A career in the US Air Force brought them to a global appreciation of wine.  A visit to Walla Walla while stationed in Idaho compelled them to make it their calling.

After graduating as classmates from the United States Air Force Academy, Kelly and JJ began an exciting journey as Air Force pilots.  During their 15+ moves around the world, they loved exploring nearby wine regions and learning to appreciate great wines. In 2000, while stationed in Idaho, this passion led them to discover Walla Walla.  At the time there were less than 20 wineries in the Walla Walla Valley, an up-and-coming wine region increasingly known for its outstanding red wines.

Visiting several of the flagship wineries, they met some of the area’s pioneer winemakers and fell in love with the phenomenal wines and friendly, supportive attitude of the local wine industry.  Despite the Air Force life taking them away from the area, they would return often over the next decade, making several lifelong friends and eventually buying property on Mill Creek Road that is now their home and Estate vineyard.

    Their ALUVÉ journey could not have taken flight without the tremendous support of the Walla Walla wine community. Working harvest and crush with Figgins Family Wines, Dunham Cellars and Walla Walla Vintners and graduating from the Viticulture and Enology Program at Walla Walla Community College forged an appreciation for the art, science and hard work required to create amazing wine.