Washington Wines made in Walla Walla.
What’s Happening
Come join us for a tasting!
Our Walla Walla and Woodinville tasting rooms are open for business BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call ahead of your visit to make sure that we are available and have a space sanitized and ready for you and up to 5 additional guests.
Please note that while indoor wine tasting is allowed at our Woodinville location only (due to current Washington State regulations), that all tastings will be conducted outdoors, unless specifically confirmed by our staff. Each outdoor table is covered and has its own propane heater.
A polite reminder that per Washington State mandates, masks will be required in public spaces. Please come prepared wearing a mask until we have you seated in your private tasting zone.
Walla Walla Hours: Open by appointment ONLY. Call 509.522.9463 to book your visit.
Woodinville Hours: Open by appointment ONLY. Call 425.242.8872 to book your visit.Interested in curbside pick-up or purchase? Stop by anytime, Thursday through Monday from 12-6pm!
Follow along on social media @forgeroncellars and @ForgeronWines to learn more about daily deals, new releases, and more!
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Wines
The Forgeron winemaking philosophy remains unchanged since 2001 when our founding winemaker opened Forgeron Cellars in Walla Walla. The principles learned in Burgundy, continue to apply. We uncover the best vineyard sites for our favorite varietals grown in the AVAs of the Columbia Valley, then gently guide the winemaking process to deliver wines that fully express the beauty, complexity, and age-worthiness the region has to offer.
Events
Our full production winery and tasting room is located right downtown Walla Walla, walking distance from historic Main Street's fine restaurants, shops, hotels, and tasting rooms. For those who can't make it to Walla Walla Wine Country, our Woodinville Tasting Room and Event Space offers convenient access to our wine club and tasting room only Forgeron Selections.
Our Story
We work to uncover the best vineyard sites for varietals grown in the AVAs of the Columbia Valley, then gently guide the winemaking process to deliver wines that express the beauty, complexity, and age-worthiness the region has to offer.
Vineyards
Washington shares the long hours of sunlight and continental climate of many great wine growing regions of the world. Forgeron is proud to work with exceptional vineyard partners, from across Columbia Valley in Eastern Washington, who are focused on sustainability and align with our philosophy on pruning, use of technology, and harvesting technique.
Walla Walla Valley
5 Acres Sourced
Bridging both Washington and Oregon, the Walla Walla Valley AVA ranges from 400 to 2000 feet in elevation, and receives between seven and 22 inches of rainfall depending on the area of the valley. This area is a regional agricultural hub that abounds with crisp apples, juicy strawberries, tender asparagus, sumptuous sweet onions, and nearly 3,000 acres of prime vineyards.
- Birch Creek Vineyard
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
- Francisca's Vineyard
- Chardonnay, Viognier
- Minnick Hills Vineyard
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot
- Pepper Bridge Vineyard
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah
- Seven Hills Vineyard
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese
Columbia Valley
2 Acres Sourced
Encompassing nearly 11 million acres, Columbia Valley bridges the states of Washington and Oregon, and was established as an American Viticulture Area in 1981. Variety typicity and pure fruit aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of wine from the Columbia Valley. The relationship to the Missoula Floods, a series of cataclysmic events, defines the soil types of the vineyards in Washington. Most vineyards lie below the floodwaters with soils of loess—wind blown deposits of sand and silt—overlying gravel and slackwater sediment with basalt forming the bedrock. This provides a diversity of soil types that are well drained and ideal for viticulture. The Columbia Valley lies in the rain shadow of the
Cascade Mountain range. The region has an arid and semi-arid, continental climate, receiving an average of 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) of precipitation annually. Irrigation is therefore required to grow vinifera grapes. This irrigation, along with consistently warm, dry temperatures during the growing season, provides growers with a large amount of control over grape development compared to many other regions of the world. This leads to minimal vintage variation and high-quality wines.
- Dionysus Vineyard
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
- Sagemoor Vineyard
- Barbera
Red Mountain
2 Acres Sourced
The smallest appellation in Washington State at 4,040 acres, Red Mountain is named after the reddish hue of cheatgrass in the spring. This is a hot AVA with 6 to 8 inches of average rainfall and the plantings are primarily red grapes. Red Mountain soil is made up of sandy loam and gravel with high alkalinity (high pH) and a rich calcium carbonate content. A lack of soil nutrients along with the high pH reduces the vigor of the vines, resulting in significantly smaller berry sizes compared to varietal norms. This, along with prevailing winds, leads to higher tannin levels in many of the wines compared to other regions.
