Kiona Winery's tasting room at Red Mountain overlooking the Yakima Valley.

On a recent trip to Yakima, I decided to stop and visit a number of my old friends who own wineries on Red Mountain. One of the vintners I hadn’t visited in well over a year was Kiona Winery.

The Williams family started Kiona Winery back in 1975 when they planted their first vineyards. In 1980 the Williams produced their own wines for the first time, creating a foundation to the now famous Red Mountain region in Washington State. Several of Kiona’s wines have been long standing examples of the award-winning capabilities of the region.

Scott Williams, and his brother-in-law Glen Fukuyama create 22 different varieties of wine, with an impressive 25,000 cases made this year. Their varietals range from bold Zinfandels and Syrahs to wonderfully sweet Ice Wines. Their “Vivacious Vicki” wines are a favorite for people looking to enjoy a reasonably priced wine with a fun label.

In May of last year the Williams took a huge leap by building a state-of-the-art tasting room and meeting facility. After many years of serving wines out of the basement of their home, the now spacious and beautifully designed facility greets guests from its hilltop vantage that overlooks Red Mountain, Benton City, the Yakima River and beyond. The building has meeting rooms, a spacious conference room, and big comfy leather couches in which you can spend hours as you sip and visit with friends.

Of the wines that I enjoyed on my visit I was impressed by several. A couple of old standbys the Williams family have been perfecting for years have been their Estate Dry Riesling and their Lemberger. The 2006 Dry Riesling features aromas of peaches and pears picked right at harvest. With a residual sugar level of .08, it finishes very light and crisp.

The 2005 Lemberger was what I remembered this consistent award-winning wine to be. It features flavors of red currant and hints of blackberry, with a long velvety mouthfeel and finish created by the time spent in oak.

One pleasant surprise that I found on my visit was the 2003 Columbia Valley Merlot. This just released wine is very full-bodied, with lots of fruit balanced by oak. This is one to drink now or age in your cellar.

The 2003 Red Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was filled with dark stone fruits. This full-bodied wine will be great with a nice T-bone steak.

I was very impressed with the 2003 Sangiovese. Scott and Glen have definitely outdone themselves with this big, bold red. It features bright cherries and a nice spiciness that will go well with Italian sausage and red sauces.

The 2006 Estate Zinfandel shows with a beautiful ruby color. It features a nice spice-box aroma that captures you. This Zinfandel is big, bold, and spicy.

Kiona wines are available throughout Umatilla and Morrow counties at several independent groceries, boutiques, convenience stores and fine dining establishments. I suggest picking some up and giving them a try.

Enjoy!

Rich Breshears, the East Oregonian’s wine columnist, is a commercial photographer and marketing consultant for the wine industry in Oregon and Washington. He lives with his family in Kennewick, Wash.