Rio Vista means river view. That hasn’t changed.
How it started
It started with a dream and a stretch of sagebrush along the Columbia River. In 2001, John and Jan Little planted their first grapes. Their first commercial vintage followed in 2007, and for nearly 20 years Rio Vista has been a place where friends, families and wine club members pulled up a chair and stayed a while.
Handed on, on purpose
After nearly 20 years at the helm, John and Jan decided it was time to retire. Rather than let the story end, they’ve handed Rio Vista to people who have loved it for a long time: longtime wine club members who have been part of the family since the beginning. John and Jan are staying close as Founding Advisors, and both John Littles are mentoring the next generation of winemakers in the vineyard and the cellar.
What stays the same
- The Rio Vista name and the label art you know
- The wines, and the recipes behind them
- The wine club, with every member’s tier, preferences and seniority carried forward
- John and Jan, as Founding Advisors
- The river, and the view the name was built on
What’s new
Rio Vista is moving just down river, a few minutes closer to town and still on the Columbia. New vines are going into the ground, the winery is being built out and a new tasting room is on the way. We’ll share dates as soon as they’re firm.
Be part of it
The best way to follow along is through the wine club. Members hear first about every step: the planting, the build, the first releases of this new chapter and, when the time comes, the doors opening.
See you down river,
The Rio Vista Family