When it comes to iconic names in Washington wines, K Vintners and its founder, Charles Smith, are hard to miss. Named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2014, Smith has made a lasting impact on the industry with his unconventional style and dedication to quality. Known for crafting bold, expressive wines, K Vintners perfectly captures the unique character of Washington State’s terroir.
From Rock Bands to Wine Bottles
Smith’s passion for wine began in his twenties. He worked at bars and restaurants across California. At 28, he became the wine director at the Ritz-Carlton in Palm Springs. But a move to Denmark with his girlfriend changed everything. Despite his expertise, he struggled to find work in the European wine industry. He ended up bartending and booking gigs, eventually managing bands, such as the rock duo The Raveonettes.
He navigated the indie music scene with a knack for promotion and a DIY attitude. During this time, he developed a bold design style, making eye-catching posters, a style would later influence his iconic wine labels.
Discovering Washington’s Wine Potential
By 1999, Smith was at a crossroads. He returned to the U.S. and took a road trip with Raveonettes’ frontman, Sune Wagner. They traveled from Mexico to Seattle, making a stop in Walla Walla, Washington. Smith was struck by the region’s untapped wine potential. He fell in love with the tight-knit community of winemakers and the promise of the land.
Within a year, Smith returned to Walla Walla with $5,000 and a strong sense of determination. The early days called for resourcefulness: he borrowed fruit from local vineyards, used others’ facilities for crushing and fermenting, and leaned on the support of fellow vintners. In 2001, he released 330 cases of 1999 Syrah, selling them straight from the back of his van—a tactic he stuck with for nearly eight years. But it wasn’t just the wine’s quality that left a mark. The bold black-and-white “K” label became an unforgettable symbol, much like Smith himself.
A Taste of Washington’s Unique Terroir
K Vintners stands out for its bold yet balanced wines. Each sip reveals the connection between winemaker and land, offering a true taste of Washington’s potential.
Most of Washington’s vineyards lie east of the Cascade Mountains, where a rain shadow creates a dry climate. This arid environment allows growers to use irrigation for precise water control, optimizing vine growth and grape quality. The region’s varied topography—rolling hills, river valleys, and mountains—offers ideal vineyard sites for different grape varieties.
Bringing K Vintners to Your Collection
K Vintners’ wines have earned praise and a devoted following. But enjoying a bottle doesn’t have to be costly. WTSO offers Charles Smith’s bold, highly-rated wines with special pricing launching on October 23! Take $1.00 off per bottle when you order six or more, with free shipping on three-plus bottles. These celebrated wines showcase Washington’s finest terroir, with extra discounts that won’t last. Don’t miss your chance to bring home a taste of K Vintners!