From the start, wine was one of the many things that brought us together. Over the course of our relationship, we shared countless glasses and even more conversations- celebrating milestones, unwinding after long days, and dreaming about the future one pour at a time. Wine became our love language- complex, intentional, and full of character.
Then came a weekend escape to wine country. Just the two of us, strolling hand in hand through the vineyards, savoring the view, the moment, and, of course, the wine. As we walked, Michael asked La'Rissa a series of thoughtful questions- each met with a heartfelt "yes".
Then he stopped. Took her hand. Got down on one knee.
"La'Rissa you are a blend of wine, I am a blend of wine. Will you blend our wines together in one bottle?"
Rooted in that moment and the love that led us there, On Blended Knee is more than a name. It's our promise: to create products and a place where family, friendship, community are BLENDED as beautifully as the wines we craft from the amazing terroir and fruit of Washington State.
- La'Rissa & Michael Dwyer
MEET OUR TEAM
La'Rissa Dwyer
Founder, Associate Winemaker
After 18 years in corporate retail leadership, La'Rissa traded the corporate world for entrepreneurship. Alongside her husband, Michael, she co-founded On Blended Knee Winery, where they focus on building community through wine.
Michael Dwyer
Founder, Winemaker
Time spent visiting his grandmother near Zillah, WA, sparked an early curiosity about wine that would eventually lead him to study viticulture and deepen his understanding of the craft. Today, Michael channels that knowledge into creating distinctive wines from fruit sourced throughout the Columbia Valley.
Tautiana Kimbrough
Director of Marketing & Events
Tautiana Kimbrough is the kind of person every team wants in their corner, a Swiss Army knife of marketing, hospitality, and events. With a knack for bringing people, ideas, and experiences together, she moves easily between strategy and execution, always finding a way to make things happen.
Allison Banks
Creative Director, Photographer
Allison is a creative soul who brings her passion for people to everything she does. When she's not capturing and guiding OBK brand content, Allison is also a celebrated wedding & brand photographer.
Life's better when we blend.
We believe great wine is about more than what's in the glass. It's about the people around the table, the stories we share, and the connections that make life richer. We're creating a welcoming place where everyone belongs, relationships grow, and there's always a reason to come together.
Here's to love. Here's to connection. Here's to us.