Walla Walla Wineries : Forgeron Cellars
Alright! Holiday Barrel Tasting is done and we are left to pick up the confetti and fake snow from the winery floor. As part of our escape into winter 2013, I am going to post some information on other Walla Walla Valley wineries that you might be interested in trying next time you are in town. Let’s start this foggy December morning off with one of Walla Walla’s long-standing favorites, Forgeron Cellars.
French winemaker Marie-Eve Gilla was so captivated by
Eastern Washington when she came as an intern in 1991,
that she chose to permanently part from her Parisian
home and pursue a career in viticulture in the American
northwest. Educated at the University of Dijon, Gilla
brings a welcome balance and reserve to the intense flavors
of grapes in this area. Tastings include products
from the famous Boushey vineyard in the Yakima Valley
and the Walldeaux Smithie, an excellent Bordeaux blend
that, as the tasting room employee will advise you, goes
beautifully with a Costco rotisserie chicken or some Papa
Murphy’s pizza. It is this blending of modesty and quality
and an artisan’s approach to winemaking that sets
Forgeron, meaning blacksmith, apart. In the tasting
room, be sure to check out the historic anvil, a symbol of
the space’s early use as a blacksmith shop. I’d visit
early—the staff is incredibly friendly and will guide you
to other worthwhile wineries.
Address: 33 W Birch Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone #: (509) 522.9463
Website: www.forgeroncellars.com
Tasting Fee: $5, refundable with purchase
(check)
Hours: Daily 11am-4pm
Varietals Available: Chardonnay,
Riesling, Marsanne, Roussanne,
Semillon, Syrah, Merlot, Petite Syrah,
Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel,
Cabernet Franc, red and white
blends
Best Feature: Friendly staff and a
French infusion. Take a bottle with
you to local restaurant Brasserie
Four to play up the cuisine francaise.
Comments
