Va Piano Vineyards, located in Walla Walla, Washington, officially opened its doors in 2005. Owner/winemaker Justin Wylie and his wife Liz planted Va Piano Vineyards in 1999. They built Va Piano’s Tuscan-themed winery and tasting room in 2004. Justin is a native of Walla Walla and was inspired to return home and try his hand at winemaking after spending his senior year at Gonzaga University studying in Florence, Italy.

Recently, we had the opportunity to taste four wines from Va Piano Vineyards in a blind samples tasting. The 2007 Syrah was excellent, but we would recommend all four wines. While the winery and tasting room have the look and feel of Tuscany, the Va Piano wines are a true reflection of Washington State fruit. They source fruit from their own 20-acre estate vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley as well as from other top vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley.

Va Piano Vineyards also has a heart for philanthropy. They produce two Bruno’s Blend wines, one red and one white, named for Father Bruno Segatta. Justin met Father Bruno when he was at Gonzaga University and was inspired to give the way Father Bruno has given. The labels of the Bruno’s Blend wines feature Father Bruno’s paintings. When the Bruno’s Blend wines are sold out, Va Piano donates a portion of the proceeds to a charity of Father Bruno’s choice.

2007 Va Piano Syrah (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep, dark purple. Black fruit and vegetal aromas on the nose; tons of cinnamon, black tea, and black fruits on the palate. Medium to full-bodied and lively with medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $38; Available elsewhere, $33

2007 Va Piano Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep, ruby red. It takes a while for the aromas to come through. Flavors of black fruits and leather. Medium to full-bodied and lively with medium, drying tannins and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $38; Available elsewhere, $33 to $39

Va Piano Bruno’s Blend V (Columbia Valley, Washington): 67% Syrah, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Merlot. Medium-deep, purplish red. Nose is a bit tight at first. Fruit-forward with red fruits, especially raspberries, coming through on the palate. Medium-bodied and crisp with round tannins and a long finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $23; Available elsewhere, $20

Va Piano Bruno’s Blend I Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley, Washington): Light straw yellow. Citrus and tropical fruit, almond, and floral aromas lead to papaya and melon flavors. Dry, light-bodied, crisp acidity, and a long finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 2 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $15

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