Chris Figgins

Chris Figgins stands as a notable figure in the world of winemaking, particularly within the Pacific Northwest’s esteemed wine regions. As the President and Winemaking Director for Figgins Family Wine Estates (FFWE), his journey in the wine industry is deeply rooted in a family legacy that began with the founding of Leonetti Cellar by his parents, Gary and Nancy Figgins, in 1977. This winery not only marked the inception of the oldest winery in Walla Walla but also set the stage for a tradition of excellence that Chris has carried forward with vigor and vision.

Born into the vibrant culture of winemaking, Chris was naturally inclined toward the family business. His education at Washington State University, where he earned a degree in Horticulture, further honed his understanding of viticulture, equipping him with the scientific insights necessary to manage and innovate in vineyard management. Upon graduation in 1996, Chris joined Leonetti and by 2001, had ascended to the role of head winemaker, a position that saw him overseeing not just winemaking but all viticultural operations across FFWE’s extensive portfolio.

Under Chris’s leadership, FFWE has expanded to include six distinct vineyard sites in the Walla Walla Valley AVA, along with a site in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This expansion reflects his commitment not only to quality winemaking but also to exploring how different terroirs and climates influence wine profiles. His impact extends beyond the vineyards; Chris was pivotal in transitioning Leonetti into an estate-grown winery, ensuring that every bottle reflects the unique characteristics of the estate’s land.

Chris Figgins’s innovative spirit is evident in his approach to viticulture and winemaking. Known for consistently pushing the envelope, he champions sustainable farming practices and emphasizes the importance of biological soil health. These practices are not just about maintaining the quality and sustainability of the vineyards but are also about pushing the quality of the wine to new heights. His dedication to sustainability is matched by his enthusiasm for sharing this passion with others, whether through public speaking engagements or hands-on education.

Beyond the vines, Chris has diversified the offerings of FFWE with ventures that complement the wine experience. He launched Toil Oregon, a boutique label producing small batches of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Alongside this, he introduced FIGGINS, a single-vineyard estate wine that focuses on expressing the nuanced qualities of its exclusive terroir. Not stopping at wine, Chris founded Lostine Cattle Company, an endeavor that offers all-natural, grass-fed beef, thereby marrying the culinary and viticultural arts in a celebration of Northwest agricultural excellence.

Chris Figgins’s contributions to the wine industry extend well beyond the operations at Leonetti and FFWE. His forward-thinking approach to winemaking and vineyard management has set a high standard within the industry, marked by a commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Through his leadership, Leonetti Cellar and its sister operations under FFWE have grown into benchmarks of excellence, illustrating what is possible when passion is paired with expertise, and tradition meets innovation.

As he continues to lead and inspire in the wine industry, Chris Figgins remains a seminal figure in shaping not only the legacy of his family’s business but also the broader narrative of American winemaking. His work ensures that every bottle produced under his guidance is a testament to the rich, sustainable future he envisions for the vineyards of the Pacific Northwest.