WALLA WALLA
ABOVE: The exterior of Cakebread Cellars in Rutherford, California.
FACING PAGE: Foster Road Vineyards.
Photographs by Terrence McCarthy
In Italian, "chi va piano, va sano y va lontano," means "he who goes slowly, goes safely
and goes far," which perfectly illustrates the Florentine focus on taking time to enjoy the
journey. This saying became Justin Wylie's mantra after his collegiate experience in the Italian
countryside left an undeniable impression on him. From the grand architecture and religious
art to the rich history and alluring landscapes, everything about the area intrigued Justin.
Modeled brilliantly by an Italian professor, Bruno Segatta—who has become Justin's informal
mentor—the Italian culture became part and parcel of Justin's philosophies.
Justin was understandably charmed by the family-oriented culture and the hospitable nature
of Italians, much of which centered on good food and wine. But he could not leave them as
memories and began to find ways to make them live again in Washington, his homeland and
his family's place of residence for four generations.
He began meagerly, experimenting with wine blends in his garage and termed his test lots
Vino del Garage wines. Five years, countless viticulture and enology classes, and a small
Va Piano Vineyards
