Marshal's Winery

Just past The Dalles Bridge on Highway 14, watch for the signs that lead you to Marshal’s Winery. As you wind your way up to Marshal’s, check out the rock formations jutting out; with a little imagination, you might see a stone face on one.

Ron Johnson, known as “RonJohn,” named the winery after his son Marshal upon its launch in 2001. RonJohn is what you call a “vigneron,” meaning that he produces wines from bud to bottle, and he has the good fortune of owning a south-facing vineyard to help him in that task. A visit to this “mom and pop” winery (as RonJohn calls it) becomes a truly memorable experience if you are lucky enough to visit with Ron. With his engaging smile and dulcet voice, RonJohn, accompanied by his dog, leads you on a tour of the production area. Please note the wine-stained walls near the fermentation tanks. RonJohn was there when the tank exploded and still has the grape-shrapnel-stained shirt to prove it. If you are there during crush, be prepared to hit the ground.

RonJohn’s diminutive wife, Lilie, originally from the Philippines, manages the tasting room. She has brought with her rich cultural traditions, including the hosting of big parties where a farm animal of some type ends up on the barbeque. Such is the case when they host and roast at the annual “Swine and Wine” event in the summer. With live music playing in the background, a glass of Marshal’s wine in hand, and barbequed pork on your plate, you have the makings of a memorable day. On Thanksgiving, 13 turkeys are barbequed, giving visitors an opportunity to discover which wine pairs best with this delectable bird.

RonJohn makes some of the more traditional wines, such as riesling, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc. He also makes a red table wine blend called “Stone Face Red,” named for those unusual rock formations you saw driving in. However, RonJohn is also known for other, more remarkable creations, including a “hot tub wine” called “Black Homberg,” made from 100-year-old vines and very appealing to those with a sweet tooth; “Sweet Anna Marie,” a port-like wine made without brandy, resulting in a restrained alcohol level of 13.5 percent; and an Italian barbera. As you sample Marshal’s wines, check out the lantern-adorned labels on its bottles. Created by RonJohn, the lantern drawing includes the words “Put a little light in your life.” RonJohn and family live by those words every day.

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  Marshal's Winery was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Columbia River Gorge WineTrail on page 182!