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Reynvaan Family Vineyards
WALLA WALLA
Started in 2005 by husband-and-wife team Mike and Gale Reynvaan and their
three adult children, Amanda, Angela, and Matt, Reynvaan Family Vineyards is
a small, family-owned and operated winery with two estate vineyards located
in the Walla Walla Valley. Their first vineyard in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, is
one of the most unique terroirs in the country, aptly named "In the Rocks."
The stunning location is a dried-up riverbed with soils that have resulted
from an alluvial fan formed by the Walla Walla River some 15,000 years ago.
Covered with large, smooth river rocks, the vineyard was first planted in 2005,
and produces high-end Rhône-style red and white grapes, primarily Syrah,
Viognier, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc. Since the first vintage in 2007, these
wines have been well received and highly acclaimed, both domestically and
internationally. The vineyard also now produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
In 2008, the family planted a second vineyard outside of Walla Walla in the
Blue Mountains, called "Foothills in the Sun" at elevations of 1,500 to 1,600
feet; the vineyard flourished with Syrah, Viognier, and a little bit of Cabernet
Sauvignon. The site is one of the highest elevation vineyards in Washington
and is situated with a gradual western and southwesftern exposure.
Temperatures can vary dramatically, from the 90s to a chilly 40 degrees at
night, which helps to retain natural acidity and freshness in the wines. The
soils here consist of deep silty loam with small amounts to clay, iron, and
pockets of rocks.
FACING PAGE: Looking East towards the Blue Mountains at
the "Foothills in the Sun" Vineyard.
TOP LEFT: Matt Reynvaan laying out the new "Foothills in the
Sun" Vineyard.
Photographs by Gale Reynvaan
