Photos by Matt Sayles
40 Under 40 Tastemaker 2020 JJ Williams, 33
General Manager, Kiona Vineyards, Benton City, WA
Class act
The grandson of the first person to plant grapevines on Red Mountain in Washington, Williams started working at the family business, Kiona Vineyards, around age 14, digging ditches for irrigation lines, training vines and bottling wine. Today, as general manager, he brings a Millennial sensibility to one of the state’s most important vineyards and wineries. He’s helped provide greater connectivity, integration and leadership to Kiona, which farms more than 270 vineyard acres and works with 60-plus top Pacific Northwest wineries. After the novel coronavirus outbreak, Williams required wine club members to confirm their information and re-opt in to avoid unwanted charges.
Instagram: @KionaWine
