KEN PAHLOW | WINEMAKER & PARTNER
ERICA LANDON | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & PARTNER

Ken and Erica came to wine from different worlds—one through the cellar, the other through the dining room—but the same relentless curiosity shaped their paths. Both immersed themselves in studying great wines, refining their palates, and sharpening their vision for what they wanted to create. Their experiences in winemaking, distribution, fine dining, and education give them a rare, comprehensive perspective on what defines world-class wine. Walter Scott was born from a shared vision—a commitment to crafting wines that stand among the best, capture the depth and energy of the Willamette Valley, and evolve with the same precision and balance as the wines that first inspired them.

Ken’s time at St. Innocent, Patricia Green Cellars, and Evening Land Vineyards shaped his philosophy and deepened his understanding of site-driven winemaking. Most impactfully, his time alongside winemaker Dominique Lafon left a lasting imprint, revealing the discipline, work ethic, and uncompromising commitment to learning that exceptional winemaking demands. This pivotal mentorship ignited a relentless drive for excellence that continues to define Walter Scott and sparked an obsession with Chardonnay.

His experience extends beyond the cellar. Ken spent over a decade in wine distribution with Vin de Garde and Galaxy Wine Company, representing some of the world’s top estates. Tasting and selling benchmark wines refined his palate, sharpened his vision, and reinforced his belief that Oregon could compete on the global stage. His deep understanding of winemaking, farming, and distribution gives him a rare, full-circle perspective on what separates good wines from truly exceptional ones.

Erica’s background in hospitality, wine education, and logistics has shaped her perspective on wine as something to be experienced, not just made. As an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and a former instructor for the International Sommelier Guild, she has dedicated her career to mastering and teaching the craft of wine. She honed her palate by curating Oregon’s top wine programs, gaining a deep understanding of balance.

What began as a small, scrappy project fueled by passion has become one of the world’s most respected wineries. Today, Walter Scott wines are recognized internationally, poured at top restaurants, and sought after by collectors. But for Ken and Erica, the pursuit never ends—every vintage is another opportunity to listen, refine, and push forward.e, structure, and ageability. Her time at Timberline Lodge, The Dundee Bistro, The Heathman, and Bruce Carey Restaurants gave her firsthand insight into how wines evolve, interact with food, and create lasting experiences, strengthening her ability to bridge the worlds of classic wines and the Willamette Valley’s potential. This vision has been instrumental in shaping Walter Scott’s identity.

At Walter Scott Wines, Erica is the driving force behind operations, overseeing logistics, distribution, and marketing to ensure the winery runs seamlessly and its wines reach the right hands at the right time. Her impact is felt in every bottle—not just in the wine itself, but in the experience of discovering and sharing it.