Wines Of The Gorge

syncline (‘sin-klin) a trough of stratified rock in which the beds dip toward each other from either side.

Syncline Winery and Estate Vineyards are located in Lyle along the Columbia Gorge AVA’s eastern edge in southern Washington State. 

Directly west of the vineyards and winery is a massive 2,100-foot formation of columnar basalt cliffs rising into the surrounding Cascade mountain range out of the Columbia River. Locally known as the “Coyote Wall Syncline”, it is one of the Gorge’s most recognizable features from all directions.

This dramatic feature gives the winery its name. It is at this point that the rainy western Gorge transitions to the semi-arid eastern Washington desert.

Poppie and James met during the harvest of 1997 while working together in the cellar in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, where James had been winemaking since 1994. Shortly after, they fell madly in love and began plans for a new endeavor: a vineyard of their own.

Lured by the majestic wildness of the mountains and whitewater rivers, they relocated their home to the Columbia River Gorge. Their passion for Rhône and sparkling wines led them to explore the emerging potential of vineyards in Washington State.

Inspired by the early efforts of Rhône and Burgundy-style wines sampled from Washington vineyards, Syncline’s first vintage in 1999 consisted of 76 cases of Celilo Vineyard Pinot Noir from vines planted in 1973. They were part of the small group that founded the Columbia Gorge AVA in 2004.

They have built a strong reputation as a creative, limited- production, autonomous estate winery with a vision of creating world-class wines while maintaining biodynamic estate vineyards, green building practices, and innovative wine growing.

​With 19 acres of estate vineyards in the Columbia Gorge and winegrower partners in Red Mt, Yakima, and Horse Heaven Hills, production is kept under 5,000 cases annually to ensure intimacy with each barrel and vine.
 
Join them for tasting and bottle service in the gardens.
Walk-ins welcome!
Open Friday through Sunday, 12 – 5 pm
111 Balch Road, Lyle, Washington 98635
[email protected]
509.365.4361