Va Piano Wines

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.

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More About Va Piano Vineyards

Read more: Va Piano Vineyard: Walla Walla Winery Producing a Blessed Blend

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.