When Forgeron opened in 2001, as the 23rd winery in Walla Walla, Washington, two things defined us: our decision to set down roots in downtown Walla Walla; and winemaker, Marie-Eve Gilla’s French roots, and viticulture and oenology training in Burgundy. It was serendipitous that our new home was on the site of a turn-of-the-Century blacksmith shop. Blacksmiths are serious artisans. Able to create such beauty from ferrous metal, Blacksmiths require great skill and patience, but also great passion. The name Forgeron [FOR-juh-ron] is the French term for “blacksmith”, skilled artisans who work with their hands in an age-old tradition.

OUR DIFFERENCE

EXPERIENCE. 25 Years working side-by-side with Columbia Valley’s best growers, who are committed to sustainability. We blend French training with Eastern Washington fruit selected from specific sites for characteristics and ripeness.

CONSISTENCY. Our 15 year history of 90+ point reviews speaks to the consistency of our wines at Forgeron Cellars.

CURIOSITY. Our diverse portfolio explores the best of what Eastern Washington terroir has to offer. 

PASSION. Complex, age-worthy wines that express Washington’s full potential. We are motivated by our next trip into the vineyards or finding the next, best location for a particular variety, and then putting our skills to work with restraint, to respect the fruit’s identity through winemaking.

OLD WORLD TRADITION:

• Hand-picking grapes
• Regular visits to the vineyards to monitor water levels, canopy and cluster development
• Keeping each vineyard lot separate
• Gentle winemaking techniques, like using new oak sparingly and not inoculating for malolactic fermentation

NEW WORLD INNOVATION:

• Small-lot fermentations in contemporary cellar with temperature controlled stainless vats
• Aging in French and American oak barrels
• Extensive Quality Control, like cork trials to prevent taint