- Heart of the Hill Vineyard
- Mourvèdre
- Klipsun Vineyard
- Cabernet Sauvignon
Horse Heaven Hills
1 Acre Sourced
The Horse Heaven Hills is 570,000 acres (230,671 ha) in size, with elevations ranging from 200 feet (61 m) above sea level along the Columbia River to 1,800 feet (549 m) at the northern boundary. Pressure differentials cause significant winds in the Horse Heaven Hills. These winds reduce canopy size and toughen grape skins, as well as protect against mold and rot. The nearby Columbia River also has a moderating effect on temperatures, reducing the risk of early and late season frosts, which can be a problem in nearby areas. The area is among Washington’s warmer growing regions, allowing a wide variety of grapes to ripen successfully.
- Alder Ridge Vineyard
- Zinfandel
Wahluke Slope
3 Acres Sourced
As one of the warmest regions in the state, the Wahluke Slope is known primarily for red grape varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. Wahluke Slope wines tend to be ripe and full-bodied with pure varietal fruit flavors. The entire 81,000-acre appellation sits on a large alluvial fan, making the soils notably uniform over a large area. The topsoil is deep, wind-blown sand with a depth, on average, of more than 5 feet (150cm). This provides both ample drainage for vinifera vines and greater uniformity in plant vigor and ripening than seen in other areas of Washington.
- StoneTree Vineyard
- Malbec, Primitivo
Yakima Valley
7 Acres Sourced
The Yakima Valley is one of Washington’s cooler growing regions. For this reason, white grape plantings outnumber red grape plantings. Yakima Valley Chardonnays display a variety of aromas and flavors depending on the relative warmth of the vineyard site. Cooler sites are notable for fresh green apple and warmer sites for stone fruit and tropical fruit. While a cooler region compared to its peers, the Yakima Valley also includes the Red Mountain appellation, which is consistently one of Washington’s warmest growing regions. There is, therefore, considerable diversity across sites. The Yakima Valley wholly contains the sub-appellations Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain.
- Boushey Vineyard
- Marsanne, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache Blanc
- Candy Mountain Vineyard
- Merlot
- Crawford Vineyard
- Chardonnay, Roussanne
- French Creek Vineyard
- Chardonnay
Accolades
2017 Chardonnay
Columbia Valley
Gold Medal - Forgeron Cellars 2017 Chardonnay
https://www.whatcombeerandwinefoundation.org/copy-of-previous-medal-winners
2017 'Imaginarium' Red Blend
Columbia Valley
Gold Medal - Forgeron Cellars 2017 'Imaginarium' Red Blend
https://www.whatcombeerandwinefoundation.org/copy-of-previous-medal-winners
2016 ANVIL Syrah
Yakima Valley
Haunting aromas and flavors go so deep for this high elevation, 18-month
French oak-aged Syrah. An inky well of tar, bacon fat, tobacco and red fruit
are mirrored on nose and palate. Graphite lines the mouth, with a dot of black
pepper. Tannins are pronounced and texturally rich with a slight chalkiness –
salinity licks the tongue on the finish. This is what we love about this varietal,
and in its second vintage, it keeps us wanting more.
https://www.tastingpanelmag.com/
94
2018 ANVIL Chardonnay
Yakima Valley
This is an old-vine Wente clone block planted in chalky, stony soil. Aged for 17
months in French oak, it offers a perfume of lemon blossom, melon and Italian
herbs. An unctuousness persists on the palate, with unique notes of lychee,
cinnamon, oregano and blue flowers. Granny Smith apple forges its way
through an orange-caramel coated finish.
