Proprietors Christie and Dick Reed met in Chicago in 1977 while both were independent floor traders at the Chicago Board Options Exchange. A chance introduction to Master of Wine John Salvi, and subsequent visit to Bordeaux fired Christie's first interest in the world of fine wine. 

Additionally, Chicago became the wine auction capital of the United States in the 1980s, and there were many educational opportunities and notable wine luminaries in the area. The Reeds did a lot of exploring in the exploding California wine regions at this time.

The hubbub of the big city proved unappealing to the Reeds after their three children were born in the 1980s.  They settled on Hood River as an ideal place to raise the family and they picked up and moved to Oregon in 1992. 

The quality grapes of Wy’East Vineyard lured the Reeds into the wine business in 1996.  In 2001, the Reeds entered a partnership with Mt. Hood Winery, where they gained experience with the production and marketing of wine.  This was the platform from which they began their own winery.  Now they have over 20 acres of pinot noir, pinot gris and chardonnay under cultivation.

Christie and Dick Reed live amongst the vines and handle all aspects of the business from choosing new grape varieties, site selection, production, tasting room, wholesale marketing and special events at both the tasting room and the vineyard.

Alexis Pouillon, winemaker for Wy’East Vineyards, graduated from Cal Polytechnic institute with a degree in soil science and viticulture.  He apprenticed in Europe and brings lots of knowledge transforming quality grapes into splendid wines. He and his wife Juliette live in Lyle, Washington and have their own winery, Domaine Pierre Noir, specializing in Rhone-style wines.

The Reed’s  goal is to produce high quality wines, manage a sustainable business, contribute to the economic vitality of the Columbia Gorge and still have some fun!