Go Old School in Frenchtown
L’ECOLE NO 41, WALLA WALLA
You know the schoolhouse that’s on the labels of L’Ecole No 41 wines? The winery is actually inside that schoolhouse, which was built in 1915 in historic Frenchtown just west of Walla Walla. In fact, l’ecole means “school” in French, and if you’re serious about Washington wine, a field trip there is pretty much mandatory.
Founded in 1983 by Jean and Baker Ferguson, L’Ecole is now run by Megan and Martin Clubb, the couple’s daughter and son-in-law. “I like to say I learned in the cellar with glass in hand,” jokes Martin, who holds degrees in chemical engineering and management. “But actually the winemaking part came pretty easily because of my background in chemistry.”
The academic theme is played up to great effect inside the tasting room—once fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade classrooms—where available wines are chalked on a blackboard. Visiting students line up at the slate-covered bar, eager to get schooled by the friendly staff as they sip through this Walla Walla Valley winery’s well-loved lineup. 41 Lowden School Rd, Lowden, 509-525-0940; lecole.com
BE SURE TO SIP Critics consistently give high marks to the Bordeaux-style red blends Perigee and Apogee and the refreshing blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc called Luminesce.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE Do not miss the chance to try wines at Rick Small’s renowned Woodward Canyon Winery just up the road. Remember, when visiting small wineries with a group of four or more, it’s best to call ahead and let them know you’re coming.
FIND IT
Updated August 31, 2010. This version corrects an error originally printed in the September 2010 issue. Martin, not Megan, Clubb was quoted; Martin holds degrees in chemical engineering and management.
Published: September 2010
Portteus…..YES!
You guys removed all the comments from the 100 Best Washington Wines article… why did you do that? But aren’t… you are in the kitchen serving up your processes and methodologies that your journalists use to create work presented in YOUR magazine…I realize it is hard to take criticism however comments provide objective feedback and questions that deserve to be aired…it is rather shortsided and dare I suggest ….cowardly…
Delete them here and they will just show up on another article, perhaps totally unreated to wine…
The 100 Best Washington wines is getting all of the debate over method but this article is the more puzzling of the two for me. There are lots of reasons why to visit a winery. Of course there is the opportunity to taste the wine but it is also the opportunities to experience the wine making process, to enjoy stellar views, to experience the terroir, to enjoy concerts large and small, to enjoy a romantic picnic, to experience events that become treasured memories.
I read the article twice but I am still confused about why some of these particular wineries were chosen. I think it would have been much more helpful to readers to hear suggestions specifically about the best place to picnic, to visit on a day trip, to experience crush, to do barrel tastings, to catch the best views, the most welcoming family wineries, the most family and dog friendly etc. Oh yeah, better not forget the wine, like the wineries that have special reserve or library tastings.
No one mentioned the Prosser Wine & Food Fair!! Coming up pretty soon in early August. SO MUCH FUN! With amazing wine from all the local vineyards in WA’s beautiful wine country. I went last year with friends and we are definitely trying to go again.
Check out the Pontin Del Roza vineyard too; they are now pretty much my standard I hold other wines to! Red or white you will love their creations… :)
Portteus has been my favorite for years, last visit every single bottle was over the top good. This lead to several cases being bought. I enjoyed the 2007 estate bottle of reserve red wine last night and am still thinking about the rich deep flavors…Delish!