As golden autumn leaves spread across Washington wine country with another vibrant harvest season underway, there’s no better time to pull up a chair, pour a glass, and toast to the extraordinary team at Dunham Cellars! For 30 incredible years, this iconic winery has built its reputation on family, genuine connection, and world-class craft. Here at WeRise, we love shining a spotlight on the trailblazers enriching our wine community—and Dunham Cellars is a story you’ll definitely want to celebrate! We sat down with Steve White, National Sales Manager, to learn more about their incredible story.
A Bold Founder Who Dared to Dream
Back in 1995, when Walla Walla was home to fewer than ten wineries, founder and managing partner Joanne Dunham took a thrilling leap of faith. Joanne and her late husband, Mike, traded 20-year careers in insurance for the vibrant world of winemaking, inspired by the big dreams and unmistakable talent of their son and young winemaker Eric Dunham.
Through deep personal losses—including the passing of Mike in 2013 and Eric in 2014—Joanne and her family poured their hearts into keeping the winery's spirit soaring. Today, Dunham Cellars stands proud as a thriving, family-owned gem featuring two estate vineyards, and a charming tasting room—housed in a converted WWII-era hangar at the Walla Walla Airport.
At its core, Dunham's wines are crafted to be an approachable, palate-friendly style. “Our ultimate mission is to deliver a pleasing, balanced style that can be enjoyed today and trusted for years to come.” White says. You experience that approachability sipping playful favorites like Three Legged Red, lovingly named after Eric's rescue dog, Port!
From Finance to Crafting Fine Wine
At the helm of winemaking today is head winemaker Rob Campisi, a proud Filipino American whose inspiring journey proves that great winemakers come from all backgrounds. A University of Washington grad with degrees in economics, Rob started out managing portfolios in finance. But sitting behind a desk just couldn't spark his creative passion.
Rob joined Dunham in 2008 as a cellar worker, eager to dive hands-first into the technical artistry of winemaking. Rob credits being surrounded by great mentors to learn both the art and science of winemaking, including the late Eric Dunham. His dedication and enthusiasm paid off as he rose to cellar master, assistant winemaker in 2012, and ultimately head winemaker in 2018! His story is a shining example of what happens when a winery nurtures raw talent and embraces fresh perspectives in the cellar.
The Storyteller Spreading the Dunham Magic
Steve's passion was born during an unforgettable harvest visit to Abruzzo, Italy. Sitting in a cozy garage, an elderly winemaker shared a sip of homemade wine served in a humble coffee cup. "I immediately understood that he had crafted his wine from the vines in his backyard, the same way his ancestors had for generations," Steve recalls. "My perception and path with 'grape juice' was permanently altered for the better!" That life-changing moment fuels Steve's vibrant approach to wine coupled with 20 years in restaurants and 20 years on the supply side,
Steve is on an enthusiastic mission to bring people together through the fantastic combination of food, wine, art, and music. This mission perfectly matches the welcoming warmth Joanne and Rob have infused into Dunham Cellars. "The worst misperception is that wine is only suited for the elite," Steve emphasizes. "My mission is to make wine feel accessible and exciting to anyone who enjoys sharing food and conversation with their family and community! I strive to meet consumers wherever they are on their personal wine journey and make them feel welcome."
Delicious Pairings Straight from the Source!
Steve’s current favorite sip? The stunning 2022 Syrah! “I love our 2022 Syrah! Its “gentle giant” nature delightfully surprises folks with a softness that is a fun contrast to other fantastic, but more robust Syrah’s from our valley.”
Succulent Crab Legs + Crisp Sauvignon Blanc
Savory Butter Chicken + Rich Chardonnay
Classic Juicy Burgers + Three Legged Red
Flavorful Roasted Pork + Smooth Trutina
Tender Elk Medallions + Vibrant Syrah
Pepper-Crusted Steak + Bold Cabernet Sauvignon
Looking Boldly Ahead
As Dunham Cellars looks to the future, they’re enthusiastically inviting new generations of wine lovers into the fold while honoring the loyal community that powered 30 fantastic years. Steve remains incredibly optimistic: "Drinking in unhealthy quantities is thankfully going out of style, but appreciating high-quality, family-driven wines will never fall out of favor!" And the master plan? "Keep telling the Dunham story to anyone who will listen!"
Planning a trip to Walla Walla? Mark your calendar for these can't-miss celebrations with the Dunham team: November 6th is Barrel Release Weekend, and December 4th kicks off Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend!
We Rise is absolutely thrilled to feature Dunham Cellars wines in our wine bar! Explore all of our upcoming events and sign up for the WeRise newsletter so you're always in the loop with the latest happenings at WeRise Wines!
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