The Reininger Way
"A glass of wine is like climbing, because it’s all about the journey— summiting is just the cherry on top."
—Chuck Reininger
A Natural Progression
Every grape that grows in this valley tells a story of the massive forces that shaped our land thousands of years ago. Every barrel aging in our cellar is infused with these forces, as well as the spirit of Walla Walla—a spirit that has shaped our families for six generations.
The Reininger story begins with Chuck’s early exposure to the great outdoors, sparking a deep connection to the natural world and a passion for adventuring among the elements of Earth. He loved the journey to the summit, the camaraderie, the thrill of discovery, the underlying connection always being the land itself. After spending years as a mountaineering guide on Mt. Rainer, Chuck developed a unique intuition about the environment that made him thirsty to find a new way to “bring the outside in.”
After deciding a brewery wasn’t the right avenue, Chuck began experimenting with home winemaking and advancing his wine education with courses at UC Davis. He officially caught the “wine bug” when he literally got his feet wet crushing grapes for long-time friends at renowned Waterbrook Winery. Sharing the bounty of nature and the excitement of crush solidified a desire to become a part of the winemaking world, in a place where Chuck recognized amazing potential.
“I wasn’t a student of wine, I fell in love with where the wines come from.”
- Chuck
After following Tracy—now Chuck’s wife—to Walla Walla, they launched their dream of owning a premier winery in the promising Walla Walla Valley AVA. They ran Reininger Winery together for five years, successfully growing the business as team of two before joining forces with Tracy’s brothers and parents, fourth and fifth generation wheat farmers in Washington and Oregon.
The Present Day
Today, Chuck attributes his winemaking philosophy to those early adventures.
A patient palate and a trust in the terroir have ensured that every glass poured is perfectly representative of where it came from. It is this dedication that has made Reininger one of Washington’s top wineries.
People OF REININGER
Chuck Reininger
Founder and Winemaker
A Bellevue, Washington native, Chuck and his wife Tracy Tucker founded Reininger Winery in Walla Walla in 1997. Prior to becoming a winemaker, Chuck worked as a professional mountain guide and climber. Chuck graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a B.A. in Business and Marketing. Chuck oversees winemaking for the wineries’ three brands: REININGER, CPR, and Helix.
Kelly Tucker
Partner and General Manager
A fifth generation farmer, Kelly was raised in Walla Walla, Washington and began working on the family wheat farm at age 12. Kelly went on to earn a Masters in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University. For fifteen years, Kelly worked as General Manager of Hogue Ranches, including seven years as Treasurer of The Hogue Cellars, in Prosser, WA. Kelly and his brother, Jay, joined REININGER in 2003 and co-founded the Helix brand with their sister, Tracy Tucker, and brother-in-law, Chuck Reininger.
Jay Tucker
Partner and Operations Manager
A fifth generation farmer, Jay was raised in Walla Walla, Washington and began working in agriculture at an early age. For eighteen years, Jay operated a 4,000 acre Tucker family wheat farm near Helix, Oregon. Prior to that, he attended the University of Idaho, and received an AA degree from Walla Walla Community College. Jay oversees the Walla Walla and Spokane Tasting Rooms and general operations at the winery. Jay and his brother, Kelly, joined REININGER in 2003 and co-founded the Helix brand with their sister, Tracy Tucker, and brother-in-law, Chuck Reininger.
Ronnie & Terry Tucker
Partners
With lifetime careers in dry land wheat farming as owners and operators near Pendleton and Helix, Oregon and Clyde, Washington, Terry and Ronnie Tucker have been actively involved in the Washington wine industry since 1989, when they joined with a local group of investors to create Canoe Ridge Vineyards. Terry subsequently served as President of the Canoe Ridge Board. They were also early partners in Forgeron Cellars in Walla Walla. Terry and Ronnie joined REININGER and Helix in 2003. Although they no longer participate in day-to-day operations, their contributions in the Valley's wine industry are far-reaching.
Ann Tucker
Marketing & Sales
Ann began working in the Washington State Wine Industry in 1987 as a marketing associate for The Hogue Cellars. In 1995, she transitioned to the non-profit sector in fundraising with a focus on wine auctions. After a few years working in interior design, she and her husband Kelly joined REININGER in 2003 and co-founded the Helix brand with the Tuckers and Reiningers. Born and raised in Walla Walla, Ann initially worked in distribution then expanded her focus to marketing, eCommerce and Direct to Consumer sales. Ann graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Fine Arts.
Raul Morfin
Assistant Winemaker
Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Raul started with us before he even liked wine when he was only 19 years old. He drove past Ash Hollow Vineyard, where we were planting vines and pulled over to ask if we needed help. Once harvest hit, Raul bounced back and forth between helping us out at the airport with harvest and our neighbors, Tamarack Cellars, before working for us full-time. In 2002, Raul became our Assistant Winemaker. During his tenure with us, Raul helped found and produce the wines for El Corazon Winery for 14 years.
Jeff Cox
National Sales Manager
Jeff's 40-year career in wine has included work in all aspects of the industry, ranging from delivery driver to warehouse manager, distribution, as well as a stint selling luxury wine to Beverly Hills glitterati. He was named Washington’s Retail Wine Steward of the Year in 2017 and is a frequent judging panelist for several northwest wine competitions. His emphasis on independent, family-owned producers, responsible farming practices, and wines with an authentic sense of terroir makes him the perfect representative of the Reininger Tucker Wines portfolio.
Hannah Hagler
Walla Walla Tasting Room Lead
Hannah, a Columbia Valley native, recently graduated from Whitman College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Astronomy. Growing up in this region with a strong foundation in science, she has found great enjoyment in the wine industry, as there is always something fresh to discover about winemaking and the geological significance of the Walla Walla Valley. In her role as Tasting Room Lead, Hannah focuses on hospitality and education, building connections with each visitor and ensuring everyone leaves with new knowledge from their experience.