New Highway 12 Extended

In mid-June, the new section of Highway 12 above the old highway going through Lowden and Touchet was opened. There had been concern about how that would impact the L'Ecole No 41 and Woodward Canyon wineries in Lowden which would be bypassed by the new highway. I have found there to be no significant impact. Last week, I drove over to pick up some wines at L'Ecole for the August issue of the Review of Washington Wines. As I drove west, I came right on to the new section and I wondered if I would have to go all the way to Touchet. Then I came to a sign for the exit for Lowden and I turned on to it, got on and overpass and then down the road right to L'Ecole. Fast and easy. Actually quicker than on the old highway. Yesterday, driving back to Walla Walla, we saw signage for Woodward Canyon and L'Ecole before the Lowden exit.

Brian Rudin Leaving Canvasback for Echolands

Last week, I saw on Facebook and announcement by Brian Rudin that "After nine wonderful years at Canvasback Wines, I am departing to pursue new dreams. Making wine at Duckhorn has been a rare gift - there is no other wine company like this in the world." Joe Czarny is "Taking up the reins" at Canvasback as the "handpicked successor." It has since been announced that Brian will be working at Echolands (see below). I am absolutely sure Brain and Joe will be great in their new positions.

Echolands New Winery Under Construction

In the June 11 issue of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, there was an article about the new production facility, hospitality center and barrel room being constructed Mill Creek Road east of Walla Walla which will be a 27,000 square foot facility. By the new facility, 75 acres have been earmarked for a high elevation vineyard that can be dry farmed like the neighboring Walla Walla Vintners, Aluvé and Figgins vineyards. The winery will be a state of the art facility and, with Brian Rudin, the winery plans to go big. Doug Frost, an author and wine consultant in Kansas City, is the CEO and proprietor. 

Avennia to Open a Tasting Room in Walla Walla

Last week, it was announced that the Avennia Winery in Woodinville is planning to open a tasting room in Downtown Walla Walla in the newly opened Wala Wála (old spelling) Pedestrian Plaza on 1st Avenue between Main and Alder streets. "It's at the epicenter of what's going on downtown," says CEO and owner, Marty Taucher. This continues the trend of wineries outside of Walla Walla opening tasting rooms in Walla Walla. In the past two years, Guardian Cellars, Kerloo Cellars and Patterson Cellars have opened tasting rooms in the area. And Avennia's new facility will the winery's third tasting room in addition to the ones at Woodinville and Red Mountain.