The Walls Vineyards has purchased the 10-acre Rockgarden Vineyard in the Rocks District of Milton Freewater AVA in the southern Walla Walla Valley. The well-established vineyard property will allow the winery to produce estate-focused wines.
Rockgarden Vineyard was planted in 2007 by Nina Buty with the assistance of viticulturalist Dr. Phil Freese. It is planted to Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marsanne and Roussanne. Mike Martin, owner of The Walls Vineyards, says he plans to add a half-acre block of Viognier for Syrah co-fermentation, as well as a white wine blend.
Renowned Consulting Winemaker Todd Alexander
Martin also announced they have added well-known winemaker Todd Alexander to the team as Consulting Winemaker.
Mike says, “The addition of an estate vineyard, and having Todd lead our winemaking and viticultural practices, gives us an opportunity to take everything to a whole new level and reward the tremendous support we have received from everyone from the start. It has always been our goal to craft wines with a distinct profile that are indicative of the place where they are grown. And owning our own estate vineyard is a huge step in this journey.”
Todd is one of a select few 100-point winemakers in Washington State, who began his career in the Napa Valley and for the past six vintages here in the Pacific Northwest with Force Majeure Vineyards, from estate fruit grown on Red Mountain.
More Vineyard Plantings Coming in 2021
In addition to the Rockgarden vineyard, The Walls also has 20 acres of unplanted Rocks District AVA land, that he will begin planting in 2021. The Walls Vineyard will also continue to produce the same selection of wines from ultra-premium Rocks District, Red Mountain/Yakima Valley and Columbia Gorge vineyards.
The Winery Team
Carrie Alexander brings a wealth of food, wine and hospitality experience as General Manager. Hope Nastri first joined The Walls as Enologist and has now been promoted to Assistant Winemaker. Bror Hanson is the new Membership Manager, Ivey Reynolds joined the team as Hospitality Manager and Roman Ferrer keeps everything working in the cellar as Cellar Master along with Tony Gonzalez as Cellar Worker.
Winery Facelift In Progress
In addition to the new estate vineyard the winery is undergoing a facelift. Walla Walla-based architect Alex DeMambro is working with The Walls to create an upscale outdoor visitor area and to make improvements to their current winemaking facility.