{"id":109,"name":"Va Piano Vineyards","image_url":"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gps-cs-s/AC9h4nrEb8w1zwn9kXKtz5m9_NAFvFtNgYiN8bp_UHnCk3KAWHRV7Sh941d6F_YXJN-WJ0lssjKIIIA-gpM3WKV9Jn3mQfjkaJihtDRn537CUHeP8nU217ltfzHsGggA_fA90t46igRg=w426-h240-k-no","district":"South","hours":"Daily 11 a.m. – 5 p.m","hours_type":"open-daily","dog_friendly":true,"red_wine":true,"white_wine":true,"bubbles":false,"brewery":false,"woman_owned":false,"year_established":1999,"winemaker":"Justin Wylie","website":"http://www.vapianovineyards.com/","phone":"(509) 529-0900","address":"1793 J B George Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362","description":"True to its Italian mantra—“Chi va piano, va sano e va lontano”—Va Piano invites you to slow down with family, friends and small‑lot Cabernet and Syrah crafted from estate vineyards","lat":46.003999,"lng":-118.371124,"appt_url":"https://vapianovineyards.orderport.net/reservations","walk_in":false,"tasting_fee":"$30 per person waived with $50 purchase per person.","explorer_tags":["scenic","bold reds","dog","occasions","knowledge"],"profile":"# Va Piano Vineyards — Knowledge Profile\n\n## Founding Story\n\nVa Piano Vineyards was founded by Justin Wylie, a fourth-generation Walla Wallan who grew up watching the region's wine industry take root around him. Captivated by the emerging scene in his own backyard, Wylie began making wine in his garage, learning informally from local winemakers, growers, and enthusiasts. What began as a hobbyist pursuit gradually evolved into a serious passion, and with encouragement from friends and family, Wylie completed his first commercial crush in the fall of 2003, marking the official birth of Va Piano Vineyards. The winery's name and guiding philosophy derive from an Italian proverb — *Chi Va Piano, Va Sano e Va Lontano* — which translates to \"when you go slowly, you go safely and you go far.\" This ethos of slowing down to savor life's best moments — family, friendship, food, laughter, and wine — underpins everything the winery does.\n\n## Winemaker\n\nJustin Wylie serves as both Owner and Winemaker at Va Piano Vineyards. As a fourth-generation Walla Wallan, his connection to the land is deeply personal. He is self-described as having developed his palate through hands-on experimentation and mentorship from local winemakers and growers rather than formal academic training. His approachable, community-oriented personality is reflected in how he runs the winery — visitor reviews note that Wylie can be found personally pouring tastings and leading cellar tours with guests. Andrew Braddock serves as Assistant Winemaker, a Walla Walla native who returned to his hometown in 2020 after graduating from Washington State University, progressing from the tasting room to the cellar and ultimately into his current role.\n\n## Vineyard Sources\n\nVa Piano focuses on fruit sourced from its own Walla Walla Valley estate vineyards, located on the south side of the Walla Walla Valley — a destination known for its undulating hills covered in grapevines and framed by the Blue Mountains. In addition to estate fruit, the winery also sources from premier growers in the broader Columbia Valley AVA. The website references both estate-designate wines and vineyard-designate wines as distinct tiers within their portfolio, though specific contracted vineyard names are not detailed in the available content.\n\n## Signature Wines\n\nVa Piano specializes in small-lot red wines, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah forming the core of the portfolio. The winery also produces red blends, most notably a wine called **OX**, as well as a complete lineup under the **Bruno's** label. In very limited quantities, Va Piano also bottles Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, though white and pink wines are clearly secondary to the red wine program. The winery describes its wines as \"elegant and balanced,\" emphasizing quality and restraint over volume. Estate-designate wines are featured through the Estate Club tier, while the Black Label Club provides access to the most limited, vineyard-designate productions.\n\n## Tasting Notes\n\nThe winery describes its overall house style as producing **elegant, balanced wines**. Beyond this overarching character, the scraped content does not include specific tasting notes or detailed flavor and aroma descriptors for individual wines.\n\n## Wine Club\n\nVa Piano's wine club program is called **La Famiglia**, reflecting the Italian heritage embedded in the winery's identity. The program offers two distinct membership tiers:\n\n- **Estate Club**: Members receive first access to new releases of estate-designate wines.\n- **Black Label Club**: Designed for the most dedicated collectors, this tier guarantees allocation of Va Piano's very limited, vineyard-designate wines.