Doug Frost has attained multiple recognitions in the hospitality industry. He is the first individual to attain both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certification and only four individuals in the world to hold this dual distinction. He is a cofounder of BAR (Beverage Alcohol Resource), a certification program for bartending professionals. He served as the longtime Wine Director for the award-winning American Restaurant in Kansas City.
Doug Frost MS/MW – Sommelier and Educator Turned Vintner- has a long career in the hospitality industry
But why stop there? In 2018 Frost established Echolands Winery in Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley AVA with fellow Kansan, Brad Bergman, an arborist and conversationist who grew up on his family’s tree farm. Frost and Bergman brought on Brian Rudin as winemaker and general manager. Rudin has had a long career working for wineries in Washington State for nearly two decades.
The Frost-Bergman-Rudin team philosophy is to produce estate-grown, terroir driven wines of elegance and to protect the vineyards and the land. In 2021, Echolands achieved its Sustainable Washington certification. The team has an active role in many environmental causes to protect and preserve the local wildlife, waterways and land.
Echolands Winery was designed by Soderstrom Architects with a focus on creating an eco-conscious facility using sustainable materials.
David and I tasted tasting through a range of Echolands wines sent to us.
White Rock Vineyard Riesling, 2024, Ancient Lakes AVA Riesling (100%). Terrific acidity with a style that hits all the high notes of classic Riesling.
Taggart Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2024, Walla Walla Valley Sauvignon Blanc (80%), Semillon (15%). A racy Sauvignon Blanc with notes pear, stone fruit, wild grasses and herbs.
McKinley Springs Vineyard Cinsault, 2024, Walla Walla Valley: Cinsault (89%), Syrah (11%). A light, silky red with notes of pomegranate and strawberries.
Cabernet Franc, 2023 Walla Walla Valley. Cabernet Franc (75%), Merlot (19%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%). I am a Cabernet Franc fan, and this one hit all my high notes of black raspberry, violets, peppercorns and black tea.
Le Collines Vineyards Syrah, 2022, Walla Walla Valley. Syrah (98%), Viognier (2%). Earthy and herbal with a fruit kick and firm tannins.
Resound, 2022, Walla Walla Valley, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Merlot (25%), Cabernet Franc (26%) and Petit Verdot (5%) sourced from different estate vineyards. Holding on to this one for a bit.
Doug Frost discussed his journey to become a vintner and offers a taste of Walla Walla terroir and Echolands Winery wines and visitor experience on The Connected Table Live on December 17, 2025.
Watch: The Connected Table Live TV on YouTube