Experience The Rocks

“A Sense of Place with Every Sip”
– Richard Funk,
Winegrower & Winemaker

The Rocks District AVA is indisputably the most distinctive terroir in the country.  From vineyards planted on an ancient riverbed, with cobblestone rocks at a depth of up to 200 feet, the fruit grown in this area is highly regarded for producing world-class wines with a sense of place.

Although we make many wines from The Rocks District, we craft one special wine, THE FUNK Estate Syrah, exclusively for members of our Rocks District Allocation. This wine has garnered impressive critical acclaim since its earliest vintages and the wait list continues to grow.

The allocation is currently full. Sign up for the Wait List!

What’s so special about THE FUNK?

The Vineyard.

Planted in 2007, Funk Estate Vineyard, located on the apex of the alluvial fan that makes up The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, is distinguished by alluvial soils, consisting of basalt pebbles, cobbles and boulders washed from the Blue Mountains.

This very special site contains everything necessary to grow vineyard-designate wines with a strong sense of place: cobbly soils, ideal elevation, gentle sloping aspect, precision water control, meticulous canopy management, and a warm, but not too hot macroclimate.

Funk Estate Vineyard is certified LIVE and Salmon Safe. LIVE certification assures that this wine was crafted with the most advanced standards for sustainable grape growing and winemaking.

The Fruit.

Syrah is a very impressionable grape – greatly impacted by the terroir in which it is planted, and Syrah from The Rocks delivers sense of place like no other. Year after year this fruit delivers remarkably consistent wine.  Dark and brooding without being heavy, this savory Syrah stands out in a crowd. Meaty and earthy flavors are followed by a rush of dark black fruit with a finish that goes on for miles. Co-fermented with a touch of Viognier, you’ll notice a subtle floral note weaved throughout the nose and palate. And then there’s the mouthfeel – like liquid silk rolling over the tongue. The texture of this wine is delightful and intriguing.

The Name.

We know you love it. (We love it, too.) It just so happens that Syrah from The Rocks is rich and funky. Some things are just meant to be, and Winemaker Richard Funk is right at home making this wine THE FUNK Estate Syrah.

The Wait.

Good things come to those who wait! Our yearly invitation process begins each November. Based on your status on the Wait List, you ’ll receive an email invitation to join as openings become available. Once a Rocks District member, you will receive a yearly allocation of THE FUNK Estate Syrah.

The Rocks District Allocation

  • Receive an allocation of 6 or 12 bottles of THE FUNK Estate Syrah
  • Released once per year in February
  • Complimentary shipping or winery pick up
  • Saviah Cellars Wine Club Members will receive their applicable wine club discount on The Rocks District Allocation.
  • Allocation members enjoy first access to additional select small production Estate wines from The Rocks District AVA.

Join the Wait List