SYNCLINE WINERY

Columbia Valley, Washington

Syncline Wine Cellars is located along the Columbia River in southern Washington State. The location, in the eastern Columbia River Gorge is unique place for growing wine grapes. The estate vineyard, Steep Creek Ranch, is located on a southern slope, on the very eastern edge of the new Columbia Gorge AVA. Directly west of the vineyard and winery is a series of 300-foot cliffs rising up into the surrounding mountains straight out of the Columbia River. Locally known as the “Coyote Wall Syncline” and to geologists as the “Bingen Syncline,” this dramatic feature gives the winery its name. It is at this point that the rainy western Columbia Gorge transitions to the semi-arid eastern Gorge.

Poppie and James met during the harvest of 1997 while working together in the cellar at a custom crush house, LaVelle Vineyards (Willamette Valley, Oregon). Shortly after, they had fallen madly in love, married and began plans for a new endeavor: a winery of their own.

Four years later they relocated their home to the Columbia Gorge; where passion for Rhône wines led them to explore the emerging potential of vineyards in the Columbia Valley, Washington.

Inspired by early efforts of Rhone and Burgundy varietals sampled from Washington wineries, Syncline’s first vintage in 1999, consisted of 76 cases of Celilo Vineyards Pinot Noir from vines planted in 1973. The next year, production was increased to include Columbia Valley Syrah and Grenache. At the same time they began working with vineyards to plant Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan.

They have kept production under 6,000 cases annually to ensure intimacy with each barrel and every vine.

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