When it comes to Walla Walla Wineries, L'Ecole is one-of-a-kind. Housed in an old schoolhouse, L'Ecole winery continues a 30-year tradition in producing award-winning wines in this eastern Washington region.
Founded in 1983, L'Ecole No 41 winery is the third oldest winery in Walla Walla wine country. During our recent visit to several Walla Walla Wineries, my husband and I enjoyed a wine tasting and tour of this long standing winery. I've enjoyed their wines in the past, and looked forward to finally visiting their famed tasting room!
L'Ecole No 41
The winery is located in an old schoolhouse in the historic Frenchtown area, on the edge of Walla Walla. L'Ecole stands for "the school" in French, and the schoolhouse was part of School District #41.
While much of the schoolhouse building has been renovated, some of the original parts of the schoolhouse remain. And, L'Ecole incorporates schoolhouse details throughout the winery, from chalkboards to school desks to the playground.
Tour and tasting
You can visit the schoolhouse tasting room daily between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Tastings are $10 per person.
If you are visiting Walla Walla from out of town, I highly recommend making reservations in advance to do the walking tour and tasting. Lasting approximately one hour, and at a cost of $20 per person, you get a tour of the full schoolhouse and winery. The walking tour and tasting also includes a tasting of six current release wines.
During the walking tour and tasting, you'll visit the downstairs area where one of the original schoolhouse murals was brought back to life.
We visited the barrel room, where we also got a special barrel tasting of a new rosé.
L'Ecole Wines
What I enjoy most about L'Ecole No 41 wines is how they truly reflect the region. L'Ecole is dedicated to growing and making 100% of their wines. Their grapes are sourced from vineyards that are certified sustainable and salmon safe.
Here's a look at some of my favorite L'Ecole wines from our tour and tasting.
The 2014 L'Ecole Grenache ($36) is everything I love about Grenache from Washington state. You'll find it to be a smooth, complex red wine. It goes through an almost magical transition on your tongue within seconds, of sweet to slightly spicy to savory. This is a fantastic wine for dinner parties, to give as birthday or hostess gifts.
The L'Ecole Perigree ($54) is as elegant and distinguished as the history of the winery. It's a rich red wine, full of jammy blueberry and black cherry flavors. This flagship wine is made with some of the oldest blocks of vines from the Seven Hills Vineyard.
Visit
41 Lowden School Road
Lowden, WA 99360
509-525-0940
ben@lecole.com
http://www.lecole.com/
HOURS: open daily from 10am - 5pm
More Walla Walla wineries
Browne Family Vineyards Tasting Room
Where to Eat and Drink in Walla Walla
Our wine tour and tasting was compliments of Visit Walla Walla and L'Ecole No 41 winery. As always, all opinions and photos are my own. In my opinion, this is a must-visit winery when in Walla Walla wine country!
Rae says
The color of that grenache is everything! I think I need to try more wines from Oregon/Washington.
Jennifer L says
Wow the L’ECOLE WINERY looks amazing. It's amazing how they converted the schoolhouse into a winery talk about such rich history and definitely a unique twist. If I'm ever in the area I want to definitely check it out.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Isn't it so cool? Thanks so much Jennifer!
Rachel @ Kitchen Cents says
I'm not a drinker but this place looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
It's super family friendly, so they have a lot of non-alcoholic options here too - and not to mention the fresh fruit and yummy food truck food! :)
Maxene says
looks like you had a wine weekend in my old stomping grounds! i was born and raised in that part of washington state. born in walla walla, and spent my late teens and early twenties in the tri-cities. i have driven past l'cole more times than i can count, it's the first winery i ever knew growing up.
beautiful photos and loving the fresh coat of paint on that place!
you're giving me wine envy right now, i'll gladly help you store some of your wine bottles at my place;);)
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
How fun that you grew up there! You've seen the town go through a lot of changes, then. And, we just enjoyed the last of the L'Ecole wines from our visit :( Thanks for the generous offer to help store them though, Maxene! ;-)
Create/Enjoy says
Ooh, what a pretty place! Love the school theme. =) So nice to have pretty things to look at while tasting!
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
The schoolhouse theme was so much fun! Very tastefully done, too. Thanks!
Mary says
L'Ecole is one of my favorite places to visit in Walla Walla! Not only is it a fun place to visit with great history, but they also have fantastic wines! You took some great pics to capture your visit :)
Aija says
These are some pretty affordable wine tastings. And I love the schoolhouse, looks like a great time.
Aija says
These are some pretty affordable wine tastings. And I love the schoolhouse, looks like a great time
Melissa Chee says
You find the BEST spots to visit. This looks like another lovely one just a car ride away.
Maggie Unzueta says
This place looks beautiful. Must visit next time I'm in Walla Walla.
Bridget @ Antics of a Nutty Hiker says
Wow! We visited Washington a couple of years ago (my husband is from Dayton, about 20-30 minutes from there) and he definitely forgot to mention this place lol! We will have to check it out the next time he wants to make a trip back home!
Andrea says
Very quaint - i love those flowers!
Sharon says
This is so great! I love wine and I love wine tasting even more!
I so wanna visit this place now and maybe sign up, who knows!
enjoy, xx