{"id":81,"name":"Alton Wines","image_url":"https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gps-cs-s/AC9h4noUZ5LYZsN_ONk0moxLl3CE8H5lx4evsVGeAuB9BrwY5_5daC5RBWV0wzBiRMZRxFVJzhmjW7LMAXcvB2ib1AblE32qYCR40JJzIlHDy2fcvIQ3MB7bwZS9SHohk5PXTL4psWqzkA=w408-h306-k-no","district":"South","hours":"Thurs-Sun 11am - 4pm","hours_type":"limited","dog_friendly":false,"red_wine":true,"white_wine":true,"bubbles":false,"brewery":false,"woman_owned":true,"year_established":2017,"winemaker":"Joe Woodworth","website":"http://www.altonwines.com/","phone":"+1 509-720-7136","address":"3783 Peppers Bridge Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362, United States","description":"In Pepper Bridge’s hidden cove, Joe and Ashley Woodworth pour sea‑sprayed Chardonnay and cardamom‑spiced reds, inviting life’s stories to swirl with mountain air and cedar‑laced fruit.","lat":46.0177752,"lng":-118.3779655,"appt_url":"https://www.altonwines.com/reservation/","walk_in":false,"tasting_fee":"$35 per person, waived with a 2 bottle per taster purchase","explorer_tags":["relaxed","scenic","lighter reds","white/rose","experi"],"profile":"# Alton Wines – Winery Knowledge Profile\n\n## Founding Story and History\n\nAlton Wines is a small, independently owned winery based in Walla Walla, Washington, founded by husband-and-wife team Joe and Ashley Woodworth. The winery grew organically out of the couple's shared passion for wine, entertaining, and building things together. Their early years were marked by elaborate tailgates, curated dinners, and annual group wine trips — many of them to Walla Walla — before the idea of starting their own winery came into focus. The pivotal moment came when Joe received an ultimatum from his employer, AT&T, to relocate or resign. He resigned, and that day marked the unofficial beginning of Alton. The name and concept reflect a deeply personal philosophy: that wine is ultimately about the life and moments you pair it with.\n\n## Winemaker Background and Philosophy\n\nJoe Woodworth serves as Owner and Winemaker, having spent the last seven years making wine for Alton. He pursued formal training through a community college Enology and Viticulture program and developed his craft in close collaboration with Co-Winemaker Griffin Frey. Prior to wine, Joe built a career at AT&T spanning sales management, financial planning, and real estate — experience he credits as foundational to running his own business. He manages the cellar, maintains liaison relationships with the winery's grape growers, and oversees the health of their 13-acre property. Joe describes his attraction to winemaking as a love for the blend of agriculture and art.\n\nGriffin Frey, Co-Winemaker and Sr. Director of Libations, brings significant professional depth to Alton's program. His background includes harvest experience in Australia, time at Ramey Wine Cellars in Napa, and work at additional Walla Walla area wineries. Frey was involved with Alton's winemaking journey from the winery's earliest days in Walla Walla, helping Joe develop what the team refers to as the \"Alton house style.\" The team has expressed ambitions to produce wines that redefine the stylistic conversation in Washington state.\n\n## Property and Vineyard Sources\n\nAlton is situated on a 13-acre property in Walla Walla. Joe Woodworth actively manages soil health and farming on the property. The winery works with local wine growers, though specific vineyard sources or AVA designations are not detailed in available materials.\n\n## Team and Culture\n\nAlton has built a small, close-knit team selected as much for personality and genuine warmth as for professional credentials. Ashley Woodworth leads brand and marketing, drawing on 16 years at Nordstrom in product management and customer experience roles. Jesse Trott serves as Director of Hospitality, credited with shaping the guest experience and managing wine club logistics. Sophia Merlino, Event Coordinator, holds a degree in Hospitality Management from Washington State University and brings prior wine club management experience from a Woodinville boutique winery.\n\n## Visitor Experience and Wine Club\n\nAlton operates a tasting room where Joe splits his time between the cellar and hosting guests. The team places significant emphasis on hospitality, entertaining, and creating memorable moments for visitors. The winery hosts events including Chef Spotlight dinners and private events, coordinated by Sophia Merlino. A wine club is part of Alton's offerings, managed with attention to member logistics and experience.\n\n## Brand Philosophy\n\nAlton's overarching ethos centers on the idea that wine is a vehicle for connection and community rather than an end in itself. The founders are candid about their journey from corporate careers to small-town wine country life, and that authenticity carries through the brand. As their tagline captures: *\"Alton is all about the wine and not about the wine at all.\"*","somm_notes":[],"wines":[{"name":"Sauvignon Blanc","vintage":"2025","variety":"Sauvignon Blanc","price":"$41"},{"name":"Grenache","vintage":"2024","variety":"Grenache","price":"$53"},{"name":"Mourvèdre","vintage":"2024","variety":"Mourvèdre","price":"$53"},{"name":"Harvest Select - GSM","vintage":"2024","variety":"Red Blend","price":"$65"},{"name":"Chardonnay","vintage":"2023","variety":"Chardonnay","price":"$47"},{"name":"Zinfandel","vintage":"2023","variety":"Zinfandel","price":"$53"},{"name":"Malbec","vintage":"2023","variety":"Malbec","price":"$55"},{"name":"Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2023","variety":"Cabernet Sauvignon","price":"$58"},{"name":"Harvest Select BDX Blend","vintage":"2023","variety":"Red Blend","price":"$65"},{"name":"Harvest Select Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon","vintage":"2022","variety":"Red Blend","price":"$65"}],"patti":{"one_stop":true,"wines":[{"list":"Grenache","wine":"Grenache","phrase":"one of Patti's favorite Grenaches"}]},"visitor_ratings":[{"source":"tripadvisor","rating":5.0,"count":2},{"source":"yelp","rating":4.8,"count":19}],"sample_reviews":[{"source":"yelp","reviewer":"Jake D.","rating":null,"rating_max":5.0,"text":"The venue/architecture is awesome (amazing view/pictures) and the wine is delicious, but the team (Joe, Griff, Jessie) are what turn a tasting into a great memory.","date":null},{"source":"yelp","reviewer":"Chas T.","rating":null,"rating_max":5.0,"text":"From the approach up the driveway to the beautiful architecture, the amazing playlist and winery's ambiance, to the team itself AND THE WINES?!","date":null}],"critic_scores":[],"community_scores":[{"wine_name":"Mourvèdre","vintage":null,"score":93,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.3/5 (54 ratings)"},{"wine_name":"Malbec","vintage":null,"score":90,"source":"Vivino","critic":null,"tasting_note":"Vivino community: 4.0/5 (30 ratings)"}],"events":[]}