Leonetti Cellar was founded in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins as the first commercial winery in Walla Walla. But the family’s legacy in the valley reaches back much further—over a hundred years to when Gary’s grandparents, Francesco and Rosa Leonetti, first established their farm in 1906. It was on that same land, rich with deep silt loam and family memory, that Gary planted his first commercial vineyard in 1974, unknowingly laying the foundation for an entire wine industry in the region.
Inspired by his grandfather’s humble fermentations in a dirt-floor basement, Gary named the winery in honor of the Leonetti legacy. That spirit of discipline, sacrifice, and relentless dedication continues to shape the family’s vision.
Today, Gary and Nancy’s children, Chris Figgins and Amy Figgins, carry forward the family’s commitment to excellence. With deep respect for the past and a tireless drive toward the future, Chris and Amy are building upon the foundation their parents created—pursuing thoughtful innovation and seeking new opportunities to ensure Leonetti Cellar thrives for generations to come.
Chris Figgins
Chris Figgins is the CEO and Winemaking Director of Figgins Family Wine Estates (FFWE). He succeeds his parents, Gary and Nancy Figgins, who founded Leonetti Cellar in 1977—the first winery established in Walla Walla. Raised in the family business, Chris officially joined Leonetti in 1996 after earning a degree in Horticulture from Washington State University. He became the head winemaker in 2001.
In addition to overseeing all winemaking and operational aspects of FFWE, Chris directs the estate’s viticulture program across six vineyard sites—five in the Walla Walla Valley AVA and one in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Under his leadership, Leonetti has evolved into a fully estate-grown winery, and Chris is widely recognized for his forward-thinking approach to vineyard management and wine growing.
To further expand the vision of FFWE beyond Leonetti Cellar, Chris founded Toil Oregon, a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir label, and FIGGINS, a single-vineyard estate wine brand. The new FIGGINS winery, a state-of-the-art winemaking facility with basalt caves, stands as the crown jewel of the portfolio and a testament to Chris’s commitment to precision, innovation, and excellence. He is deeply dedicated to sustainable farming and viticulture, with a particular focus on regenerative practices and long-term soil health.
Chris and his wife, Jennifer, lead an adventurous life. He loves to backcountry fly, ski, hunt, and fish.
Amy Figgins
Amy Figgins is a driving force behind Leonetti Cellar, working side-by-side with her brother, Chris Figgins, to lead the vision, operations, and overall strategy of one of Washington’s most iconic wineries. A graduate of Washington State University with a degree in Business, Amy began her career as a cost analyst for major engineering firms, where she honed the analytical discipline and organizational insight that now guide her leadership at the estate.
Since joining Leonetti in 2007, Amy has brought a sharp logistical mind and a thoughtful, welcoming spirit to every corner of the business. She leads the Member program, orchestrates meaningful events, and curates the full brand experience—from the first welcome to lasting member relationships. Her strategic oversight keeps the estate running with precision, heart, and a deep respect for the legacy her family continues to build.
Plus, she really loves dogs.
Gary & Nancy Figgins
Gary is widely regarded as the founding father of the Walla Walla Valley wine industry. For nearly 50 years, he and his wife, Nancy, along with children, Amy and Chris, have crafted world-class wines of exceptional character and acclaim. Gary’s journey began with the planting of a single acre of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small plot of Riesling—helped by his uncles, Bill and George Leonetti—on a hillside overlooking the original 1906 Leonetti family homestead.
Entirely self-taught in both grape growing and winemaking, Gary’s hands-on approach laid the foundation for Leonetti’s legacy. Nancy, equally instrumental, learned to build and manage a thriving business from the ground up—all while raising their two children.
Today, Gary and Nancy have passed the day-to-day operations and winemaking responsibilities to their children, Chris and Amy, who carry on the family’s vision with the same dedication and care. While now having small roles in Leonetti, Gary and Nancy remain strategic partners in the winery and continue to be involved in vineyard and land projects throughout the Valley. Their commitment to the growth of the Walla Walla wine industry endures, notably through their key role in establishing the Walla Walla Community College Center for Enology and Viticulture.
In semi-retirement, they enjoy time at their Blue Mountain cabin and spend winters in Kauai.
Gary & Nancy Figgins
Gary is widely regarded as the founding father of the Walla Walla Valley wine industry. For nearly 50 years, he and his wife, Nancy, along with children, Amy and Chris, have crafted world-class wines of exceptional character and acclaim. Gary’s journey began with the planting of a single acre of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small plot of Riesling—helped by his uncles, Bill and George Leonetti—on a hillside overlooking the original 1906 Leonetti family homestead.
Entirely self-taught in both grape growing and winemaking, Gary’s hands-on approach laid the foundation for Leonetti’s legacy. Nancy, equally instrumental, learned to build and manage a thriving business from the ground up—all while raising their two children.
Today, Gary and Nancy have passed the day-to-day operations and winemaking responsibilities to their children, Chris and Amy, who carry on the family’s vision with the same dedication and care. While now having small roles in Leonetti, Gary and Nancy remain strategic partners in the winery and continue to be involved in vineyard and land projects throughout the Valley. Their commitment to the growth of the Walla Walla wine industry endures, notably through their key role in establishing the Walla Walla Community College Center for Enology and Viticulture.
In semi-retirement, they enjoy time at their Blue Mountain cabin and spend winters in Kauai.
