Press

Launching a wine business is never a sure bet.

But for Ken and Kristin Reali, co-owners of Reali, a winery opening on the north end this week, a readiness for risk runs in the family.

In 1907, Ken’s great-grandfather, Utilio, immigrated to the United States from Tuscany. He settled in Chicago, where Ken grew up.

Like Utilio, Ken moved with his wife, Kristin, a speech language pathologist, and their three daughters, following opportunity — a result of his executive role in the medical device industry. Over the years, the family called Salt Lake City, Philadelphia, and Durham, North Carolina home.

REALI, a new estate winery rooted in Tuscan values and a commitment to Walla Walla Valley's renowned terroir, announced today the release of its inaugural wines and the opening of its tasting room and vineyard tasting terrace, located at 800 Vintners Vista Lane in Walla Walla. The tasting room will begin welcoming guests on Thursday, October 23. Tasting room appointments can be made online here. Founded by Ken and Kristin Reali, the estate reflects a multi-generational passion for wine, hospitality, and stewardship of the land, blending classic French grape varieties with Italian selections that pay homage to the family's heritage.

Reali Family Vineyard, a new project in Walla Walla Valley, has hired Serge Laville as the estate’s founding winemaker. Laville, one of Washington’s most decorated winemakers, will make Reali’s inaugural wines in 2024.

“We are absolutely thrilled, and we feel so fortunate to have Serge at Reali,” says Kristin Reali, co-founder of Reali Family Vineyard. “All of us together are going to make Reali Family Vineyard a really special space.”

Laville, 57, worked for 20 years as winemaker at Spring Valley Vineyard. During that time, he produced four Wine Spectator Top 100 wines. Laville will now have a chance to establish Reali from the ground up.

“This is, for me, a rare opportunity to do the last chapter of my winemaking career,” says Laville.

At Reali, wines honor an Italian heritage, guided by a renowned winemaker

REALI Brings Tuscan Heritage and Estate Farming to Walla Walla Valley

Serge Laville named winemaker at Reali Family Vineyard