House of Smith

Wines of Substance is the new group identity for a number of Washington-based brands founded and owned by Charles Smith. He planted his first vines in the Walla Walla Valley AVA in 1999 and released the subsequent 330 cases of Syrah in 2001 under the label K Vintners, before establishing his namesake brand in 2006.

The portfolio features mostly single-variety wines which are known for their striking, predominantly black and white labels and proprietary names. While focused on accessibility and affordability, the wines are still critically acclaimed. Charles Smith was named Winemaker of the Year in 2009 by Food and Wine Magazine and in 2010 by Seattle Magazine.

While Syrah is emphasized, a wide range of grape varieties are vinifed. Apart from K Vintners, current brands include the Substance range, Vino CasaSmith, which focuses on Italian grape varieties such as Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese, the Chardonnay-only Sixto, B. Leighton (the latter two are made with grower Brennon Leighton) and the Charles & Charles / Bieler & Smith collaboration with Charles Bieler.

Smith has vineyards all over Columbia Valley including the sub-appellations of Wahluke Slope, Walla Walla Valley, Snipes Mountain and Yakima Valley. The vineyards practice sustainable farming and use recycled water.

In 2016, five of his most prominent brands were sold to Constellation Brands. These are Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Eve Chardonnay, Boom Boom Syrah, Velvet Devil Merlot, and Chateau Smith Cabernet Sauvignon. Before this sale, production across the Charles Smith brands reached 650,000 cases annually, making it one of the largest producers in Washington, only surpassed by Chateau Ste. Michelle Estates and Precept.