Leonetti Figgins Family

Hard work and passion are the true keys to success

Francesco and Rosa Leonetti set this example. My parents worked with the same inspiration and dedication to have a better and more prosperous life. My sister and I were the lucky benefactors to see firsthand this discipline and sacrifice. Some think that second generation winemakers have it easy. I think it is much more difficult as I have assimilated my forefather’s spirit of relentless improvement and the seeking of new opportunities. We work tirelessly to continue to improve on a defined “classic” that my parents have created. It is through our work that you will be witness to new and exciting opportunities that my generation will employ to continue the longevity of Leonetti for many generations after me.

~ Chris Figgins

Chris
Figgins

Chris Figgins is the President and Winemaking Director for Figgins Family Wine Estates (FFWE). Chris succeeds his parents, Gary and Nancy Figgins, who founded Leonetti Cellar in 1977—the oldest winery in Walla Walla. After growing up in the wine business, he officially joined Leonetti in 1996 post-graduation from Washington State University with a Horticulture degree. Chris assumed the position of head winemaker in 2001. In addition to operations and winemaking, Chris presides over all viticulture operations for FFWE, which includes six distinct vineyard sites in the Walla Walla Valley AVA and one in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of the Willamette Valley. To extend the FFWE experience further into wine and food Chris has launched Toil Oregon, a small-production Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, FIGGINS, a single-vineyard estate wine brand, and Lostine Cattle Company, all-natural grass-fed beef. Chris was instrumental in transforming Leonetti into an estate-grown winery and is known industry-wide for consistently pushing the envelope, viticulturally. A frequent public speaker, Chris loves to share his passion for sustainable farming and biological soil health.

Amy
Figgins

Amy Figgins is the Estate Manager and Partner of Leonetti Cellar and assists her brother Chris in the management of Figgins Family Wine Estates. After graduating from Washington State University with a degree in Business, Amy spent the first part of her career as a cost analyst for large engineering companies. Joining the family business in 2007, Amy brought corporate experience and a logistical mind, enhancing the growth of the company. Today she is integral in operating the Mailing List, running events, and creating the overall brand experience. Amy is passionate about animal welfare, travel, and home design.

Gary & Nancy Figgins

Gary is widely recognized as the founding father of the Walla Walla Valley wine industry. He, along with his wife, Nancy, have created world class wines of true distinction and recognition for over 40 years. Gary’s first entrance into the wine industry started by planting an acre of Cabernet and a small amount of Riesling, with the help of his uncles, Bill & George Leonetti, on a hillside above the original 1906 Leonetti homestead. Gary is completely self-educated in the art of wine making and grape growing. Nancy had to learn how to create and operate a thriving business from its humble beginnings while raising two children. Gary and Nancy have passed on day-to-day business operations and winemaking responsibilities to their children, Chris and Amy, but continue to be actively involved in Leonetti and several vineyard projects across the Valley. Their passion for developing the wine industry and education in Walla Walla continues, as they were instrumental in developing the WWCC Center for Enology and Viticulture.

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FIGGINS FAMILY

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