{"id":119,"name":"Woodward Canyon Winery","image_url":"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gps-cs-s/AC9h4nqUYJVG9JSp_m2eGJbXSiqsZtJaNfjIP6fW5k56nhFLYIlSCO2fQEXI9b5dfvcjc8LroFoEUGzIbt2kENcw7EcZdjBHTVPLpOUevAXBIpYa442VLdjLGeAdNUroG9bNXEaavgft=w408-h306-k-no","district":"West","hours":"Daily 10 am – 5 pm","hours_type":"open-daily","dog_friendly":true,"red_wine":true,"white_wine":true,"bubbles":false,"brewery":false,"woman_owned":false,"year_established":1981,"winemaker":"Marcus Rafanelli","website":"http://www.woodwardcanyon.com/","phone":"(509) 525-4129","address":"11920 Old Hwy 12, Lowden, WA 99360","description":"Founded in 1981 by Rick & Darcey Small, Woodward Canyon—Walla Walla’s second winery—puts quality before quantity, crafting age‑worthy Cabernets and blends from their estate vineyards","lat":46.0565242,"lng":-118.5831662,"appt_url":"https://woodwardcanyon.com/visit-us/","walk_in":false,"tasting_fee":"$25 waived with a minimum purchase","explorer_tags":["scenic","bold reds","experi","knowledge"],"profile":"# Woodward Canyon Winery — Knowledge Profile\n\n## Founding Story\n\nWoodward Canyon Winery was established in 1981 by Rick Small and his wife, Darcey Fugman-Small, making it one of Washington State's pioneering wineries and only the second winery to open in the Walla Walla Valley. The winery takes its name from the canyon where Rick's family has farmed for generations — a lineage that now spans four generations on the same land. Rick planted the first of thirty-five acres of estate vineyard in 1977 on his family's dryland wheat ranch, four years before the winery officially opened. The founding vision was straightforward and uncompromising: to craft wines that express the unique terroir of the Walla Walla Valley, with quality always taking precedence over quantity. Woodward Canyon and the Smalls were instrumental in the federal approval of the Walla Walla Valley Appellation in 1984. Rick and Darcey's children, Jordan and Sager, now share in the ownership of the winery and have assumed leadership roles as their parents step back from day-to-day operations, carrying on what Rick has described as \"an amazing ride\" that began with bold dreams and humble roots.\n\n## Vineyard Sources\n\nThe Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard, originally planted in 1977 in the canyon bearing the family name, now encompasses thirty-five acres on a hillside site within the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Varieties planted on the estate include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. The estate holds Certified Salmon-Safe status, and the Small family has continued to experiment with organic and regenerative farming practices, guided by Rick Small's stated commitment to leaving the soil more alive for future generations than it was when he received it. Beyond the estate, Woodward Canyon sources fruit from select growers and holds a partnership stake in the celebrated Champoux Vineyard, located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA — a Columbia Valley site widely regarded as one of Washington's premier growing locations for Bordeaux varieties.\n\n## Signature Wines\n\nWoodward Canyon has consistently produced premium, age-worthy wines centered on Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux-style blends, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Among their most recognized bottlings are the **Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon** (Columbia Valley), described as their flagship Cabernet and characterized as rich and structured, and the **Estate Syrah** (Walla Walla Valley), drawn from their estate vineyard and noted for dark fruit and spice. The winery also produces an **Estate Petit Verdot** (Walla Walla Valley), offered as a rare limited lot. An **Old Vines Cabernet** is referenced as another notable, highly allocated release. The Artist Series and Old Vines bottlings receive priority and early access allocation through the winery's wine club.\n\n## Tasting Notes\n\nThe winery uses concise but evocative language to describe their wines. The 2022 Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon is described as \"rich and structured.\" The 2022 Estate Syrah is characterized by \"dark fruit and spice.\" The 2023 Estate Petit Verdot is described as \"inky, evocative, and commanding intensity.\" Across all wines, the broader house style is associated with elegance, structure, and a strong sense of place.\n\n## Wine Club\n\nWoodward Canyon's wine club is called **The Crest Club**, established in 1981 in alignment with the winery's founding. Members receive two curated collections per year featuring exclusive seasonal bottlings and limited-release wines, delivered directly to their door. Benefits include exclusive access to limited-release and library wines, private cellar tasting experiences, priority allocation of new releases, complimentary tastings for members and guests, significant savings on all purchases, and early access to the Artist Series and Old Vines releases. The club is positioned as a pathway to becoming part of the winery's extended family with access to intimate cellar experiences and library archives.\n\n## Tasting Room\n\nThe Woodward Canyon tasting room is located in Lowden, Washington, described as the western gateway to the Walla Walla Valley. The experience is characterized as intimate, with a focus on discovering the stories behind each vintage and the heritage of the winery. The tasting room is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.","somm_notes":[],"wines":[{"name":"Non-Vintage Red Wine","vintage":"Non-Vintage","variety":"Red Blend","price":"$30.00"},{"name":"Estate Sauvignon Blanc","vintage":"2024","variety":"Sauvignon Blanc","price":"$35.00"},{"name":"Washington State Chardonnay","vintage":"2024","variety":"Chardonnay","price":"$45.00"},{"name":"Estate Petit Verdot","vintage":"2023","variety":"Petit Verdot","price":"$55.00"},{"name":"Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2023","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$65.00"},{"name":"Estate Barbera","vintage":"2022","variety":"Barbera","price":"$40.00"},{"name":"Estate Merlot","vintage":"2022","variety":"Merlot","price":"$55.00"},{"name":"Estate Cabernet Franc","vintage":"2022","variety":"Cabernet Franc","price":"$55.00"},{"name":"Estate Syrah","vintage":"2022","variety":"Syrah","price":"$60.00"},{"name":"Estate Grenache-Mourvèdre-Syrah-Malbec","vintage":"2022","variety":"Red Blend","price":"$60.00"},{"name":"Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2022","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$65.00"},{"name":"Estate Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2022","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$70.00"},{"name":"Estate Clone 191 Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2022","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$70.00"},{"name":"Estate