Discovering Woodward Canyon Winery: A Pioneering Walla Walla Experience

Embarking on a journey to the acclaimed Walla Walla wine region promises an unforgettable adventure for any wine enthusiast. Our recent visit led us to Woodward Canyon Winery, a true trailblazer positioned conveniently as the first winery you encounter when traveling to Walla Walla from the Tri-Cities. This strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the rich viticultural landscape of Washington State’s esteemed Columbia Valley.

Woodward Canyon holds a significant place in the annals of Washington winemaking history. Established as one of the very first five wineries in the Walla Walla Valley, it played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s reputation and setting the stage for the vibrant wine scene we know today. Its legacy is built on a foundation of quality, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to showcasing the unique terroir of Walla Walla.

TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds for your Walla Walla trip:
🏨Find the Best Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Walla Walla
📍Book Exciting Walla Walla Tours and Experiences

A Legacy of Excellence: Woodward Canyon Winery Walla Walla

The story of Woodward Canyon is intricately woven with the emergence of Walla Walla as a premier wine-growing region. Founded by Rick Small in 1981, the winery was among the first to recognize the immense potential of the valley’s distinct climate and soils. This foresight, combined with a steadfast dedication to quality, quickly established Woodward Canyon as a benchmark for Washington State wines. Their commitment to sustainable viticulture and meticulous winemaking practices has consistently yielded critically acclaimed wines, solidifying their reputation as a standard-bearer for Walla Walla excellence. From its humble beginnings, Woodward Canyon has grown to become a respected institution, influencing countless other wineries in the region and earning accolades both domestically and internationally.

Exploring the Tasting Room Experience at Woodward Canyon

Upon arrival at Woodward Canyon Winery, visitors are immediately greeted by a tasting room that exudes warmth and charm. The interior design strikes a perfect balance between rustic elegance and modern comfort, making it an inviting space to begin your wine journey. While there is some cozy seating available, the typical tasting experience unfolds at the beautifully crafted counter, allowing for an engaging and interactive session with the knowledgeable staff.

The professional and friendly team at Woodward Canyon is adept at guiding guests through their diverse portfolio. They offer two distinct tasting experiences designed to cater to different preferences:

• The Classic Flight: This popular option includes a curated tasting of five exceptional wines, offering a comprehensive introduction to Woodward Canyon’s stylistic range. What makes this flight particularly appealing is that the tasting fee is fully refundable with any wine purchase, providing a wonderful incentive to take home your favorite bottles and a testament to the winery’s confidence in their offerings.
• The Reserve Flight: For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Reserve Flight features a selection of four premium, often limited-release, wines. This non-refundable tasting provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the winery’s most coveted expressions, showcasing the pinnacle of their winemaking artistry and the unique characteristics of specific vintages or vineyard blocks.

Each tasting is an educational journey, as the staff shares insights into the winemaking process, the characteristics of the varietals, and the story behind each bottle. It’s an immersive experience that goes beyond mere sampling, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft and passion that defines Woodward Canyon.

Woodward Canyon’s Winemaking Philosophy and Global Reach

Woodward Canyon’s commitment to excellence extends from the vineyard to the bottle. The winery operates with an impressive capacity, producing an average of 12,000 cases of wine annually, with peak production years reaching up to 16,000 cases. This significant output is a testament to their established vineyards and efficient operations, all while maintaining the high-quality standards for which they are renowned. Their winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the true character of the fruit, utilizing a blend of traditional techniques and modern innovations to craft wines that are both elegant and age-worthy.

The distribution network for Woodward Canyon wines reflects their esteemed reputation, reaching connoisseurs across the globe. While their primary market remains strong in the Pacific Northwest and California, their wines are also sought after in various parts of the United States, Asia, and select regions of Europe. This broad distribution highlights the universal appeal of their wines and their success in introducing the distinctive flavors of Washington State to an international audience. Each bottle carries the story of the Walla Walla Valley, meticulously crafted to deliver a consistent and memorable tasting experience.

