Visionary Winemaker Charles Smith Celebrates 25 Years with Year of Free Tastings

House of Smith, the trailblazing winery founded by award-winning winemaker Charles Smith, is celebrating a quarter-century of making wine for the people with a bold, year-long invitation: free tastings at House of Smith Jet City in Seattle and at the House of Smith and K Vintners tasting rooms in Walla Walla, Wash. beginning today. The celebration marks the upcoming anniversary of the first release of the now-iconic K Vintners Syrah, originally poured on December 2, 2001 — a milestone that honors the winery's renegade beginnings while signaling an even more ambitious future.

"What we started 25 years ago is still unfolding, and this moment feels unlike any other," said Charles Smith, founder of House of Smith. "We're pushing boundaries and growing in ways that excite me more than ever, and opening the door for more people to taste, explore, and be part of what's next."

Guests can now dive into the House of Smith portfolio with a complimentary tasting flight showcasing the full spectrum of Charles Smith's winemaking — including K Vintners 2022 The Deal Syrah, 2023 Casa Smith Cinghiale Sangiovese, 2024 REAL Chardonnay, and the newest release, 2024 Blossom Fury Riesling. The party will continue as House of Smith brings back iconic events throughout the year with more details to come @realhouseofsmithwines on Instagram and Facebook. 

25 Years In — And Still Just Getting Started

Charles Smith didn't enter the wine world quietly. In 1999, the former rock-band manager stormed into Walla Walla with grit, instinct, and a vision that reshaped Washington wine. What began as 330 cases of K Vintners Syrah has evolved into House of Smith — now Washington State's largest winemaker-owned winery — home to K Vintners, SIXTO, Casa Smith, SEX Rosé, REAL WINE, and Blossom Fury.

Over the past 25 years, Smith has created some of the most influential and best-selling wine brands in Washington history, including House Wine, Kung Fu Girl, and Wines of Substance — collectively selling more bottles of Washington wine than any winemaker in the state aside from Chateau Ste. Michelle. He is one of the most decorated winemakers in America, earning three Winemaker of the Year titles and joining the elite group of Washington winemakers to receive a perfect 100-point score.

House of Smith's momentum is only accelerating. With national and global expansion underway — including recent launches like SEX Rosé and REAL WINE — the brand is poised to reach 71 countries and six duty-free markets through a new domestic sales team and a strategic partnership with Pasqua Wines of Verona, Italy.

About House of Smith

Founded in 1999 by Charles Smith, House of Smith is Washington State's largest winemaker owned winery and one of North America's most celebrated producers. Dec. 2, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the first release of K Vintners Syrah. Over his 25-year history, Smith has created iconic brands (House Wine, KungFu Girl, Wines of Substance) that have sold more bottles of Washington wine than anyone else in the history of Washington state, other than Chateau Ste. Michelle. With over 325 scores of 95+ points and 1,450 scores of 90+, the portfolio includes K Vintners, SIXTO, Casa Smith, SEX Rosé, REAL WINE, and Blossom Fury. House of Smith is committed to making wine for the people—bold, joyful, and unapologetically authentic. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook: @realhouseofsmithwines