\n\nAll wine club members enjoy benefits including first access to new vintages (shipped bi-annually), complimentary tastings at all Va Piano tasting room locations, invitations to special events, and discounts on wine purchases.\n\n## Tasting Rooms\n\nVa Piano operates two tasting room locations. The **Va Piano Estate & Winery** is situated on the Southside of the Walla Walla Valley, approximately ten minutes from Downtown Walla Walla, set amid vine-covered hills with the Blue Mountains as a scenic backdrop. The estate tasting room is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. by reservation. Visitors can add on charcuterie platters, arrange vineyard and facility tours, or arrange special celebrations. The atmosphere is described as laid-back and welcoming, complete with \"uber-friendly winery dogs.\" An additional downtown Walla Walla outpost called **Bruno's** also offers indoor and outdoor seating.\n\nThe second location, **Va Piano Old Mill District**, is situated in Bend, Oregon, in the riverfront Old Mill District — described as Bend's premier shopping and entertainment destination. This location is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The Bend location was opened because the city has long been a favorite destination for the Wylie family, and it has celebrated a decade of operation. The Bend outpost functions as a Wine & Champagne Bar and features outdoor patio seating.\n\n## Winery Character\n\nVa Piano Vineyards occupies a distinct identity in the Walla Walla wine scene as a deeply community-rooted, Italian-spirited winery built on the philosophy of intentional enjoyment. Founded by a local with multigenerational ties to the valley, the winery places equal emphasis on the experience of wine as on the wine itself — encouraging visitors to slow down, connect, and celebrate. The winery's expansion into Bend, Oregon, reflects an ambition to share Walla Walla wines with a broader audience without losing the personal, family-centered character that defines the brand. Customer reviews consistently highlight the warmth of the staff, the quality of the wines, and the memorable nature of visits — including lawn lunches, cellar tours, and live music events — as hallmarks of the Va Piano experience.","somm_notes":[],"wines":[{"name":"Sauvignon Blanc","vintage":"2025","variety":"Sauvignon Blanc","price":"$30.00"},{"name":"Rose","vintage":"2025","variety":"Cabernet Franc","price":"$25.00"},{"name":"Celilo Chardonnay","vintage":"2024","variety":"Chardonnay","price":"$48.00"},{"name":"Rosebud Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2023","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$105.00"},{"name":"DuBrul Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2023","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$105.00"},{"name":"Eritage Syrah","vintage":"2023","variety":"Syrah","price":"$75.00"},{"name":"Stoney Vine Syrah","vintage":"2023","variety":"Syrah","price":"$75.00"},{"name":"Les Collines Syrah","vintage":"2023","variety":"Syrah","price":"$75.00"},{"name":"Estate Cabernet Franc","vintage":"2023","variety":"Cabernet Franc","price":"$125.00"},{"name":"WW Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2022","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$65.00"},{"name":"WW Syrah","vintage":"2022","variety":"Syrah","price":"$55.00"},{"name":"Rosebud Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2022","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$105.00"},{"name":"DuBrul Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2022","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$105.00"},{"name":"Stoney Vine Syrah","vintage":"2021","variety":"Syrah","price":"$75.00"}],"patti":null,"visitor_ratings":[{"source":"google","rating":4.7,"count":87},{"source":"tripadvisor","rating":4.4,"count":56},{"source":"yelp","rating":4.2,"count":55}],"sample_reviews":[{"source":"yelp","reviewer":"Courtney D.","rating":null,"rating_max":5.0,"text":"The De Brul Cabernet Sauvignon was part of their black label and it was probably one of the best wines I have had in a long time.","date":null},{"source":"yelp","reviewer":"Rahima C.","rating":null,"rating_max":5.0,"text":"groups all around the lawn enjoying wine in the grass, picnic tables, near firepits, at the wine bar...","date":null}],"critic_scores":[{"wine_name":"'Dubrul Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2021,"score":96,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Rosebud Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2021,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Dubrul Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2018,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Celilo Vineyard' Chardonnay","vintage":2022,"score":94,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2021,"score":94,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate