Celebrity Wine Owners of Walla Walla

Walla Walla, the hidden gem of Washington, is a wine haven in the southeast corner of the state. Walla Walla attracts wine aficionados and connoisseurs and celebrities with a taste for vineyard ventures. In recent years, the appeal of Walla Walla's picturesque landscape and fertile wine-growing conditions have drawn famous faces looking to invest in the region's flourishing wine scene. Here are some of the celebrities who have turned their passion for wine into ownership of some of the area's top wineries.

The Walla Walla Valley is known for its unique terroir, thanks to its variety of microclimates, soil diversity, and varying elevations. These conditions create ideal growing environments for grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The success of the wine industry in Walla Walla can also be credited to the commitment of the winemakers who, for decades, have worked to produce high-quality, award-winning wines.

While Napa Valley and Sonoma may dominate headlines, Walla Walla's high-quality wines, rustic charm and the warmth of the people who call it home have captured the attention of wine enthusiasts and celebrities alike. These high-profile investors have not only contributed their names to the valley's wine labels but also brought a new layer of recognition to the region.

Former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe made his way back to his roots in Washington to establish Doubleback Winery in 2008. Bledsoe chose Walla Walla, his hometown, to start his wine venture, focusing on creating a legacy project. Doubleback has since garnered high praise for its exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons and is celebrated as a top producer in the valley. Josh McDaniels, who trained under Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar, took over winemaking in 2015 and is now the winery's CEO and director of winemaking.

Bledsoe's commitment to excellence is evident in Doubleback's philosophy of crafting wines that reflect the beauty and complexity of the Walla Walla Valley. Doubleback has become a destination for wine enthusiasts, with a beautiful estate and tasting room that enhance the wine experience.

Actor Kyle MacLachlan, known for his roles in Twin Peaks and Portlandia, grew up in Yakima, Washington, and has a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest. In 2005, he launched his wine label, Pursued by Bear, in collaboration with the late Eric Dunham, the renowned founding winemaker of Dunham Cellars. The name of the label is a nod to a Shakespearean stage direction in The Winter's Tale, when an actor must make a hurried exit as if he were pursued by a bear. This speaks to MacLachlan's love for the theater and the arts.

Pursued by Bear produces a range of highly regarded wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Syrah, and a rosé; Dan Wampfler has made them since 2008. MacLachlan is actively involved in the production and promotion of his wines, often making appearances at events and tastings, adding a Hollywood charm to the local wine scene.

Brandi Carlile, celebrated singer-songwriter and activist, co-founded XOBC Cellars with her wife, Catherine Carlile, along with close friends Jeri and Amy Andrews. The winery's name cleverly integrates Carlile's initials with "XO," a symbol for hugs and kisses, embodying the warmth and personal connection that the winery stands for. Beyond producing premium, small-batch wines, XOBC Cellars is distinct in its mission to support the Looking Out Foundation, a nonprofit organization Carlile co-founded to advocate for social justice, health, and education causes.

XOBC's wines, which include rosé, red blends, and sparkling varieties, are crafted with both artistry and a commitment to giving back. With XOBC, Carlile brings her music's values — compassion, empowerment, and connection — to the wine world, making it a winery rooted in community, generosity, and advocacy. This approach resonates strongly with fans and wine lovers alike, as Carlile continues to elevate her vision beyond the stage and into the vineyards of Walla Walla.

Sidney Rice is a former Seahawks NFL wide receiver who has become an active entrepreneur in the Northwest. He partnered with real-estate broker and developer Tim Lenihan, bringing in Master of Wine Billo Naravane as consultant, with the goal to create world-class luxury wines.

Dossier's modern approach to great wine is inspired by the amazing variety of the Walla Walla AVA along with stellar local talent and its terroir. Fairly new on the scene, yet Dossier has already won many high scores for their wines from the likes of Robert Parker, Owen Bargreen, Wine Enthusiast Magazine and International Wine Report.

Stephen Amell is most well-known for playing DC Comics superhero The Green Arrow for 6+ seasons, with other roles including Casey Jones in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows, Garrett in Code 8 and most recently Jack Spade in Heels on Starz.

Andrew Harding has worked in the entertainment media space for years and co-founded a music licensing technology company, SourceAudio.com, working with some of the biggest music, production, and broadcast companies in the world.

The appeal of Walla Walla for celebrities comes down to a few things. Unlike California's well-established wine regions, Walla Walla is still somewhat of a hidden gem, and celebrities are drawn to the opportunity to invest in an up-and-coming region with less saturation and more room for growth. The winemaking community here is also known for its camaraderie — there's a strong sense of collaboration rather than competition, where everyone wants the whole region to succeed.

Beyond that, wine is a deeply artistic endeavor, and many celebrities are attracted to the creativity and craftsmanship that go into winemaking; for actors and athletes, wine production offers an alternative form of self-expression. Many celebrity winery owners also see winemaking as a long-term investment and a legacy project — an opportunity to create something tangible that can be passed down through generations or enjoyed by fans and friends alike.

With more celebrities taking an interest in Washington wine, Walla Walla is seeing continued growth and increased visibility for its wine industry. These high-profile owners are introducing new audiences to the region's wines, helping build Walla Walla's reputation and drawing tourists and wine lovers to the area. As a result, the region continues to flourish, and both locals and visitors benefit from the increased variety, quality, and creativity that celebrity-owned wineries bring.

Walla Walla's celebrity-owned wineries are more than just a star-studded trend; they represent the unique character and promise of this Pacific Northwest wine region. For wine lovers, these celebrity ventures add an extra element of excitement to each bottle, blending artistry, craftsmanship, and passion — proving that Walla Walla is a special place where fame and flavor thrive.