Syncline & COR Fire Relief

Let’s raise a glass to these incredible folks and help them get back on their feet.

The Burdoin Fire, which started on July 18 on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge, burned more than 11,000 acres and destroyed over 100 structures. Among those affected are some of our favorite Gorge producers — James & Poppy of Syncline and Luke & Meg of COR Cellars — as well as neighbors like Baro Cellars and Domaine Pouillon.

Syncline has reported vineyard damage, while others lost buildings, equipment, and inventory. Baro, who isn’t distributed in WA yet, suffered a total loss of their winery. Everyone is still assessing the damage to tasting rooms and production spaces, but one thing is clear: for small, family-run wineries, being closed during peak season is incredibly tough.

Every bottle purchased, every glass poured, helps. Whether it’s a gift card, a case for your cellar, or a single bottle shared with a friend, these small gestures make a big difference.

As we celebrate WA Wine Month this August, we’re putting the spotlight on COR and Syncline to support them however we can. Even if the vines have burned, the spirit of these winemakers hasn’t — and we’re proud to stand with them.

We’ll also be donating a portion of proceeds from all COR and Syncline sales (retail and by-the-glass) to the Lyle Fire Department, where James from Syncline serves as a volunteer firefighter. He and many other volunteers were on the front lines of the Burdoin Fire, saving homes, wineries, and lives. If you’d like to do more, you can donate directly to the Lyle FD here.

COR CELLARS

Nestled in Lyle, Washington, right inside the dramatic Columbia Gorge, COR Cellars crafts wines that balance character with clarity. Founded in 2004 by Luke Bradford—and later joined by Meg Gilbert—the winery reflects their passion for agriculture, art, and place. Expect expressive reds like Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside unique whites like Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Washington’s only Friulano. COR has a little estate vineyard damage, but mostly pervasive smoke damage as well as fire damage to mechanical systems on the estate vineyard. Fortunately, much of COR fruit does not come from their estate and so far the non-estate fruit has escaped fire and/or smoke damage. However, COR’s ability to have their tasting room open the remainder of the summer is in question and is the primary source of revenue for the winery.

SYNCLINE

Founded in 1999 by James and Poppie Mantone in Lyle, Washington, Syncline crafts expressive, limited-production wines that reflect the dramatic terroir of the Columbia Gorge. Named after the striking columnar basalt feature known as Coyote Wall, the estate’s vineyards are farmed biodynamically with a light touch. Thoughtfully made Rhône-style wines—from Syrah and Grenache to rarer varietals—are the result of sustainable vineyards, low yields, and wild yeast fermentations. Syncline’s commitment to craftsmanship and the land shines through in every bottle.