Our Story

Reminiscent of the remarkable transformation of Vitis vinifera into fine wine, our family story continues to evolve with the introduction of each new generation. It begins in the Walla Walla Valley in the early 1900s. A young man, James Otis Kenyon, was a struggling dentist practicing in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. When a new dentist moved to town, James, for reasons that remain a mystery, burned his competitor’s office to the ground. After much speculation and a lengthy investigation, James spent a short period of time providing superb dental care to the staff and patients at a nearby hospital.

Ostracized by his wife and presumed dead by his two sons, the family moved to Walla Walla, Washington. Robert Otis Kenyon, the eldest son, never spoke of his father even to his son, Stephen Otis Kenyon. Yet, almost exactly 50 years after the incident that began the family legend, Steve discovered his grandfather living quietly on the Oregon coast.

James was reunited with his sons and became a joyful part of their families living long enough to witness the birth of his first great grandchild, Muriel. Although he passed on at age 101, James would have delighted in the birth and naming of his great grandson, Samuel Otis Kenyon.

Today, in tribute to four generations of Otis Kenyons each with strong ties to the Walla Walla Valley, owner Stephen Otis Kenyon has returned to the area to make wine. Guided by an unyielding commitment to excellence, and dedicated to sustainable and bio-diverse viticultural practices, he is a passionate grower and producer of elegantly structured and affordable Bordeaux and Rhone varietal wines.

In honor of James Otis Kenyon, the label bears his silhouette.