itä wines and Devona unite as sister wineries
Rooted in complementary styles and shared values, Devona and itä will move forward together while preserving the personal character that defines each brand.
WALLA WALLA, WA – September 21, 2026 – Kelsey Albro Itämeri, owner and winemaker of itä wines, has purchased Devona from John and Molly Abbott, bringing together two respected Walla Walla wineries under shared ownership while preserving the distinct identity, style, and customer experience of each brand.
Devona and itä wines will move forward as coequal sister wineries, both rooted in the same philosophy: a deep sense of wonder, respect, and responsibility to the sites that produce their grapes and to the art of making wines with complexity, elegance, and balance. Devona will continue to reflect the classic, rich, and deeply nuanced style shaped by John Abbott’s decades of experience, while itä will continue its focus on high-elevation Blue Mountain foothills fruit and minimal-intervention wines known for their joyful freshness and bright acidity. These differences will offer guests of the two wineries the opportunity to explore new wine expressions along with what they have known and loved.
The transition builds on a relationship that began in 2020, when itä first worked with Devona through a crush-and-go arrangement, processing grapes at Devona before completing fermentation in-house, a common, lower-cost way for a young winery to get its start and also a long tradition in the Walla Walla Valley wine community. That collaboration deepened over the years, including two seasons of full custom crush at Devona when Kelsey and itä needed extra hands following the birth of her two children. With the support of John, Molly, and the entire Devona team, those vintages were, quite literally, raised alongside the newest generation of the Itämeri family. Along the way, we developed a close working relationship grounded in mutual trust, shared values, and respect for one another’s wines.
“Devona represents such a remarkable legacy,” said Kelsey Albro Itämeri. “I am honored to carry John and Molly’s work forward while continuing to build itä in its own voice. Itä and Devona have such different styles and expressions, creating a natural balance – together they make us better positioned to build a thriving family-owned business with a long future.”
John and Molly Abbott will remain closely involved through the transition, helping ensure continuity for Devona customers and supporting the combined winemaking team. Both wineries will continue normal operations without interruption. itä will welcome wine club members to its fall pickup party in Seattle in October, and Devona will celebrate Fall Release Weekend as usual at the Devona facility in Walla Walla the first weekend of November.
“We love that Kelsey is old-school, down-to-earth, with an incredible work ethic, fresh ideas, and a great instinct,” said Molly Abbott. “Most importantly, she is an excellent winemaker and John and I can’t think of anybody else we would entrust Devona to.”
The wines will be made at the current Devona facility by the combined winemaking team of Kelsey Albro Itämeri, John Abbott, and Enrique Ibarra. Ibarra, already an integral member of the Devona team, began his career at Tamarack Cellars. This inspired him to study winemaking, after which he was winemaker at Forgeron Cellars before joining Devona. He is a talented winemaker with a keen palate and deep well of experience. Enrique and Kelsey are also old college friends and proud members of the 2019 graduating class from the Walla Walla Community College’s Institute of Enology and Viticulture.
About itä wines
Founded in 2019 by owner and winemaker Kelsey Albro Itämeri, itä wines focuses on the cool, high-elevation Blue Mountain foothills on the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley. With minimal intervention in the cellar, itä crafts elegant, energetic wines marked by natural acidity, lower alcohol, and a distinct sense of place. The winery has been recognized by Wine Enthusiast and Wine & Spirits, including being named a 2023 “Winery to Watch,” and Kelsey was honored as a 2024 “Future 40 Tastemaker” by Wine Enthusiast. Tastings will continue at itä’s facility at the Walla Walla Airport Winery Incubators through December 2026.
About Devona
John and Molly Abbott started Devona in 2012 after first establishing Canoe Ridge Vineyard for the Chalone Wine Group and then co-founding Abeja with Ken and Ginger Harrison, reflecting a commitment to the Washington wine industry spanning more than three decades. Devona is located in Walla Walla, Washington, and is known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay from Washington State and Pinot Noir from Oregon. These varieties represent the classics, converging with the uniqueness of the Pacific Northwest growing region and winemaker John Abbott’s understated approach. John has long been respected among his peers and wine enthusiasts for his infallible palate, his technical knowledge, and a winemaking style that combines purity and finesse and results in beautiful, complex, precise wines. Guests at Devona generally taste in the cellar, a fun experience that is casual, personal, and educational. [www.devona.net]
For more information, please contact: kelsey@itawinery.com or 509-593-9055
