A singular vineyard. A shared vision. A new expression of The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater.
WALLA WALLA, Wash. (March 23, 2026) — A new chapter in Washington wine begins with the debut of R|A Family Wines, a deeply personal project rooted in friendship, family legacy, and a long-term vision for estate-driven winemaking in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. Founded by award-winning winemaker Matt Reynvaan and entrepreneur Rob Andrews, R|A Family Wines is anchored by J. David Vineyard, a 9.5-acre estate planted in 2020 and built from the ground up with a singular focus: to craft world-class Syrah that reflects the distinct character of this storied region. The winery’s inaugural release, 2023 JDA Project Syrah, will be available beginning April 2026 in a limited production of just 400 cases.
“From the beginning, this was about building something intentional, something that reflects both the place and the people behind it,” said Matt Reynvaan. “J. David Vineyard is the guide. Every decision, from farming to élevage, is in service of expressing that site with clarity and precision.”
A Vineyard Built with Purpose
Located near Milton-Freewater within the Walla Walla Valley AVA, J. David Vineyard sits on a distinct pocket of The Rocks District, defined by ancient riverbed soils layered with
dense cobblestone. These stones retain and radiate heat, lending intensity, structure, and unmistakable minerality to the fruit.
Originally redeveloped in 2019 and replanted in 2020, the vineyard was designed with clonal diversity and precision farming practices tailored block by block. Syrah is interplanted with small amounts of Viognier, and each section contributes a unique dimension—from power and structure to elegance and purity—resulting in a wine that is both complex and site-driven.
The 2023 JDA Project Syrah reflects a winemaking philosophy grounded in restraint and guided by experience. Fermented with native yeast in small lots, incorporating partial whole cluster, and aged for 26 months in large-format neutral French oak, the wine is crafted to emphasize texture, balance, and aromatic complexity over overt oak influence. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the resulting wine is layered with blue fruit, minerality, white pepper, and savory notes, delivering both power and finesse.
“Washington Syrah has an opportunity to stand alongside the great regions of the world,” said Rob Andrews. “Our goal is to contribute something that feels both classic and distinctly of this place.”
R|A Family Wines is as much about legacy as it is about land. The name J. David Vineyard honors Rob Andrews’ father and his Midwestern farming roots, grounding the project in values of stewardship, hard work, and generational connection. The label itself—a subtle nod to blue painter’s tape used on early sample bottles—reflects the hands-on, from-the-ground-up nature of the project.
“This has been years in the making,” said Andrews. “It’s about family, long-standing relationships, and a shared belief in what this vineyard can become over time. We’re building something meant to last.”
The 2023 JDA Project Syrah will be released in April 2026 in limited quantities, priced at $95 per bottle. Private tastings are available by appointment at the Reynvaan tasting room in Walla Walla, with a dedicated tasting room for R|A Family Wines planned for the future.
About R|A Family Wines
R|A Family Wines is an estate-driven winery based in the Walla Walla Valley, founded by Matt Reynvaan and Rob and Janie Andrews. Rooted in a multigenerational friendship and a shared commitment to farming and craftsmanship, the project is centered on J. David Vineyard in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. With a focus on Syrah and a philosophy that prioritizes site expression, R|A Family Wines is dedicated to producing limited, world class wines that reflect both place and purpose. Learn more at https://rafamilywines.com/.
