Why one rising Walla Walla winery has hope, even as the industry dips
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Washington winegrape harvest fell to 108,000 tons in 2025, a 28% decline.
- Ste. Michelle closed its Northstar Walla Walla tasting room June 30 and will relocate to.
- August Forest Cellars opened a Walla Walla tasting room June 26, offering club tiers.
Across the state, the tonnage of winegrapes harvested is declining. One rising winery hopes to buck the trend.
About 108,000 tons of wine grapes were harvested in 2025, which is a 28% decline year over year, according to washingtonwine.org. While winegrowers are reporting high quality of grapes, wine regions across the state are feeling the effects.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates closed its Northstar tasting room and production facility in Walla Walla on June 30. After 25 years, Washington’s largest winery is downsizing, according to Northwest Wine Report. They’ve told the publication that they will be relocating to their Columbia Crest facility.
That could be due to the fact that revenue on wine and spirits has fallen 5 to 6% compared to the same time last year, according to Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America.
Despite that, USA Today’s 10Best contest has nominated the Walla Walla Valley as a contender for best wine region in the country.
Another promising sign for the region is the opening of new venture August Forest. The launch of its tasting room on June 26 was the culmination of years of winemaking from owners and winemakers C.J. Augustine and Forest Rogers-Phillips.
Creating an experience
They started making wine together in 2021 following their graduation from Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture Program.
“I think what’s insulated us a little bit from the downturn is people are still willing to buy wine that they know where it comes from, who (is) behind it, who made it,” Augustine said.
Where you see the down tick are “the big guys” who produce huge quantities of cases each year, according to Augustine.
By that logic, August Forest is safe with the 500 cases they produce.
“I think people, when they come out to Walla Walla, and they get to hang out with the winemaker and chat about it, it’s a really special experience,” Augustine said. “I think people are buying less wine, but willing to pay more for quality.”
To offer that kind of experience, the tasting room is open Friday-Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. at 594 Piper Ave., Walla Walla. Reservations are also available during the week.
This award-winning winery is currently pouring their 2024 Rosé of Cabernet Franc, 2022 White Bluffs Riesling, 2024 Carousel Vineyard Viognier, 2024 S&M Blend and 2022 Eritage Vineyard Syrah
For wine enthusiasts, August Forest also has two wine club offerings. In both the spring and fall, receive either three or six bottles of wine depending on what tier you join. Club members also enjoy different discounts and shipping rates on other purchases.
Before opening the tasting room, August Forest had done pop-up and other events in the state. With a more permanent space, Augustine has discovered a new thing to love about wine making.
“A fun part of the experience is just getting to share the wine and get to know people,” Augustine said.
In a wine-dense atmosphere like Walla Walla, August Forest aims to make wine accessible for novices and wine enthusiasts alike.
“We’re not stodgy,” Augustine said. “Wine culture can be a little off-putting and a little intimidating to people, and I think we understand that well.”
Augustine and Rogers-Phillips want wine to be an inclusive experience, welcoming people into their tasting room to ask questions and enjoy the beverage that caused them both to move from the East Coast.
Know of a restaurant or bar opening or closing in the Tri-Cities area? Send your tips to emma.zawacki@tricityherald.com
