Newest family-owned winery debuts with focus on Old World inspiration, responsible farming, and intimate hospitality
WALLA WALLA, Wash. (October 21, 2025) – REALI, a new estate winery rooted in Tuscan values and a commitment to Walla Walla Valley’s renowned terroir, announced today the release of its inaugural wines and the opening of its tasting room and vineyard tasting terrace, located at 800 Vintners Vista Lane in Walla Walla. The tasting room will begin welcoming guests on Thursday, October 23. Tasting room appointments can be made online here. Founded by Ken and Kristin Reali, the estate reflects a multi-generational passion for wine, hospitality, and stewardship of the land, blending classic French grape varieties with Italian selections that pay homage to the family’s heritage.
Planted in 2023, the Reali Family Vineyard spans more than 15 acres in the northern Walla Walla Valley AVA, at elevations above 950 feet. The site is planted to eight varieties—including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Vermentino—chosen for both regional excellence and cultural roots. The first estate harvest arrived in 2025, marking the beginning of the family’s vineyard-to-bottle journey.
“Our vision has always been to build something long lasting through the development of a vineyard that maximizes the full potential of the land and a brand and business that is sustainable —an estate rooted in tradition, stewardship, and hospitality,” said Ken Reali, co-founder. “By pairing the best of Washington’s terroir with the values of our Tuscan heritage, we are proud to share wines that are authentic, transparent, and meant to be enjoyed with food, family, and friends.”
For Ken and Kristin, REALI represents both a tribute to their Tuscan ancestry and an investment in Walla Walla’s vibrant wine community. Ken, who holds Italian citizenship and serves on the Board of the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), views the estate as a bridge between two cultures. Responsible practices and respect for the land are central to the family’s daily work, as they live onsite and walk the rows each day. The Reali family embraces a minimal-intervention, terroir-first winemaking philosophy.
Guiding this effort is founding winemaker Serge Laville, who brings more than 20 years of experience in Walla Walla, including two decades as head winemaker at Spring Valley Vineyard, where his wines earned multiple placements on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list. Laville’s approach is minimalist, relying on neutral vessels such as concrete egg, amphora, stainless steel, acacia, and French oak to frame wines of balance, complexity, and structure.
“I am convinced that the purest and most natural approach to winemaking brings more terroir into the glass,” said Laville. “At REALI, our goal is to honor what the land gives us and to let the vineyard lead the way. We craft wines of character, authenticity, and longevity, with a style that is both Old World-inspired and distinctly Walla Walla.”
REALI’s tasting room will reflect the family’s Tuscan roots—welcoming, generous, and centered around shared pleasures. Guests can enjoy intimate tastings on the vineyard terrace providing sweeping views of the Walla Walla Valley and a curated picnic prepared by Eritage Resort’s Chef Arturo Tello Jr. Experiences include Piccoli Morsi (small bites) curated by Chef Tim Gratzer of Fat Duck Inn, featuring seasonal pairings such as Parmesan polenta bites with Cabernet Sauvignon and salami-olive skewers with Grenache. Olive oil tastings from a family producer in the Reali’s hometown in Tuscany further connect the REALI story to its Italian heritage.
“Our approach to hospitality is deeply personal,” said Kristin Reali, co-founder. “When guests visit, we want them to experience and celebrate life’s piccoli piaceri—small pleasures—and the beauty of sharing wine and food together. Ultimately, this is about legacy—carrying forward the traditions of our family while contributing to the extraordinary story of Walla Walla Valley wine.”
The inaugural portfolio features thoughtfully sourced single-vineyard wines from trusted Washington partners, with the long-term goal of moving toward 80% estate production as the vineyard matures. New releases include:
2024 Cabernet Franc Rosé (Pollard Vineyard, Rattlesnake Hills) – Our 2024 Cabernet Franc Rosé presents a fresh and expressive take on this site-driven variety. Sourced from Pollard Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills, the wine embodies the Reali family’s shared commitment to responsible farming practices. Serge’s long-standing connection to this ten-acre site—known for its volcanic soils and meticulous vineyard practices—made it a natural partner as we build toward an estate-driven future. $35
2024 Sauvignon Blanc (Smith-Cerne Vineyard, Columbia Gorge) – This 100% Sauvignon Blanc comes from a remarkable site in Oregon’s Columbia Gorge, home to vines planted in 1976. Introduced by Vineyard Manager, Nick Mackay, the Smith-Cerne Vineyard is farmed by Results Partners and known for producing expressive, site-driven fruit. $45
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon (Phinny Hill Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills) – Harvested at lower brix to support freshness and fruit purity, the wine is led by vibrant notes of cherry, blackberry, and dried herbs. Aged 19 months in a mix of 40% new 225L barrels, 60% neutral barrels, it offers both structure and elegance, with fine tannins and a polished mouthfeel. A small addition of Grenache (15%) adds aromatic lift and suppleness. $65
2023 Grenache (Walla Walla Valley) – This marks Reali’s first release from the Walla Walla Valley, the home and the heart of their winemaking vision. As they prepare for the release of our future estate-grown wines, this bottling offers an early glimpse into the region we’re proud to champion. Sourced from a blend of Walla Walla vineyards rooted in fractured basalt and rocky soils, the wine highlights the earthy depth and vibrant character that define our region. Elegant, with earthy notes, fig, and minerality; soft tannins lead to an elegant finish. $65
2023 Grenache (Walla Walla Valley) – This marks Reali’s first release from the Walla Walla Valley, the home and the heart of their winemaking vision. As they prepare for the release of our future estate-grown wines, this bottling offers an early glimpse into the region we’re proud to champion. Sourced from a blend of Walla Walla vineyards rooted in fractured basalt and rocky soils, the wine highlights the earthy depth and vibrant character that define our region. Elegant, with earthy notes, fig, and minerality; soft tannins lead to an elegant finish. $6
For more information or to schedule a visit, please see www.realifamilyvineyard.com.
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