https://www.tastingpanelmag.com/
94
2017 Chardonnay
Columbia Valley
Aromas of mango, honey and beeswax are followed by rounded but sleek lemony flavors. It has the pleasing acidity of the vintage. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/forgeron-2017-chardonnay-columbia-valley-wa/
90
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
Birch Creek Vineyard fruit makes up the majority of this wine, with the rest from Minnick Hills and a dollop from Seven Hills. The aromas bring notes of baking spice, mesquite, cherry, cassis and vanilla. The palate paints around the edges initially, filling in over time. Firm tannins back it up. Like many wines from this vintage, it needs a bit of time to show its best. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/forgeron-2016-cabernet-sauvignon-walla-walla-valley-wa-cabernet-sauvignon/
91
2019 'Otherworldly' Chardonnay
Yakima Valley
Aromas of freshly cut apple and pear are followed by full-feeling flavors. Tart acidity backs it up. It has a pleasing sense of varietal purity. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/forgeron-2019-otherworldly-unoaked-chardonnay-yakima-valley/
90
2019 Viognier
Walla Walla Valley
The aromas are bright, with notes of pear, flower and peach. Medium-plus bodied, quite pure-seeming melon and stone-fruit flavors follow. It brings a lot of appeal and spot-on balance. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/forgeron-2019-viognier-walla-walla-valley-wa-viognier/
90
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
The aromas bring plenty of appeal and complexity, with notes of tar, black cherry, anise and dried herb. Full-feeling cherry flavors follow, showing exquisite balance and length. Black-currant notes linger on the finish. Tart acids finish it off. It's a complete charmer. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/forgeron-2017-cabernet-sauvignon-walla-walla-valley-wa-cabernet-sauvignon/
90
2017 ANVIL Proprietary Blend
Walla Walla Valley
This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. Seeing just 40% new oak, the focused aromas of dark raspberry, plum and black currant are followed by ripe fruit flavors that bring texture. It's beautiful now but will benefit from some time in the cellar. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/forgeron-2017-anvil-proprietary-blend-red-walla-walla-valley-wa-bordeaux-style-red-blend/
92
2016 ANVIL Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
Coming from a block in this esteemed vineyard planted in 1988, aromas of baking spice, chocolate, anise, dark cherry and fig are followed by supple, rich, creamy-feeling dark-cherry and spice flavors. Quite ripe in style, it has an immediate yum factor. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/forgeron-2016-anvil-dionysus-vineyard-block-11-cabernet-sauvignon-columbia-valley-wa/
91
2018 ANVIL Chardonnay
Yakima Valley
The aromas are generous but subtle, with notes of pear, yellow apple, toast and clarified butter. Full-feeling richly textured flavors follow. A long finish caps it off. SEAN P. SULLIVAN
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/forgeron-2018-anvil-french-creek-vineyard-old-wente-clone-chardonnay-yakima-valley-chardonnay/
91
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Walla Walla Valley
All Cabernet Sauvignon from the Seven Hills and Minnick Hills vineyards, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a ruby/plum color as well as attractive notes of jammy blackberries, red currants, graphite, dried earth, and cedarwood. Nicely textured, medium-bodied, and with ripe yet certainly present tannins, it’s going to benefit from a year or two of bottle age and drink well for a decade. You get a serious, age-worthy Cabernet for not much buck.
https://jebdunnuck.com/wines/?keyword=forgeron&rating_min=&rating_max=&price_min=&price_max=
90
2017 Chardonnay
Columbia Valley
The 2017 Chardonnay is a rocking value. Classic Chardonnay notes of ripe apple, white flowers, and spice all emerge from the glass and it’s medium-bodied, has terrific purity, and a clean, classy finish. Brought up in 39% new French oak, with the balance in neutral barrels, drink it over the coming 2-3 years.
https://jebdunnuck.com/wines/?keyword=forgeron&rating_min=&rating_max=&price_min=&price_max=
91
2017 ANVIL Syrah
Yakima Valley
All Syrah from the Boushey Vineyard, aged in one-third new French oak, the 2017 Syrah Boushey Vineyard Birdhouse Block has a ripe, opulent bouquet of cassis, toasted spice, licorice, ground pepper, and graphite. This medium to full-bodied effort has loads of pure fruit, some chewy yet ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate oomph, and a great finish. Give it a year or two and it should evolve nicely for 7-8 years.
