Va Piano has an edge- it has
advantages over other wineries. Principally, it owns
its own vineyards. Just as important, we'd say, is
the savvy and hard work shown by its owners, Justin
and Liz Wylie. In an increasingly competitive market,
they've anticipated issues and followed a slow and
steady climb to becoming one of the "hot" wineries
of Walla Walla.
Justin and Liz Wylie
planted Va Piano Vineyards in 1999 with the vision
of making small lots of wellbalanced, full bodied
reds that showcase Walla Walla’s exceptional fruit along
with creating a unique and familial atmosphere.
In 2004 they blended old-world charm with modern
day efficiency by building their Tuscan style
tasting room and wine studio –offering work
space to six boutique wineries. And in December of
2005, Va Piano celebrated their grand opening by
releasing their first vintages.
Va Piano's vineyard gives the Wylies a real advantage. They are not entirely dependent on purchased grapes from vineyards whose quality and availability may vary. Eventually, they might be able to make their wines from entirely Estate grapes. Va Piano Vineyards,
the 20-acre estate property located next to the winery,
has been growing grapes in the Walla Walla Valley
since 1999. The
primary focus is red varietals; Cabernet Sauvignon,
Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc & Petit Verdot. Thirty
percent of the vineyard's grape production is used
by the winery and the balance is sold to premium
Walla Walla Valley wineries, such as L’Ecole
#41, Saviah Cellars and Dunham Cellars.
The vineyard
blocks are trellised on the vertical shoot positioning
system (VSP), which is a canopy management technique
that arranges the shoots in the trellis to allow
for better sunlight penetration and increased airflow.
Shoots are lifted and tucked vertically upwards using
a series of two to three wires. The significant benefit
of the VSP system is optimal sunlight infiltration,
which will allow the grapes to ripen evenly and provide
higher quality fruit.
About the
Winemaker
A fourth-generation
Walla Wallan, Justin Wylie spent his senior year
at Gonzaga University studying abroad in Florence,
Italy. He was inspired by the Italian culture as
well as what was happening in Walla Walla upon
his return: a large and promising wine industry
blossoming. In
1999, Justin began to make wine with a few friends
in his garage as a hobby. Before
long, it turned into a passion.
Justin’s
meticulous attention to detail along with his
passion for winemaking has proven to be a great
combination in making outstanding wine. With
the encouragement from friends and family,
Justin began his first commercial crush in
the fall of 2003. Justin
firmly believes that exceptional wine comes
from exceptional fruit and continues to carefully
manage the vineyards as well as by following
Vinea’s strict standards of sustainable
agriculture.
Third release named for Father Bruno, this release is 66% Syrah, 20% Cabernet & 14% Merlot.
Bruno's Blend III is a lively, ready to drink blend of black fruit flavors, with hints of barrel sp ...read more
Velvety, seamless Walla Walla Cab. The black cherry jumps from the glass, melding with cassis and background notes of barrel spice and creamy espresso. Rich and round, the 2005 Va Piano Cab can
...read more >>
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- OUTSTANDING
Silky, striking, Syrah. The nose is lush yet complex, brimming with sumptuous black fruit shaded by white pepper, meat, and savory herbs. The Va Piano ...read more >>
