We are open by appointment only. Don't be shy - give us a call at (509) 240-2748 or email info@stellafino.com to schedule an appointment. Advanced appointments recommended.

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Our focus at Stella Fino is creating wines from Italian varietals that transparently express the fruit and the soil which bore it. We believe that truly great wine embodies a sense of place – which may be why the greats are named after location, not grape variety. Our winemaker has a back-to-basics approach that honors the old-world yet maintains modern cellar practices. Our wines are created expressly to be enjoyed with savory food and good company. Enjoy wines from our first release, our 2005 reds.

Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend, December 6th and 7th: We will be open at the winery from 10 AM to 6 PM on both days. Stop by to try our newest releases - including our new blend, "The Boot". This wine showcases two of Italy's most loved varietals - sangiovese and barbera - in one. We love this wine!

Recent Reviews:

Most Promising, Northwest Palate, November / December 2008: "Matt and Marlene Steiner's Stella Fino winery in Walla Walla focuses on Italian varietals. Standouts are the Stella Fino 2005 Sangiovese (Walla Walla Valley, $25) and the 2005 Barbera (Columbia Valley, $25.).

2005 Columbia Valley Barbera, Outstanding, WinePress NW Fall 2008: "This Milton-Freewater, Ore., winery is off to a fantastic start with this stellar Barbera. Owner/winemaker Matt Steiner is focused on making Italian-style wines in the Walla Walla Valley, honoring his great-grandmother, Stella Fino, who emigrated from Italy to New York in the early 1900's. This red takes advantage of grapes from Lonesome Spring Ranch near Benton City, Wash. It opens with stunning aromas of sweet oak, blackberries, kitchen spices and chocolate shavings, followed by flavors of big, bright fruit, cinnamon and coffee. Ripe fruit provides a round mouth feel that leads to a lengthy, pleasing finish." Read the full article here.

San Francisco Chronicle, July 31, 2008: Stella Fino gets a mention for the 2005 Walla Walla Valley Sangiovese. Check out the full article here.

Best Washington Sangioveses of 2008, Seattle Magazine: "Matt Steiner and his wife, Marlene, left their high-powered finance jobs in New York for Walla Walla Valley, where they bought 35 acres and are planting Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and other Italian varieties. The grapes come from Pepper Bridge Vineyard in Washington, just down the road from the Steiners’ winery on the Washington-Oregon border, and shows a deep red color, dark rich cherry fruit balanced by dusty minerality and acidity. Pairs with: Fresh pasta marinara with fresh basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese." Read the full article here.

2005 Barbera and 2005 Sangiovese: Recommended, Dr. Jay Miller, eRobertParker.com, Wine Advocate, July 2008

Northwest Palate, May/June 2008: 2005 Columbia Valley Barbera, Recommended: Mint and faint herb aromas are soft and require some teasing to emerge from the glass. Crisp on the tongue, pleasing flavors of tart cherries and underripe plums marry to undertones of sage and mint. At first taut and controlled, the wine opens with some time, allowing the subtle tannins to soften and the acidity to freshen the fruit. Serve with minestrone.

2005 Walla Walla Valley Sangiovese, Highly Recommended: Forward aromas of dried cherry, warm and dusty earth, and light toast are satisfying to sniff. On the palate bright and juicy cherry-centered flavors are complemented by notes of raspberry, tea leaf and baking spices. The fruit is perfectly framed by balanced acids and enough polished tannins to create a mouthwatering craving for repeated sips. The finish lingers long with plenty of fruitiness. Serve with paella.

San Francisco Chronicle, March 7, 2008:

"Stella Fino specializes in Italian varietals. This 100 percent Sangiovese is from Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Dusty earth surrounds the tart red fruit nose, while the moderately full-bodied palate offers similar flavors plus hints of sweet licorice and occasional tart notes. Very limited availability in Washington." Read the full article on domestic sangiovese here.

Current Releases: (Go to 'Order Wines' page to order)

2005 Walla Walla Valley Sangiovese, $25.00: This wine exemplifies our wine making philosophy - let the fruit express itself and the soil which bore it. This wine is full of darker fruit flavors that present themselves in a light elegant body that complement, not overpower, the food you enjoy with it. Crisp acidity highlights the palate. Pepper Bridge Vineyard, Walla Walla, WA, 67 cases

2005 Columbia Valley Barbera, $25.00: In a word, balance. This exceptional food wine is a classic doppleganger- one moment you are wrapped in it's ripe succulent fruit, the next you are knocked over by it's high level of acid. Yet, these two seemingly opposing identities dance with each other in a manner few grapes can achieve. Lonesome Spring Vineyard, Benton City, WA, 72 cases

2006 Walla Walla Valley Pinot Gris, $18.00 (SOLD OUT): A graceful mingling of honeyed apricots and bright citrus on the palate lead this wine down a crisp and delightfully zingy path. A great food wine that is also inherently quaffable on its own. Breezy Slope Vineyard, Milton-Freewater, OR, 28 cases produced.

2006 Columbia Valley Dry Orange Muscat, $18.00 (SOLD OUT): The first time we tasted this fruit in the vineyard, we knew we wanted to make a completely dry style. This unusual offering of a dry Orange Muscat exhibits appealing florals of radiant orange blossoms. The soft yet steely nature of this wine makes it an obvious and fantastic pairing for cheeses of all kinds. Lonesome Spring Vineyard, Benton City, WA. 14 cases produced.