Fort Walla Walla Cellars

Owners Jim Moyer and Cliff Kontos appreciate tradition. As Walla Walla natives, they know a thing or two about the area’s history and, in particular, it’s grape-growing past, which goes as far back as the mid-1800s, when the early settlers in the area planted vines for wine production. Many of these pioneers emigrated from France and Italy, where winemaking is a centuries-old tradition handed down from one generation to the next. So in 1998, when Jim and Cliff began making wine together, they thought it would be fitting to name their winery to honor the past. They christened their new venture “Fort Walla Walla Cellars,” paying homage to the landmark that helped establish Walla Walla.

According to the Fort Walla Walla Cellars website, a man by the name of Frank Orselli, who was stationed at the original Fort Walla Walla, opened what many historians agree was the area’s first commercial winery. It produced approximately 1,000 cases of wine annually. Clearly, the Italian settlers needed some vino rosso to pair with vine-ripened tomatoes, onions and other delectables reminiscent of home!

Study Fort Walla Walla Cellars’ wine labels and you’ll see an illustration of Fort Walla Walla itself. The labels even have that “aged look,” as if the bottles they adorn have been kept all this time in Orselli’s own wine cellar. With Jim and Cliff’s penchant for history, it’s not surprising that they stick to a traditional winemaking style, using tried-and-true techniques passed down from generations of winemakers. Using these methods, they produce approximately 2,000 cases per year.

Located in the heart of downtown Walla Walla, the winery’s fort-like red brick tasting room enjoys a steady stream of visitors. WineTrail enthusiasts will have an opportunity to swirl and taste premium cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, and, my personal favorite, their award-winning Bordeaux blend “Treaty.” Even with a dozen visitors milling about, the amiable tasting room manager, Terry Farley, finds time to pour, chat, and work the cash register with ease. Rarely do we see tasting room staff serving up second helpings, but at Fort Walla Walla Cellars, a second taste is commonly offered to guests. Yes, there is a spittoon on the wine bar, but Fort Walla Walla wines are too luscious to be wasted in a spittoon.

• 

  Order the book!

  Fort Walla Walla Cellars was featured in WineTrails of Walla Walla as part of the Walla Walla Downtown WineTrail on page 438!

• 

  Order the book!

  Fort Walla Walla Cellars was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Walla Walla Downtown WineTrail on page 438!