Gary and Chris Figgins
Founded in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins, Leonetti Cellar is the oldest winery in the Walla Walla Valley. A self-trained winemaker inspired by his Italian heritage, Gary took a no-compromise approach when deciding to begin making wine commercially, fulfilling a lifetime dream. Winemaking acclaim came early and often, and demand quickly outstripped the wineries limited production, but Gary and Nancy decided the only way to maintain such quality was to grow very slowly.
More than a quarter century later, Leonetti maintains their absolute dedication to no-compromise winemaking in their quest to grow amongst the finest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sangiovese in the world. The winery now boasts four distinctly sighted Estate Vineyards – Mill Creek Upland, Loess, Estate (winery) block, and Seven Hills- that each contributes distinct characteristics to the finished wine through their different terroirs.
Gary’s winegrowing and winemaking partner is now his son Chris, who grew up watching the business grow, and joined the winery full time in 1996. The father and son team are relentless in their pursuit of quality. This is reflected in all decisions from vineyard sight location, viticultural management, and every step of the winemaking process, right down to air drying custom cut stave wood on the Estate to ensure only the best cooperage enters the cellar.
Leonetti’s wines are perhaps best described as being hedonistically delightful expressions of Walla Walla Valley Terroir, always intense and layered with ripe fruit and spice, but balanced for longevity and framed by judicious use of oak. They are truly exciting to drink alone, but reach true heights when accompanying food.
