Reininger Winery

Chuck Reininger and Tracy Tucker established Reininger Winery in 1997, making it the 10th bonded winery in Walla Walla. The founding vision was singular and deliberate: source 100% of all fruit from within the Walla Walla Valley AVA, a commitment no other winery in the region had made at the time. Chuck brought a background as a professional mountain guide, while Tracy contributed deep agricultural roots as a 5th generation farmer. That combination of discipline and land stewardship shaped the winery's identity from the start.

• Established 1997 as Walla Walla's 10th bonded winery
• First winery in the region expressly dedicated to 100% Walla Walla Valley fruit
• Founded by former mountain guide Chuck Reininger and 5th generation farmer Tracy Tucker
• Recognized as one of Washington State's top wineries

Reininger focuses on premium red wines built for elegance and fine structure, using hand-harvested ultra-premium fruit. The red portfolio centers on Bordeaux varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, alongside Syrah and the rare Carmenère. White varieties grown include Chardonnay, Semillon, and Viognier. The winery's Carmenère program stands out nationally: Washington critic Paul Gregutt described the 2006 vintage as having a strong claim for being the best Carmenère in Washington, if not the country.

• Specializes in elegant, finely structured reds from hand-harvested fruit
• Bordeaux varietals, Syrah, and Carmenère form the core of the red lineup
• Longest-running Carmenère producer in Washington State since 2002
• White varieties include Chardonnay, Semillon, and Viognier

The Walla Walla Valley AVA sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet (120 to 610 meters). Soils are wind-deposited loess over basalt, with Missoula Flood deposits of sand, gravel, and silt adding complexity. The climate is warm continental with strong diurnal temperature shifts: hot, dry summers give way to cool nights, preserving acidity and aromatic intensity in the grapes. Annual rainfall ranges from just 7 to 22 inches across the valley, and the growing season extends to approximately 200 days.

• Soils: loess over basalt with Missoula Flood sand, gravel, and silt deposits
• Warm continental climate with significant day-to-night temperature swings
• Hot, dry summers with cool nights and a 200-day growing season
• Annual rainfall of only 7 to 22 inches across the valley

Reininger operates three distinct wine brands. The flagship Reininger Winery label launched in 1997. Helix, a second label, followed in 2004. CPR, an open-range brand, debuted in 2014. Across these brands, the winery offers over 30 varietals and blends. Critical recognition has been consistent: Wine & Spirits has awarded Artisan Winery of the Year twice, and Decanter named the 2013 Walla Walla Valley Syrah the Best USA Red Rhône Varietal.

• Three brands: Reininger (1997), Helix (2004), CPR (2014)
• Over 30 varietals and blends in the total portfolio
• Two-time Artisan Winery of the Year, Wine & Spirits
• 2013 Syrah named Best USA Red Rhône Varietal by Decanter Magazine