Don Watts (farmer)

Watts was born to an auto mechanic in Ketchikan, Alaska, and grew up "humbly" in Tri-Cities, Washington, where he spent his summers as a farmworker. == Watts Brothers Farms ==

In 1977, Watts and his brother, Doug, founded Watts Brothers Farms in Kennewick. In 2001, Doug sold his stake to Don out of growing concerns for the risks and significant debt the company held. Conagra foods was the farms' largest customer, purchasing 18% To reduce risk, == Zephyr Ridge Vineyard ==

In 1994, Watts planted a 300-acre vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills AVA, 30 miles south of Prosser, Washington. The vineyard supplies grapes to several wineries in Washington, including for two award-winning wines. The vineyard is jointly owned by Watts and Hogue Ranch, an award-winning winery, and was developed by Wade Wolfe, == Swiftwater Cellars ==

In 2007, Watts founded Swiftwater Cellars in Suncadia Resort, near Roslyn and Cle Elum, Washington. The winery opened in 2010. The winery overlooks one of the resort's golf courses, Rope Rider, and hosts its pro shop. The winery's 41,000 square foot property also features a restaurant, Hoist House, and an outdoor concert venue that seats 2,500. There is also a boutique, which is run by Watts' wife, Lori, and a family friend. Parade named the winery in one of its 55 best honeymoon destinations in 2021. In 2017, Watts opened a second location in Bellevue, Washington, but it was forced to close in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. == Personal life ==

Watts married his wife, Lori, at age 17. As of September 2010, they had two sons and one grandchild. In 2008, Watts and his wife made a multi-million dollar donation to the Kadlec Foundation to build a new pediatric center in the Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington. == References ==