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Tertulia Cellars
WALLA WALLA
Tertulia Cellars operates under the notion that wine is meant to be shared
with family and friends, and that warmth is obvious when you visit one of the
tasting rooms or vineyards. The word tertulia translates from Latin/Spanish
to "social gathering of friends," and the winery emulates this name. With
a focus on making wines of quality and distinction from the finest estate
vineyards, Tertulia prides itself on creating elegantly approachable wines for
the sophisticated palate.
Jim O'Connell began visiting Walla Walla Valley in 2004 and quickly
realized the high quality and unique structure of wines from this area. His
first vineyard, Whistling Hills, was planted in 2006, then later added Riviere
Galets Vineyard in the Rocks District in 2009, and Elevation Vineyard in 2013.
Under his direction the winery has produced limited lots of varietals including
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Viognier, and Marsanne—
to name a few. Tertulia Cellars was established in 2005 and now produces an
annual average of 3,500 cases. The state-of-the-art winery and cellar were
completed in 2008, with a focus on sustainability, functionality, and beauty.
Jim also has investments in three Hilton-branded hotels in the state, which
gives members of Tertulia Cellars the chance to receive incentives on room
rates and other reciprocal benefits.
Tertulia utilizes the most modern winemaking equipment without ignoring
Old World techniques and has given the winemaker and viticulture manager—
Ryan Raber and Ryan Driver, respectfully—a few key elements that some
winemakers only dream of. This includes a Mistral table, which is a high-tech
FACING PAGE: A glimpse of the Vineyard from 1700 feet
up. All fractured basalt and above the glacial flood lines. A
favorite spot for our vineyard excursions.
Photograph by Richard Duval
ABOVE: Entrance Gate at the winery and Whistling Hills
Estate Vineyard in the heart of the southside wineries.
Photograph by Greg Grupenhof