Grown' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2019,"score":94,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Dubrul Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2019,"score":94,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Rosebud Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2019,"score":94,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Les Collines Vineyard' Syrah","vintage":2019,"score":94,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Stoney Vine Vineyard' Syrah","vintage":2018,"score":94,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Walla Walla Valley' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2021,"score":93,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Chelle Den Mille Vineyard' Sauvignon Blanc","vintage":2021,"score":93,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate Grown' Merlot","vintage":2019,"score":93,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Eritage Vineyard' Syrah","vintage":2019,"score":93,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Uniti' Red Wine","vintage":2018,"score":93,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null}],"community_scores":[{"wine_name":"Syrah Black Label Reserve Stoney Vine Vineyard","vintage":2016,"score":94,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") One of my top wines tasted on my recent trip at Walla Walla. Funk, stone, roasted meats, dark currants and white pepper. Very Rhone like and super concentrated wine. Long finish. Outstanding!!! 94+ ("},{"wine_name":"Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley","vintage":2011,"score":94,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") This wine is hitting on all cylinders. Cherry, dust, blueberries, oak and chocolate. Long finish and super complex wine. I would drink this over the next 3 to 5 years. ("},{"wine_name":"Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2009,"score":94,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.4/5 (61 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2015,"score":93,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.3/5 (48 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Syrah Estate Walla Walla Valley","vintage":2015,"score":93,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") Another great Syrah from Va Piano. Black pepper, crushed rock, lavender, blackberries and earth. Aussie like. Excellent wine. 93+ ("},{"wine_name":"Columbia Valley Syrah","vintage":2013,"score":93,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.3/5 (68 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Syrah Estate Walla Walla Valley","vintage":2012,"score":93,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") Compared to the 2015 similar score for me but different style. This is more Northern Rhone like. White pepper,l spice, stones, funk and red currants. Medium to long finish. Drinking really well right now. Drink 2019 to 2024. ("},{"wine_name":"Rosebud Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2020,"score":92,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.2/5 (145 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley","vintage":2016,"score":92,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") Tannic wine. Floral, dust, dark fruits and oak. Medium to long finish. Hold. Drink 2023 to 2030. ("},{"wine_name":"Syrah Columbia Valley","vintage":2009,"score":92,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") Aging really well with pepper, blueberries, raspberries, earth, tar and stone. Medium plus finish. Drink now to 2021. ("},{"wine_name":"Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2021,"score":91,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.1/5 (247 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Walla Walla Valley Syrah","vintage":2021,"score":91,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.1/5 (245 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Ox Red","vintage":2017,"score":91,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.1/5 (34 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Sauvignon Blanc","vintage":2016,"score":91,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.1/5 (25 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Syrah Black Label Reserve Portteus Vineyard","vintage":2016,"score":91,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") Blueberries, chocolate, spice and earth. Very elegant for a Syrah. Medium finish. ("}],"events":[{"title":"The Northern Lakes from Garda to Como","start_date":"2027-05-02","start_time":null,"url":"https://vapianovineyards.com/#visit-vapiano","is_members_only":false},{"title":"Journey to Tuscany with Va Piano","start_date":"2027-05-16","start_time":null,"url":"https://vapianovineyards.com/#visit-vapiano","is_members_only":false}]}