The hillside vineyard is in the Coombsville area at the cool, southeastern corner of the Napa Valley. It is set against the Vaca Mountains just east of the town of Napa with vineyard elevations ranging between 300 and 500 feet. It includes 26 acres of vines originally planted in 1979 to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The soil at the top is a stony loam which dovetails into volcanic ash and gravelly loam at the base of the vineyard. There are also 30 acres set aside as untouched oak woodland on the property which partially surrounds the winery.

Only ten percent of the available fruit is crushed at the Farella-Park winery where, from 1985 until 1990, only 300 cases per year were produced. A total of 1200 cases are now made at Farella-Park divided between Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. The majority of the grapes are sold to Far Niente, Honig, Keenan, Lail, Pahlmeyer and Realm wineries.

Fellow alum, Tom Farella – Owner/Winemaker – Toms original inspiration to enter the wine trade began as a youngster at the dinner table and was later fortified by a family trip to France and some gentle prodding by father Frank. He graduated from UC Davis in 1983 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology while holding down weekend and harvest work with Neyers Vineyards and Flora Springs Winery. His first real job was as winemaker at Preston in Sonoma County which he left after six years to work in Burgundy for Domaine Jacques Prieur in Meursault. The work/travel bug persisted so he then worked in Oregon for a harvest at Ponzi Winery, then in the vineyard for Beaux Freres. It was after this rich experience in 1990 that he Tom Farella came back to Farella-Park full time.

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich, robust mouthfeel with ample yet fairly soft tannins. Aromas and flavors of Kalamata olives, strawberry/cassis fruit, blackberry, deep, smoky spice and a hint of licorice. Long, supple finish for a wine of this structure.

2005 “Road Block” Syrah

Deep purple color, rich plum and blueberry aromas and flavors overlaid by smoky, toasty oak. Slightly meaty and coarse in the mid-palate but the richness and big fruit ties it all together. The finish is very smooth and rich, partly due to elevated alcohol but no perceptible “heat” for a wine of this fortitude.

2008 “LA LUCE” SAUVIGNON BLANC

Light and fresh with crisp acidity. Aromas and flavors of honeydew melon, grapefruit and lightly flinty. Crisp, clean and refreshing in the finish. Serve well-chilled before the meal, as guests arrive or on the patio with a light lunch.

Reininger Winery is located in Walla Walla, WA. It is highly acclaimed for its ability to bring out the best in Walla Walla appellation fruit. In addition, Reininger Winery has been integral in establishing the Walla Walla Valley’s reputation as one of the most celebrated wine-producing regions in the world. Among the winery’s long list of awards is a “Top 100 Wineries of the Year” designation in Wine & Spirits Magazine Buying Guide in 2005 and 2006.

In 1997, fellow alum Chuck Reininger and his wife, Tracy, launched their dream—to own a premier winery in the Walla Walla Valley. In 2003, Reininger Winery purchased seven acres of land and began renovating two old potato sheds into a new, 15,000-square-foot winery complete with production facilities, administrative offices, and a spacious tasting room.

Reininger winery has two labels – Reininger, which features only Walla Walla Valley appellation fruit; and Helix, which focuses on fruit from the Columbia Valley. Reininger wines have consistently received industry awards, critical acclaim, and numerous regional and national accolades ever since the first vintage.

Fellow Alum Chuck Reininger, Owner/Winemaker - Along with attending winemaking courses at University of California - Davis, Chuck began his informal training at the early age of six. Chuck's family planned and took annual summer vacations to various national parks around the country. These summer excursions seeded in Chuck, a deep connection and fascination with the outdoors. Seeking a way to harness his passion for nature and adventure, Chuck spent many years as a mountaineering guide on Mt. Rainier. Chuck sees several parallelisms between winemaking and climbing. Both require patience, the ability to assess the medium and the environment, anticipation and in Chuck's vision, both have a common goal- "To experience the journey and to reach the top."

Chuck's goal is to capture and enhance the essence of each vintage by exposing its terroir - that is, the physical and non-physical elements of the vineyard habitat. The true concept of the meaning is not easily grasped by most. The French define it as the vine, the subsoil, siting, drainage, microclimate as well as the spiritual aspects of the vineyard's history. Chuck feels that you must always be aware of these factors when making wine. "Wine is a reflection of everything that's happened to the grapes, a time capsule, I enjoy bringing out the flavors locked in the grapes and making them shine."

2002 Reininger Merlot, Walla Walla Valley

Winemaker Notes: The 2002 Reininger Merlot combines cherry and rose flavors with fresh sage root pulled from the earth. Accompanied by very fine tannins, black currant, milk chocolate, butterscotch, and a hint of pulverized dusty pepper float across the palate. Drink now or cellar for another four years. Awards

Wine Spectator, 90 points

Wine Enthusiast, 90 points

Gold Medal, Wine Press Northwest 2006 Platinum Judging

2006 Reininger Carmenere, Walla Walla Valley

Winemaker Notes: Our Seven Hills Vineyard Carmenere has come of age, shedding its masculine punch to reveal a beautifully sculptured elegance baring its Walla Walla typicity. Meat, dark fruit, peppercorn, a whiff of round vanilla toast atop an underlayer of earthy loess intrigues the nose. She struts the palate catwalk with a perfect balance of acidity while delivering eye-catching flavors of black cherry, unsweetened fig compote laced with white pepper and a pinch of cinnamon and clove. All of this, while confidently portraying her sumptuous, soft roundness and mouth feel. This vision refuses to fade.