A fourth-generation native of Walla Walla, winemaker/owner of Va Piano Vineyards Justin Wylie developed his inspiration and philosophy for his vineyard, winemaking, and lifestyle while studying in Florence, Italy during his senior year at Gonzaga University: Go slowly, take your time. Vineyard first, winery second – counter-intuitive to business practices back home.

It was in Florence, after forging a friendship with Italian native and tour de force Bruno Segatta, that Justin’s future was set in motion. Segatta, an artist, scholar, and humanitarian with an indelible spirit, helped Justin to identify and follow his dream: he wanted to return home and build a vineyard, a family, and a family of remarkable wines.

As scoperta – serendipity – would have it, the Walla Walla Valley was waiting for Justin and his wife, Liz. At home in Walla Walla, the wine world was ripe for worldwide attention, and Justin and Liz took a chance on land planted in wheat. That 20-acre piece of land is now Va Piano Vineyards, and occupies one of the most coveted growing areas in all of Washington State.

Located in the southeast corner of the Walla Walla Valley, the vineyard has been producing red varietals of uncommon quality, structure, and balance. Va Piano Vineyards uses the majority of their Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for their own estate wines, but a portion is sold to a handful of select wineries in the valley including L’Ecole #41 Winery, Gramercy Cellars, Kerloo Cellars, and Tenor Wines.

Justin and Liz merged their passion for the Italian lifestyle and culture with their love for the history of the Walla Walla Valley by creating a tasting room that gives homage to history and tradition.

“On the Italian properties, there is a great sense of history. That it's been there for a very long time,” recalls Justin. “We tried to retain as much of an old world feel to the property.” They selected special wood for the timber beamed ceilings, a clay tile roof, traditional stucco, saltillo tile, distressed alder doors, and wrought iron railings to create a timeless, well-worn, old-world feeling.

Justin and Liz built their family while building their dream business. “We have the Va Piano famiglia of customers, and we have our family. Many of our customers have watched the kids grow up”, says Justin. Jake is now 10; Ariana, 8; Sienna, 2. Visitors look forward to the relaxed family atmosphere – a tricycle on the walkway, soccer balls on the lawn, an errant tiara… and winery dogs wandering through the vineyard.

It’s not uncommon to find Liz serving up plates of Caprese salad with basil and tomatoes from their garden, and bowls of homemade pasta to guests. “We’d much rather prepare a meal for our guests because it means more to us. It’s like being part of our family – it’s so Italian!” says Justin.

Va Piano Vineyards was the first in the valley to create wines specifically made for their wine club. Va Piano Vineyards Estate Club receives limited production wines exclusively from the estate vineyard that truly exhibit “wines of place”.

In 2007, Justin and Liz acquired a second estate vineyard, Octave. Planted in Bordeaux varietals, Octave Estate Vineyard is a unique site in the Walla Walla Valley at higher elevation, 1200-1400 feet. They look forward to sharing another dimension of Walla Walla Valley wines with you.

Even with the growth of the winery, Va Piano’s beginnings with Bruno are not forgotten. The tasting room is filled with his original oil paintings depicting iconic Florence architecture and Tuscan landscapes. Justin and Liz created Bruno’s Blend, a multi-vintage red blend and white blend in his honor. A different original Bruno painting is used to create the label each vintage, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to a charity of Bruno’s choice.