Va Piano Vineyards

In Italian, "Va Piano" means to go slowly. Coming from the Italian phrase "Chi va piano va sano e va lantano" or "he who goes slowly goes safely and goes far," it embodies the philosophy of the winery's owners who invested their time and their passion in growing the vineyards and designing this beautiful Old World facility.

A family-owned winery, Va Piano Vineyards uses local grapes to create layers of flavor that emphasize the individuality of the fruit and impress a sense of place. With a romantic Tuscan architectural style, Va Piano Vineyards encourages you to Va Piano while finding your own place within this welcoming winery.

Go Slowly, Go Safely and Go Far

Winemakers and owners Justin and Liz Wylie were inspired by Italy's culture and architecture to create Va Piano—a culture Justin experienced first-hand his senior year at Gonzaga University when he studied abroad in Florence, Italy. Beginning in 1999, with the planning of the vineyards, their vision took six years to become a reality and in 2005 Va Piano opened their doors amidst some of Washington's finest wine country.

Starting as a garagiste, Justin made wine for five years, celebrated his first commercial crush in 2003 with the encouragement of friends and family. Holding to a philosophy that seeks to respect the fruit and create a sense of place, Va Piano has gathered top scores from authorities such as Wine & Spirits and Wine Enthusiast and received 5 stars of excellence from Decanter Magazine as one of the top four Syrahs in the United States.

Using fruit from their own estate, the surrounding Walla Walla Valley, and neighboring Columbia Valley, Va Piano produces three varietals—Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot—along with a Vintner's Red Blend. Of these three, it is best known for its Syrah, for which Washington state offers ideal growing conditions.

Tuscan with a View

Not visible from the main road, the winery is reached by a 200-yard meandering country drive that seemingly takes you back in time. Once at the winery, you are immersed in old world Tuscany décor and experience an immediate sense of relaxation. An ideal setting to enjoy Va Piano's finest creations, the beautiful views of the Blue Mountains and sunsets over their 20 acres of estate vineyards add to the Va Piano experience.

Hand-picked Fruit for a Better Glass of Wine

Knowing that exceptional wine begins with exceptional fruit, Va Piano arranges the vine's shoots in a trellis to increase the sunlight and airflow, which allows the grapes to ripen evenly to provide a higher quality fruit. During a growing season at Va Piano, grapes go through intensive hand pruning, leaf thinning, and shoot positioning. Once the grapes ripen, they are handpicked to guarantee the fruit is not harmed.

It's a difference you can enjoy in their tasting room—and at home! Also available for purchase in the tasting room are olive oils, balsamic vinegars, honeys, pasta and prestos from small family producers in Italy as well as Va Piano's own specialty food products and apparel. Each serves as a fine reminder that life is best lived Va Piano!