Meet Kontos Cellars

Cameron and Becca Kontos, Partner and Winemaker

Growing up in a winemakers household within the Walla Walla Valley, Cameron had a great deal of exposure into the world of wine and winemaking.  Our father, Cliff Kontos of Fort Walla Walla Cellars, is a remarkable mentor and is always excited to share his knowledge of life and of wine.  Cliff is easily the most important influence on Cameron’s life; as a winemaker, husband, father, and a man.  It didn’t take long before he realized that this was his calling and his lifelong connection to his father.

In 2002 he joined Forgeron Cellars, and quickly became a part of their family. After a short time, Cameron was promoted to assistant winemaker.  During his eight years there, Marie-Eve Gilla helped further his knowledge of crafting wines in a traditional French style.  He and Marie still compare notes and enjoy a treasured friendship to this day.

Cameron’s own style of winemaking has evolved and matured with time.  The blending of the Alatus is of primary importance.  He then focuses on blending wines within the same varietial but from various vineyards throughout the Walla Walla Valley.  A very extensive oak program gives him the finishing finesse that make Kontos Cellars wines stand proud.

Cameron and his wife Becca have three daughters, Brynnan, Becket and Brielle.

Cameron and Becca Kontos can be contacted at cameron@kontoscellars.com.

Chris and Kelli Kontos, Partner

Chris has spent a lifetime working the wheat fields of Eastern Washington and Oregon, working side by side with his father, Cliff.  Farming dry land wheat means you must wear many hats; mechanic, welder/fabricator, book keeper, business manager, commodity trader and equipment operator, to name a few.  Many of these skills have carried over as valuable assets in the wine business as well.  With the addition of some rudimentary graphic design, marketing concepts and wine club management, he is always looking for creative ways to tell the Kontos Cellars story.

Kelli also grew up as part of a long-time Walla Walla family, dating back to the mid 1800’s.  Her grandfather owned a nightclub in downtown Walla Walla back in the 40’s, called Pick’s Club, which is the namesake for the Kontos Cellars wine club.

She spent ten years in the Walla Walla Clinic’s business office, but after the birth of Chris and Kelli’s second daughter she decided that her true calling was as a stay at home mother.  She became a partner in the farming operation in 2007 and is a founding partner of Kontos Cellars.

Her role at the winery is often behind the scenes, but she is the moral compass for all of us.  Always eager to welcome anyone who walks in our door,  her main focus is to ensure that people have a wonderful and genuine experience while visiting us.

Chris and Kelli were married in 1999 and have 2 daughters, Taylor and Caimbry.

Chris and Kelli Kontos can be contacted at chris@kontoscellars.com.