Exploring the Legacy of K Vintners and Charles Smith: A Washington Wine Pioneer

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.

The Collections: Syrah

K Vintners Rockgarden Syrah 2019 – 41% OFF
A pure expression of Syrah from the rocks of Walla Walla, the 2019 Rockgarden vintage delivers bold aromatics, dark berry fruit, and savory minerality. It’s an outstanding value at 41% off.

98 Pt. K Vintners Royal City Syrah 2020 – 33% OFF
Awarded 98 points, the 2020 Royal City Syrah is a powerhouse—dense, luxurious, and age-worthy. A rare find at 33% off.

97 Pt. K Vintners Royal City Syrah 2019 – 33% OFF
A 97-point gem, the 2019 vintage of Royal City is deep and textured, with layers of blackberry, smoked herbs, and crushed rock. Save big at 33% off.

96 Pt. K Vintners The Hidden Syrah 2020 – 33% OFF
Silky yet powerful, The Hidden Syrah 2020 earned 96 points for its intensity and finesse. A cellar-worthy treasure at 33% off.

Cabernet Sauvignon

K Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Powerline Vineyard 2020 – 20% OFF
From a high-elevation vineyard, the 2020 Powerline Cab is dark, powerful, and intensely structured. A top-tier Washington Cabernet, now 20% off.

K Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon Stoneridge Vineyard 2020 – 20% OFF
Elegant yet bold, the Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet delivers notes of cassis, graphite, and dusty tannins. An expressive 2020 bottling at 20% off.

Cabernet Sauvignon / Syrah Blend

98 Pt. K Vintners King Coal Cabernet/Syrah 2020 – 33% OFF
This bold blend of Cabernet and Syrah is a showstopper—rich, structured, and packed with dark fruit and spice. Rated 98 points and 33% off.

Red Blend

K Vintners K the Klein Red Blend 2020 – 20% OFF
This artfully balanced red blend from Charles Smith combines power and polish, offering layers of ripe fruit, spice, and structure. A standout from the 2020 vintage, now available at 20% off.

Merlot

K Vintners Merlot Northridge Vineyard 2020 – 20% OFF
With rich concentration and notes of plum, cocoa, and tobacco, this single-vineyard Merlot showcases Washington State’s finesse. Take home this 2020 vintage at 20% off.

Chardonnay

SIXTO Roza Hills Chardonnay Washington 2019 – 20% OFF
This Burgundian-style Chardonnay is bright and balanced, with orchard fruit, flinty minerality, and vibrant acidity. A sophisticated sip at 20% off.

SIXTO Frenchman Hills Chardonnay Royal Slope 2019 – 20% OFF
Crafted from a high-altitude vineyard, this Chardonnay offers elegance and complexity with lemon curd, white flowers, and subtle oak. Now 20% off.

SIXTO Moxee Vineyard Chardonnay 2019 – 20% OFF
Golden and expressive, this Moxee Vineyard Chardonnay reveals layered notes of pear, almond, and citrus zest. A great deal at 20% off.

Bringing K Vintners to Your Collection

K Vintners and SIXTO have earned praise and a devoted following. But enjoying a bottle doesn’t have to be costly. WTSO brings special one-day-only deals on Charles Smith’s bold, highly-rated wines arriving on April 9! Get $10 off each order of six or more, plus free shipping on two or more 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 House of Smith!

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