Grab your books and load your backpack because school is in session. Located in the heart of Walla Walla Valley wine country is the Lecole No 41 winery and tasting room. Lecole meaning “the school,” in French, and the number 41 for the Walla Walla district it’s located in. Founded by Baker and Jean Ferguson, Lecole began its early days making wine in the basement of the near century-old schoolhouse. "ONE OF THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE WINEMAKING BUSINESS IS YOU HAVE TO MAKE GREAT WINE BUT IT’S A VERY COMPETITIVE BUSINESS AND SO THERE’S MORE TO BUILDING A STORY AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS, AND EVERYBODY GOES TO SCHOOL..." Marty Clubb, owner and winemaker at Lecole No41

With its chalkboard menus, antique desks and old photographs, the tasting room at Lecole offers a fun and unique winery experience setting it a little apart from the rest. "PEOPLE HAVE A LOT OF FUN HERE. WE’VE GOT A LOT OF MEMORABILIA, PHOTOS OF SOME OF THE SCHOOL CLASS, NOTES FROM PEOPLE WHO WENT TO SCHOOL HERE."  Probably even more well recognized than their signature Merlot is the colorful Lecole label." A LOT OF PEOPLE REALLY LOVE OUR LABEL.  IT’S PROBABLY MORE OF AN ACTUALLY IDENTITY THAN OUR NAME LECOLE."

While some express their art through label design and winemaking, others look to the barrels themselves. The hand carving of wine barrels is an ancient folk tradition not often practiced today with only a few artists remaining in the nation. One local middle school teacher has focused his passion for wood working on the art of barrel carving. From his cozy workshop in the basement of his quaint Walla Walla home, artist John Moreno has spent the past several years developing his craft.

With the recent surge of new wineries and visitors to the region, John has found a new group of folks buying his art. He talks a little about just who is customers are and the renewed interest in this age-old tradition.  "AS OF LATE A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS THAT COME ON WINE BUYING TRIPS TO THE WALLA WALLA VALLEY. WE’VE DONE SOME FOR PEOPLE OVER IN THE SEATTLE AREA, PORTLAND AREA. AROUND HERE IT’S PRIMARILY WINERIES THAT DEAL WITH US TO DO DECORATIVE WRITINGS FOR THEIR WINERIES AND TASTING ROOMS." John Moreno Recently one of John’s pieces was part of a charity auction benefiting the local Community College.