Washington is the second largest wine-producing state in the country and can trace its earliest winemaking roots to 1860 when German and Italian immigrants planted grapes here. Fast forward to more recent times, the modern wine industry really started in the 1950s and has certainly ramped up speed since its inception.
The Walla Walla Valley is in Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon. The name Walla Walla derives from the indigenous peoples’ description meaning “many waters,” because of the rivers and aquifers located here. It was also a busy crossroads for native peoples, Oregon Trail pioneers, and French fur trappers because it provided an oasis in the middle of the vast sagebrush desert.
Columbia Valley is the state’s largest wine-producing region and Walla Walla Valley is probably its best-known subregion for quality, boutique style, and well-made wines. It is divided into distinct districts including the Westside Wine District, the Airport District, the far Eastside District including the Mill Creek growing area, and the Southside District where most of the wineries are located. Downtown Walla Walla is a great destination as well because there are over 30 wine tasting rooms that you can walk from one to the other and stop for a snack, meal, or a little shopping therapy along the way. Definitely put it on your travel list but if you can’t make it out there right now, here are seven great Walla Walla wines you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
2020 L'Ecole Feguson Estate Walla Walla Valley
WE 93
With a flavor profile distinctly influenced by its volcanic basalt soil, Ferguson is a richly structured and energetic wine offering complex, mineral-laced aromas of cassis, blackberries, fragrant violet, tobacco, and sandalwood. Layers of dark fruit and espresso are framed by expressive tannins integrated with crushed rocks and graphite on the palate. Intense, racy, and structured, Ferguson’s pronounced natural acidity carries through to a compelling and enduring finish.
About L'Ecole No. 41 Winery
Founded in 1983 by Baker and Jean Ferguson, L’Ecole 41 is one of Washington’s oldest family-owned and family-run wineries. Their daughter Megan and her husband winemaker Marty Clubb joined the family business in 1989 and have been active in local wine associations as well as statewide Washington Wine Institute. Their estate red is a Bordeaux-style blend and has aromas of red raspberry, tobacco leaf, black currant, and plum with soft rounded tannins and flavors of crushed violet petals, blueberry, mocha, and cinnamon.