https://jebdunnuck.com/wines/?keyword=forgeron&rating_min=&rating_max=&price_min=&price_max=
91+
2017 ANVIL Chardonnay
Yakima Valley
From the French Creek vineyard, the 2017 Chardonnay Anvil opens with aromas of apples, pears with hints of oak and lemon bars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is softly floral, with a balanced structure and energizing acidity that frames the flavors of lemon yogurt and apple purée across the mid-palate. It ends with a long and thoughtful finish. The wine is a success, and it has me daydreaming of oven-roasted chicken. Only 110 cases were made.
https://www.robertparker.com/search/wines?q=forgeron%20cellars
90
2018 ANVIL Chardonnay
Yakima Valley
The 2018 Chardonnay French Creek Vineyard Old Wente Block sports a vivid gold color as well as a medium-bodied, balanced, lively style backed up with notes of Meyer lemons, white flowers, and chalky minerality. It has a kiss of background oak and is a balanced, impeccably made Chardonnay. It too should drink nicely for 2-3 years.
https://jebdunnuck.com/wines/?keyword=forgeron&rating_min=&rating_max=&price_min=&price_max=
90
2015 ANVIL Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
2015 ANVIL Cabernet Sauvignon - Coming from the Dionysus vineyard, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Anvil is blended with 11% Petit Verdot and begins with a nose of dark, juicy red and black fruits, with a thoughtful use of oak and notions of baked earth and wilted flowers. Full-bodied, the wine is compact and complex yet shy at the moment. A growing and persistent tannic expression that builds in the mouth over the long, juicy finish. 205 cases produced. I am curious to see the 2016 bottling. I fear the 2015 vintage may have taken its toll on this wine.
https://www.robertparker.com/search/wines?q=forgeron%20cellars
90+
2017 ANVIL Proprietary Blend
Walla Walla Valley
2017 ANVIL Minnick Hills Proprietary Blend - Tobacco, damp earth, truffle, and assorted chocolaty black fruits emerge from the 2017 Proprietary Blend Minnick Hills Vineyard, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has a round, silky texture, solid underlying structure, and an exceptional finish. It’s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 10-15 years in cold cellars. The blend is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Malbec, and 16% Merlot, all from a site in Walla Walla, that spent 16 months in 20% new French oak.
https://jebdunnuck.com/wines/?keyword=forgeron&rating_min=&rating_max=&price_min=&price_max=
93
2015 ANVIL Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley
"The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon ANVIL Dionysus Vineyard includes 10% Petit Verdot and was brought up in new French oak. Deep purple/plum-colored, with notes of smoked back fruits, sappy herbs, underbrush, and cedar, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, ripe, powerful texture, building tannins, and a great finish. Hide bottles for 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 10-15 years or so."
-Jeb Dunnuck, April 2019
jebdunnuck.com
93+
2018 Blacksmith Blanc
Yakima Valley
A handy array of fresh peaches and apricots leads to a smoothly juicy palate with a fresh and fleshy edge. The balance is good and some nice tannins smooth the finish out nice and even. 58% Viognier and 42% Roussanne. Drink now. Screw cap.
- James Suckling
jamessuckling.com
91
2016 ANVIL Syrah
Yakima Valley
2016 Syrah, Boushey Vineyard
Coming from the Boushey Vineyard in Yakima Valley and brought up in 44% new French oak, the 2016 Syrah Anvil Boushey Vineyard reveals a vivid purple color to go with beautiful notes of blueberries, scorched earth, graphite, and ground pepper. With subtle background oak, medium to full body, and ripe tannins, it offers more purity and elegance than the Façon Rouge release, will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink nicely for 7-8 years. -Jeb Dunnuck
www.jebdunnuck.com
94
2016 ANVIL Syrah
Yakima Valley
2016 ANVIL Syrah, Boushey Vineyard
The Boushey Vineyard, a highly regarded site for this variety, sits on fractured basalt, silt loam soils and windblown loess, with elevations up to 1400 feet. Aromas of black pepper, crushed lavender and boysenberry are striking. The luxurious, satin mouthfeel; is spiced with cinnamon cherries and ripe plum. Espresso, soy sauce and black pepper continues to energize with high-toned acidity, while licorice coats the tongue on the lengthy finish. - The Tasting Panel
www.tastingpanelmag.com
95
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Never miss another winery event or discount again! Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on all things Forgeron.
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