Reserve Red Wine","vintage":"2022","variety":"Red Blend","price":"$90.00"},{"name":"Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2022","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$110.00"},{"name":"Estate Reserve Red Wine","vintage":"2021","variety":"Red Blend","price":"$67.50"},{"name":"Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2021","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$245.00"},{"name":"Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2020","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$250.00"},{"name":"Red Wine","vintage":"","variety":"Red Blend","price":"$30.00"}],"patti":null,"visitor_ratings":[{"source":"google","rating":4.9,"count":101},{"source":"yelp","rating":4.6,"count":56},{"source":"tripadvisor","rating":4.5,"count":62}],"sample_reviews":[{"source":"yelp","reviewer":"Jackie S.","rating":null,"rating_max":5.0,"text":"After living in Walla Walla for over a year, I'm embarrassed to say I have not enjoyed everything the valley has to offer.","date":null},{"source":"yelp","reviewer":"Randy J.","rating":null,"rating_max":5.0,"text":"Thanks to Terry who guided us through the tasting and making recommendations for restaurants and other potential stops.","date":null}],"critic_scores":[{"wine_name":"'Old Vines' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2023,"score":96,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate Clone 4' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2022,"score":96,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Old Vines Estate' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2022,"score":96,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Old Vines' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2021,"score":96,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate Reserve' Red Wine","vintage":2023,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate' Cabernet Franc","vintage":2023,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate Clone 191' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2022,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate' Cabernet Franc","vintage":2022,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate Reserve' Red Wine","vintage":2022,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Old Vines' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2022,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate' Cabernet Franc","vintage":2021,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Estate Reserve' Red Wine","vintage":2021,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Old Vines' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2020,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Old Vines Washington' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2020,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null},{"wine_name":"'Old Vines Washington State' Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2018,"score":95,"source":"Owen Bargreen","critic":"Owen Bargreen","tasting_note":null}],"community_scores":[{"wine_name":"Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2019,"score":96,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.6/5 (45 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2021,"score":94,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.4/5 (977 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2017,"score":93,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.3/5 (115 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Erratic Red Blend","vintage":2013,"score":93,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.3/5 (34 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Erratic","vintage":2012,"score":93,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") Cool wine alert! Most unique wine at this tasting. Rhubarb, spice, bright fruits and earth. Medium finish and a good conversation wine on what you are tasting. Excellent. ("},{"wine_name":"Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2022,"score":92,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.2/5 (2,874 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Estate Barbera","vintage":2018,"score":92,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.2/5 (45 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Estate Chardonnay","vintage":2013,"score":92,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.2/5 (26 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Merlot","vintage":2013,"score":90,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.0/5 (77 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Chardonnay","vintage":2023,"score":89,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 3.9/5 (151 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Nelms Road Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":2015,"score":89,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 3.9/5 (151 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Nelms Road Merlot","vintage":2014,"score":89,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 3.9/5 (82 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Syrah Estate","vintage":2019,"score":88,"source":"Wine Berserkers","critic":"John_Glas","tasting_note":") Dark fruits, spice and earth. Pales in comparison to the many other Syrah's at the event. ("},{"wine_name":"Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":null,"score":94,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.4/5 (977 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":null,"score":92,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.2/5 (2,874 ratings)"}],"events":[{"title":"Fall Release Weekend | Lowden","start_date":"2026-11-06","start_time":"10:00","url":"https://woodwardcanyon.com/event/fall-release-weekend-walla-walla/","is_members_only":false},{"title":"Fall Release Winemaker Dinner | Lowden","start_date":"2026-11-06","start_time":"10:00","url":"https://woodwardcanyon.com/event/fall-release-winemaker-dinner-lowden/","is_members_only":false},{"title":"Fall Release Weekend","start_date":"2026-11-06","start_time":null,"url":"https://woodwardcanyon.com/events/","is_members_only":false},{"title":"Fall Release Winemaker Dinner","start_date":"2026-11-07","start_time":null,"url":"https://woodwardcanyon.com/events/","is_members_only":false},{"title":"Fall Release Winemaker Dinner | Lowden","start_date":"2026-11-07","start_time":null,"url":"https://woodwardcanyon.com/events/","is_members_only":false},{"title":"Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend | Lowden","start_date":"2026-12-04","start_time":"10:00","url":"https://woodwardcanyon.com/event/holiday-barrel-tasting-weekend-lowden/","is_members_only":false},{"title":"Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend","start_date":"2026-12-04","start_time":null,"url":"https://woodwardcanyon.com/events/","is_members_only":false}]}