Culinary Delights and Exceptional Service at Woodward Canyon

Beyond the exquisite wines, Woodward Canyon Winery also features an on-site restaurant, offering a delightful culinary experience that complements their vintages. The restaurant prides itself on a thoughtfully curated “foodie menu,” designed to pair harmoniously with their award-winning wines and showcase the fresh, seasonal ingredients of the region. Guests can expect a sophisticated yet approachable dining atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely lunch or a special occasion.

While our personal dining experience had an unexpected hiccup, it ultimately underscored the winery’s unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. During our visit, a lasagna dish was served unexpectedly cold. However, the subsequent interaction with management transformed a potential disappointment into a positive reflection of their commitment to guest care. Upon bringing the issue to their attention, the management team swiftly and sincerely apologized for the oversight. They immediately took action, investigating the situation and promptly refunding the price of our lunch to our card. This proactive and gracious response, marked by genuine apology and effective resolution, showcased their strong focus on providing an excellent guest experience and ensuring every visitor leaves with a favorable impression.

Dining at Woodward Canyon is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Walla Walla wine country lifestyle, savoring expertly prepared dishes alongside world-class wines in a beautiful setting. The culinary team is dedicated to creating memorable gastronomic moments for every guest, making it an essential stop for those looking to combine exceptional wine tasting with gourmet dining.

Planning Your Visit: Discounts and Wine Selection

Woodward Canyon is not only about exceptional wines and experiences but also about value for their loyal patrons. The winery extends a generous 10% discount on all case purchases, an excellent opportunity for visitors to stock their cellars with their favorite selections. It’s important to note that this discount typically applies to their standard offerings, with reserve wines generally excluded due to their limited production and premium status. This policy encourages guests to explore a wider range of their collection while rewarding bulk purchases.

To give you an idea of the pricing structure and the types of wines available, here are some examples from our visit in the Fall of 2014. Please remember that wine prices can fluctuate based on vintage, market demand, and the winery’s current inventory, so these figures should be considered illustrative:

• White Wines:
  • 2014 Estate Sauvignon Blanc: $26
  • 2012 Dry White Riesling: $25
  • 2012 Washington State Chardonnay: $44
  • 2012 Celilo Vineyard Chardonnay: $66
• Red Wines:
  • 2012 Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon: $25
  • 2011 Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: $49
  • 2011 Columbia Valley Merlot: $52
  • 2011 Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon: $99

These prices, from a specific vintage and time, highlight Woodward Canyon’s range from approachable everyday wines to more premium, cellar-worthy selections. We always recommend checking their official website or contacting the winery directly for the most current pricing and availability before your visit.

Woodward Canyon Winery is conveniently located at 11920 U.S. 12, Lowden, WA 99360, making it an easily accessible destination for anyone exploring the Walla Walla wine trail. For the most up-to-date information on their wines, tasting room hours, restaurant reservations, and special events, we highly recommend visiting their official website at www.woodwardcanyon.com. Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enriching experience at this iconic Walla Walla establishment.

Beyond Woodward Canyon: Exploring More of Walla Walla Wine Country

While Woodward Canyon offers an exceptional introduction to the Walla Walla wine scene, the valley is home to over 120 wineries, each with its unique charm and distinct offerings. After enjoying the pioneering spirit of Woodward Canyon, we encourage you to continue your exploration of this vibrant region. Walla Walla is renowned for its diverse terroir, producing a wide array of varietals from robust Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots to crisp Chardonnays and aromatic Rieslings. Taking the time to visit multiple wineries allows you to appreciate the subtle differences in winemaking styles and vineyard expressions that make Walla Walla truly special. Consider extending your stay to fully immerse yourself in the rich viticultural landscape and the welcoming community of this charming wine town.

Additional Walla Walla Wineries and Travel Tips

To help you further plan your ultimate Walla Walla wine adventure, here are some other highly recommended wineries and essential travel resources:

• Discover the elegance of Pepper Bridge Winery
• Explore the diverse culinary scene with our Walla Walla Restaurants Guide
• Uncover the distinct offerings of Dunham Cellars
• Experience the breathtaking views and wines at Amavi Cellars
• Be charmed by the innovative approach of Sleight of Hand Winery

Each of these wineries contributes uniquely to the rich tapestry of Walla Walla’s wine culture, promising diverse tasting experiences and memorable moments. Enjoy your journey through one of America’s most celebrated wine destinations!