Reininger Winery

Founded in 1997 by husband and wife team Chuck and Tracy Reininger, this winery was originally located at the Walla Walla airport in an old army barrack building — known affectionately as the "Shackteau Reininger." In 2003, Tracy's brothers, Kelly and Jay Tucker, joined the business and started the Helix label.

To accommodate the new label, the winery moved to a new, larger facility nearby. Beginning with two dilapidated potato sheds nestled among the golden wheat fields of Walla Walla, the families transformed the site into a beautiful and unique winery that made Wine & Spirits Magazine Top 100 Wineries in 2005 and again in 2006, and is consistently depicted by critics as one of Washington's top producers.

True Connection to the Land

Chuck truly is an outdoorsman and has spent his life climbing mountains, skiing slopes and cycling across breathtaking Washington State. It was during these outdoor adventures that Chuck's reverence for the Walla Walla Valley began. The desire was born to start a winery using only Walla Walla Valley fruit, and to capture the essence of this beautiful valley in every glass of Reininger wine.

The grapes for Reininger wines come from renowned vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley — Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills, Ash Hollow, and Patina. Helix Wines are made with grapes from Columbia Valley vineyards including Phinny Hill, Stillwater Creek, Stone Tree, and Clifton Hill.

Chuck takes a very traditional approach to winemaking, and believes very strongly in creating classic, elegant wines that are not over-extracted. He also firmly believes in showing off the varietal character, and gives expression to the nuances that define each grape variety.

People have come to know Reininger Winery as a solid producer that takes great pride in every single wine it offers—from Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Carmenere, Malbec, and Sangiovese.

Guests Feel Like Family

With a laid back atmosphere supported by a non-pretentious and friendly staff, Mardi and I like to say the Reiningers have a very casual approach to business and a very serious approach to winemaking, which makes for a welcoming experience.

Throughout the winery you'll find old family photos, including pictures of old wheat combines that were drawn by mules, and a 1928 class photo from Helix High School. The floors of the beautiful sun-lit tasting room are recycled Douglas Fir sideboards from the old potato sheds. On the wall is a large mural painted by Jeffrey Hill (a local artist known as "Van Gogh of the Walla Walla Valley") that depicts Chuck and his two children, along with Cellar Master Raul, out in the vineyards.

A Chance to Meet the Winemaker

A $5.00 tasting fee (refundable with purchase) will get you a tasting of 10 to 12 Reininger and Helix wines. Tours are conducted as long as winery staff members are available. (While no appointment is necessary, it's appreciated if you call ahead for groups larger than 15 people.)

In addition to learning about the winemaking process from grape to the bottle, you'll see the daily operations of the winery and often get a chance to meet the winemaker. Plus, the heady, intoxicating aroma of the barrel room is a draw in itself!