Foolhardy Vintners — Attraction in Walla Walla

Just two blocks off Main Street in Walla Walla--with its low-slung historic buildings and concentration of tasting rooms--is a hidden gem: Foolhardy Vintners. The space itself is quite chic, like a private loft in Lower Manhattan, complete with tin ceiling and mid-century dining table. But the wines are pure Washington State. In the world of American wine, it isn't every day that you get to taste with the winemakers, but we had the pleasure of almost two hours with Jonathan, one of Foolhardy's two founders. He knows wine like Robert Caro knows LBJ, and yet his fluency is welcoming, exciting, conversational, never pedantic, and often funny. The wines are passion and experience in a bottle, enough to make even jaded winos sit up straight. Standouts: the 2021 Bacchus Cabernet Sauvignon (Burgundy meets Washington State), the 2019 Red Willow Vineyard Cabernet, their first single vineyard cabernet, and the 2018 FH Cabernet, a highly drinkable blend. Unexpected details: the huge old vine that sprawls like a sculpture on one wall, the cheeky photos in the lavatory, and the cool little notebooks guests receive, to take notes...

We were thoroughly impressed with Foolhardy Vintners—from the thoughtful design of the tasting room to the care put into their wines. Jonathan, one of the winemakers, made our visit truly special. He treated us like royalty, sharing several wines while offering thoughtful insights and answering all our questions. It’s clear this isn’t just a business—it’s a true passion. Every wine we tried was delicious, with an attractive nose and lasting fruit on the palate. The Sauvignon Blanc stood out with its bright citrus notes and perfect balance—great on its own or with food. If you’re into reds, Foolhardy’s lineup of blends and single-vineyard offerings won’t disappoint. There’s something here for everyone....

Spent a great afternoon here tasting a variety of wines and getting some great insight from Jonathon, who co-owns the winery. His attention to our party and his passion for the art of winemaking made this one of the most enjoyable wine visits of our five-day trip. We would never think of returning to the Walla Walla region without visiting foolhardy. Until that happens we will be enjoying the foolhardy wine we brought back home with us so we can enjoy some great wine this summer while recalling the wonderful memories of the trip. -...