A slow, cool spring in 2008 slightly delayed bud break into early May. However, warm May weather set the stage for uniform bloom and fruit set. Summer heat units were normal and July ended without typical heat spikes. Windier conditions increased vine stress resulting in added efforts to manage canopy growth for balance. August veraison was smooth requiring very little green thinning. With near perfect fall conditions-sunny, warm, no rain- harvest commenced slightly later than normal for most varietals. Considered a cool year in general, we saw higher acidity levels with yields a little below average.

A family-owned business, L'Ecole Nº 41 was founded by Jean and Baker Ferguson. Today, the winery is owned and operated by their daughter and son-in-law, Megan and Martin Clubb. Built in 1915, the schoolhouse is located in historic Frenchtown, a small community just west of Walla Walla, Washington. Frenchtown derived its name from the many French-Canadians who settled the valley during the early 1800s. Legend has it, these men of French descent were raising grapes and producing wine. By the 1860s, nurseries, vineyards and winemaking had become a part of the regions' growing economy. The name - L'Ecole Nº 41 French for "the school" located in district number 41 - was chosen to salute these pioneer viticulture efforts.