Epic Wines
The Rocks District
We are the Rocks District Winegrowers; vintners and growers dedicated to crafting wines with a sense of PLACE. The tightly drawn boundary lines of this globally distinctive wine-growing region inform an authentic wine expression, predicated on only one soil series and one land form.
The Rocks District Winegrowers speak both independently, and as a collective voice, in an effort to promote The Rocks District; engaging wine industry agencies, media, professionals and the consumer to ensure accurate and timely representations of current conditions/practices as found within The Rocks District.
Global recognition for The Rocks District, as one of the world's premiere wine growing regions for Rhone wine grape varieties, is at the core of our collective vision for a sustainable future.
The Rocks District Story
The Rocks District is receiving international acclaim for its wines; particularly Syrah. The distinctive character of these wines is discernible, and global recognition is fueling the planting of new vineyards. Simply, this growing region has been recognized as one of the most distinctive in the world! What makes the future so exciting is that modern day wine grape farming within the AVA is only a couple decades old. The cultural context is supported by a rich, and diverse, agricultural tradition dating to the mid 1800s. Specialized farming practices have been developed to capture the savory/saline/umami wine qualities derived from these cobbled soils.
Nested within the Walla Walla Valley AVA, The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater resides entirely on the Oregon side of the Valley. This web site is designed to meaningfully engage the growth to come, while providing a primer for virtual, as well as feet-on-the-ground, visits to the Rocks District and Walla Walla Valley. Currently, the Rocks District Winegrowers are 29 members strong; producers and winegrowers. Most importantly, the Rocks District AVA is distinguished by singularly distinctive wine expressions...each worthy of discovery.
The Rocks District is the only AVA in the U.S. whose boundaries (96%) have been fixed by virtue of a single soil series (Freewater Series) and a single land form (alluvial fan).
338 planted wine-grape acres
144 acres in development
Top Varieties:
Final TTB approval of this new 5.9 square mile (3767 acre) AVA within Walla Walla Valley occured February 2015.
The most distinctive AVA in the United States….making some of the greatest wines in America.
— Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator.
This incredible terroir produces an exotic, perfumed, and textured style of wine that's one of the most unique - and identifiable – in the world
— Jeb Dunnuck
30 Wineries with 90+ point wines
39 Vineyards
100 Vertical feet of Subterranean rocks
District Winemakers
Richard Funk, Owner & Winemaker
"The winemaker's cycle repeats itself over and over, year after year. Always the same and always different…and the winemaker is always hopeful."– Richard Funk, Owner/Winemaker
Josh McDaniels, President& Director of Winemaking
He has been named a "Game Changer of Washington Wine" by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and is eagerly working alongside Drew and Maura Bledsoe to take Doubleback to new heights.
Andrew Brown, Winemaker
Long committed to sustainable farming practices, the Brown family has nurtured a deeply rooted passion for world-class wines from the diverse soils of its estate vineyards.
Brent Roberts
Brent's experience and dedication to promoting the wines of his native Northwest will continue to shape the exceptional quality found in every bottle bearing the Zerba Cellars label.
"Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle" -Paulo Coelho, Brida
Tom Glase, Winemaker
Tom Glase works closely with Tom Waliser to create wines that expertly express the unique character of Beresan's Estate Vineyards.
Casey McClellan, Founder and Winemaker
Casey has helped to champion the diversity of the Northwest's most renowned appellations and vineyards, and has earned a reputation as one of the region's most knowledgeable and respected winemakers.
Billo Naravane, Co-Owner & Winemaker
Unique, terroir-driven wines from the best vineyards in Eastern Oregon and Washington
Sean Boyd, Owner & Winemaker
Wine is personal with Sean, and as far as he's concerned, there's no right or wrong way to create or consume it. He just makes what he loves to drink—French-style Rhone blends.
Kurt Schlicker, Owner & Winemaker
The passion Kurt has for winemaking is abundantly evident in his enthusiasm chatting about our winery.
Marc Leahy, Winemaker
Marc has had the good fortune to work with hedonists, old-world craftsmen and craftswomen, academics and enological technicians,
Todd Alexander, Winemaker
Todd's passion lies in crafting terroir-driven wines through uncompromising, meticulous work in both the vineyard and winery.
Winemaker, Kevin Brown
Kevin Brown, the winemaker, holds the creative vision for Siren Song wines. He names each wine according to an adventure, journey, or delicious meal. He shares that story on the label of every bottle.
Marie-Eve Gilla, Winemaker
Marie-Eve is a nature lover, and enjoys exploring the vineyards to become intimate with her grapes, in order to shape wines that fully reflect the potential of each site and varietal.
A Proper Team
We love wine – particularly old world, earth-driven wines. We've long been fans of the Walla Walla appellation and the signature Rhone-style Syrahs being produced.
Brian Rudin, Winemaker
"There was a sense of excitement early on that our region was capable of producing world-class wines,"
Brad Binko, Winemaker
Brad now has 2 Walla Walla tasting rooms and has numerous 90+ point scores.
Winemaker, Deborah Hansen
Morgan Lee, Winemaker
Our winemaking style allows you to learn as much about the terroir as it does about us.
Ryan Raber, Winemaker
As his interest in wine grew he decided to pursue a career path that would eventually lead him to become the winemaker for Tertulia Cellars.
Steve Robertson, Vintner
Steve has a long history of building world-class teams in the development, exercise and manufacturing industry segments. He brings his strong entrepreneurial background and team-building experience to bear at Delmas and SJR Vineyard...leading the operational and business components of the estate.
Ali Mayfield, Co-Founder & Winemaker
Ali Mayfield is one passionate winemaker. This mom of three followed her dream from Indiana, through the halls of education, and into the cellars of many illustrious wineries.
Chris Dowsett, Winemaker
"I think about individual rows and blocks, and what makes them distinct, and I then I try to preserve those elements all through the process."
Louis Skinner, Winemaker
Start with the highest quality fruit you can, treat it vigorously when necessary, gently most of the time, and stay out of its way but watch it closely.
Ashley Trout, Owner/Winemaker
In search of the best ways to combine a love of wine making with a goal for community betterment.
Winespeed, Getting Unleashed!
Karen MacNeil, author of the bestselling Wine Bible has some choice words about Syrah from the Rocks District.
Hawk Wakawaka spends a week in the Rocks District of MIlton Freewater and shares her adventures in terroir.
Mike Veseth, editor of The Wine Economist takes a look at the Rocks District of Milton Freewater.
Walla Walla and The Rocks District are creating a collaborative buzz in the Pacific Northwest.