To arrive in Walla Walla from Seattle for the Wine Bloggers Conference, we decided to take a 45-minute Commuter flight on AlaskaHorizon (Bombardier Q400). I’m talking the kind of small plane that you have to walk on the tarmac to get to. The kind of plane with small, black propellers (gulp). Then upon landing (thank God) you exit from the front door or the back door. I will tell you that taking a flight from Seattle to Walla Walla is not for the faint of heart. As I spoke to numerous Wine Bloggers about their travel plans, I secretly wished someone would have told me (warned me) about the plane size.

The small plane from Seattle to Walla Walla

The view from my seat (yay me)

After a good night’s sleep, we woke up early to go on a wine excursion. It was a chilly, partly cloudy day. As I walked down the halls of the Marcus Whitman Hotel, I started talking with a really nice gentleman who introduced himself as Paul. As everyone settled into their seats on the coach bus, Paul takes the mic to introduce himself to the group. Wow, turns out he was the owner of Force Majeure (along with his wife Susan). For a 9:00 am bus ride, we’re already off to a good start. His relaxing spirit put everyone in a good mood. Paul proceeds to tell us a little bit about his background. He started in the finance/tech world and decided it was no longer for him. I am hearing more and more stories like his. People that decide to take a leap of faith and go into a totally different profession. This faith led Paul and Susan to purchase undeveloped land in 2004 that is now called Force Majeure Vineyard. Force Majeure is a “single vineyard with Bordeaux and Rhone inspired wines.” If you have never heard the phrase “Force Majeure” – it’s legal jargon for “unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract.” For Paul, it simply means “unstoppable force of nature (or very best effort).” I like his definition better.

Unfortunately, their new location in the Rocks District was not finished before our arrival. However, we got to see the future plans and we were told that they plan to have tastings and host parties once it is finished. I hope to one day return to see the finished product. At the new location, we were introduced to winemaker, Todd Alexander. Todd was initially the winemaker for Bryant Family Vineyard in Napa. He’s worked with other big names in Napa such as Cade and Screaming Eagle (whoa!!!). You would think with the wine pedigree that Todd has that he would be unapproachable. He’s the exact opposite. We were able to ask him many questions and simply just chat with him. I wonder if that’s the chill vibe of Washington State Wine or just simply his personality. Probably both. We also met Geologist Kevin Pogue. Kevin is a Professor of Geology at Whitman College. Yet another knowledgeable, approachable person. I could listen to Todd and Kevin talk about grapes, rocks and the land all day! Oh, when visiting the new location, we noticed the difference in the dirt. Kevin wanted us to be sure we mentioned that it is “low desert, powdery silk in the dirt – homogeneous terroir.” Yes, Kevin. I noticed it on my once new, now dusty Adidas. It was my fault for wearing them but totally worth it. I got to take home a little Washington State with me.

The Future Site of Force Majeure in the Rocks DistrictSteve Robertson, Delmas & SJR Vineyards; Paul McBride, Force Majeure; Todd Alexander, Force Majeure; Kevin Pogue, Vinterra Consulting Getting education from Todd My new, dusty Adidas

This is just part one. More to follow…