storied wine regions, yet his heart remains tied to Walla Walla wines. When he’s not introducing wine lovers to our portfolio, you’ll find him knee-deep in a river with a fly rod or planning his next wine country adventure.
Current favorite wine
2022 Sangiovese Columbia Valley
Scott haladay
owner & operator
Scott Halladay found his true calling in 2016 when he became the steward of Walla Walla Vintners, drawn to the remarkable beauty and legacy of this beloved winery nestled in Washington wine country. With a background in business leadership and a passion for process improvement, Scott brings thoughtful vision while honoring the winery’s storied past as he guides it into an exciting new chapter. When he’s not focusing on the future of the winery or developing new vineyard sites, you’ll find him hitting the slopes at Bluewood or sharing stories over a bottle of wine with friends and family poolside.
owner & operator
2021 Bello Rosso
Alex melling
Wine club concierge
Alex’s roots run deep in the Walla Walla Valley, where her childhood was spent in a charming farmhouse near Whitman Mission, unknowingly building early memories of Walla Walla Vintners wines shared at family dinners. After years as a high school teacher in both the U.S. and Japan, she discovered her calling in our tasting room, where she now creates meaningful connections with our wine club family. When she’s not crafting personalized experiences for our members, you’ll find her exploring local trails with her dog Beatrice or experimenting with wine pairings in her kitchen.
Current favorite wine
2022 Sangiovese Columbia Valley
Chris Berning
national sales director
Chris’ journey to wine began in the heartland of Indiana, but it was Oregon’s call that led him to the Pacific Northwest over two decades ago. An Advanced Sommelier and CWS, he brings his deep wine knowledge and infectious enthusiasm to sharing our story across the country. His passport is stamped with visits to the world’s most storied wine regions, yet his heart remains tied to Walla Walla wines. When he’s not introducing wine lovers to our portfolio, you’ll find him knee-deep in a river with a fly rod or planning his next wine country adventure.
owner & operator
2022 Sangiovese Columbia Valley
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