Saviah Cellars

Saviah Cellars celebrates tradition. Perhaps that is why an old wine press rests in its tasting room/winery located just south of Walla Walla. Reflecting winery owners Richard and Anita Funk’s roots in Montana, the wines have names that pay tribute to their heritage: a white wine called “Star Meadows” is the location of the original family homestead; its “Une Vallée” red wine derives its name from their current family homestead; and its “Big Sky” cuvée gets its name from … well, you guessed it, Montana’s official nickname. The Funks also produce a delicious blend of Columbia Valley merlot and cabernet sauvignon that they have dubbed “The Jack,” named in honor of Anita’s grandfather. The Saviah name itself comes from Anita’s side of the family — it was her grandmother’s middle name.

Richard and Anita moved from Montana in 1991 and, armed with a background in environmental science, Richard focused on water-quality programs. His work with the Walla Walla Health Department brought him in close contact with many of the local winemakers. He also found time to get his fingernails dirty by analyzing the soil around the valley. It wasn’t long before the artistic side of winemaking captured his scientific mind. In 2000, his father and mother, Mike and Kay Funk, joined forces with Richard and Anita and launched Saviah Cellars.

With all winemaking, you have the rhythm of cycles, from harvest through crush, fermenting, and bottling. States Richard, “The winemaker's cycle repeats itself over and over, year after year. Always the same and always different ... and the winemaker is always hopeful." It’s all about appreciating these cycles and understanding your role in them, whether it is making premium wine or keeping the family legacy alive. Saviah Cellars excels at both, and when you sample its “Une Vallée” red, you will come to understand that a lot more than chemistry and microbiology goes into creating this wine. It’s a fusion of traditional values and good science.

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  Order the book!

  Saviah Cellars was featured in WineTrails of Walla Walla as part of the Walla Walla WineTrail South on page 512!

• 

  Order the book!

  Saviah Cellars was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Walla Walla WineTrail South on page 512!