Dunham Cellars
About
Before Walla Walla earned its reputation as one of America's premier wine regions, families like the Dunhams were helping prove what Washington wine could become. Dunham Cellars began with Eric Dunham's belief that Cabernet Sauvignon could rival the world's best, beginning with the inaugural 1995 Dunham Cabernet Sauvignon "I." Those early vintages helped establish both the winery and the growing reputation of Washington Cabernet. The winery makes its home in a remodeled World War II-era airplane hangar at the Walla Walla airport, a place where history, hospitality, art, and wine have created a legacy of their own. The winery celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 and continues to produce wines known for balance, structure, and a gentle, thoughtful approach from vineyard to bottle.
Order Their Wines
People
Dunham Cellars began with Eric Dunham, a young winemaker whose curiosity, creativity, and confidence helped shape the winery's identity from the start. After developing his passion for wine during his Navy years in California, Eric returned to Washington, worked at Hogue Cellars, and later became assistant winemaker at L'Ecole No. 41 under Marty Clubb. When Eric decided he wanted to start a winery, Mike and JoAnne Dunham came alongside him. Mike brought business discipline. JoAnne brought steady, practical leadership and the willingness to do whatever the young winery required. Together, they helped turn Eric's dream into Dunham Cellars. Eric's compassion extended beyond the vineyard. While working in Prosser, he rescued a badly injured dog whose leg could not be saved. Port spent years greeting visitors before becoming the inspiration for Three Legged Red, one of Washington's most recognizable wine labels and a lasting reminder of Eric's generous spirit. The Blair family later became part of the story, joining the Dunhams in the shared pursuit of great wine and genuine hospitality. Today, JoAnne Dunham, John Blair, Cheryll Blair, and David Blair continue to carry the winery forward.
Walla Walla Valley, Washington
//
United States
Place
Warm summer days, cool nights descending from the Blue Mountains, and the dry climate of the Columbia Valley provide ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Sauvignon with both richness and structure. These natural advantages convinced Eric that Washington could compete with the world's finest wine regions. Among Dunham's most significant vineyard partnerships is Lewis Estate Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA. Discovered by Eric during his early winemaking years, it became one of the defining vineyards of Dunham Cellars and the source of its acclaimed Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. Kenny Hill Estate Vineyard, located in the Mill Creek drainage in the foothills of the Blue Mountains within the Walla Walla AVA, also contributes to the winery's estate-grown portfolio and reflects Dunham's commitment to expressing the character of place.
Culture
The culture of Dunham Cellars is grounded in excellence, hospitality, and relationships. The winery describes its approach as a commitment to approachable wines through gentle treatment in all phases of winemaking, with the goal of bringing something to the bottle they are proud to label with the Dunham name. Eric's personality remains part of that culture. His artwork appears throughout the winery and on the Artist Series labels. Port, the three-legged dog Eric rescued, still lives on through Three Legged Red, one of the winery's most recognizable and approachable wines. Dunham's story is also a Walla Walla story. It reflects the spirit co-owner John Blair described as "coopetition," wineries competing, cooperating, and supporting one another with the understanding that a rising tide lifts all boats. Dunham helped build more than a winery. It helped build belief in a region.
Stories from this country
