WINEMAKER: Tyler Tennyson

WINES PRODUCED: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Trutina (Bordeaux style blend), Three Legged Red (Red Table Wine), Riesling, Chardonnay, Four Legged White, Rosé.

Also, in collaboration with Kyle MacLachlan – Pursued by Bear Cabernet Sauvignon, Baby Bear Syrah, Blushing Bear Rosé

TYLER TENNYSON—WINEMAKER

Tyler comes to Dunham Cellars from Gordon Estate Winery, where he had served as Winemaker since July 2014. Prior to joining Gordon, he was Assistant Winemaker at Seven Hills Winery from 2011-2014 and worked as cellar lead at Dusted Valley Vintners from 2009-2011.

Tyler brings a strong winemaking background, can-do attitude and demonstrated leadership to our team. He knew both Mike and Eric Dunham, and is committed to carrying forward the passion they brought to winemaking as well as the importance they placed on hospitality. Tyler joined Dunham Cellars as Winemaker in 2016. 

BEGINNINGS

Eric Dunham, Founding Winemaker, crafted his first vintage, 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon, while serving as Assistant Winemaker at L’Ecole No. 41. Upon release, this wine was enthusiastically received and deemed one of the finest wines made in Washington State by Wine Enthusiast. Eric continued to make wine with the Dunham Cellars name and quickly established an award-winning reputation.

As production increased for the Dunham Cellars label. Eric, together with his parents Mike and Joanne, established operations in a remodeled World War II era airplane hangar near the Walla Walla Regional Airport. This has been home to Dunham Cellars since 1999.

GROWING THE GRAPES

Dunham Cellars selects the finest fruit from several renowned estate vineyards in the Walla Walla and Columbia Valley Appellations. The winery works closely with its farming company, Appellation Management Group, to ensure the highest quality fruit.

The newest vineyard, Kenny Hill, is a 70-acre site nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Precipitation, elevation, slope and natural breezes inspired our plantings on this land. Diligent preparation of the soil and careful clone selection yields exceptional fruit.

LOOKING BACK

1995 Eric Dunham, Founding Winemaker, creates his first vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon with the Dunham Cellars name.

1999 Eric, Mike and Joanne Dunham open the winery in a refurbished WWII hangar

2004 David and Cheryll Blair become winery co-owners with Eric, Mike and Joanne.

2008 Dan Wampfler joins Dunham freeing Eric to travel promoting the winery and to pursue his passion for art.

2010 Kenny Hill Vineyard is planted.

2012 John Blair joins Dunham Cellars as General Manager.

2015 Our 20-Year Platinum Anniversary

LOOKING AHEAD

At Dunham Cellars, consistent core values and significant investments in capacity and the latest technology in vineyard management and wine production promise a bright future. Excellence in every aspect of winemaking from vine to wine in the bottle has been and always will be a guiding principle.