Review: Reininger Winery
Reininger Winery is located about 6 miles west of Walla Walla on Highway 12. This winery is housed in two former potato sheds, which were renovated into a nice facility with a comfortable tasting room.
On the Monday I visited in early April, the new tasting room was nearly finished, providing a much larger expanse with beautiful pine flooring reclaimed from the old potatoe sheds. This new addition, which will offer a view of acres of wheat fields, will serve as a nice spot to try Reininger wines, including those under their other label, Helix. The tasting room features some interesting artwork, which complements the minimalist approach taken (no gift shop here, at least at the time of my visit).
To my dismay, Reininger has chosen to charge $5 for tastings. However, the fee is refunded with any purchase.
They poured 9 different red wines on the day I visited, with the Reininger brand featuring grapes from Walla Walla Valley vineyards and the Helix label comprised of fruit from other WA appelations. This offers folks an opportunity to taste a Walla Walla Valley varietal such as merlot against its counterpart from the Columbia Valley.
Brooke, the person working the tasting room, was very friendly and knowledgeable. In fact, on this day visiting four wineries in the area, Brooke was the most energized and enthusiastic. Her approach to going beyond the bottle, provided a nice connection to Reininger Winery.
No crackers or food; only water available with a spit bucket. Also, no tour or meet the winemaker offered on this day, but plenty of good information provided by Brooke.
For those seeking a convenient "boutique" winery experience right off the Highway 12 west of Walla Walla, Reininger is clearly worth a visit. In fact, it's a nice respite from the larger wineries along the same road.
Again, I am dismayed they charge for tastings, considering there are many other boutique wineries who offer complimentary pours. Regardless, I look forward to returning when their new tasting room and patio are open for visitors.
