L’Ecole N° 41 is one of the pioneering wineries of the Walla Walla region in Washington state. It’s also a trendsetter, thanks to the winery’s dedication to quality and Washington terroir.
L’Ecole N° 41 Winery Story
L’Ecole N° 41 was founded by Jean and Baker Ferguson in 1983. It became a third winery established in the Walla Walla Valley. The winery is located in the historic Frenchtown School building depicted on our label. And that’s where it got its name because L’Ecole means school in French.
Their focus is premium and distinctive wines reflecting the unique terroir of Walla Walla Valley estate vineyards and other Washington state vineyards.
The cornerstone of the winery’s success is in ongoing investments in their Walla Walla Estate Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards and long-term relationships with many of the most prominent vineyards in Washington. Both Ferguson and Seven Hills are certified sustainable and certified Salmon Safe.
L’Ecole has a long-standing reputation and was recognized fifteen times as a Top 100 Winery of the Year fifteen times by Wine & Spirits Magazine. Decanter ranked 2011 Estate Ferguson as Best Bordeaux Blend in the World! Later in 2014. Two years later, Ferguson 2013 vintage won the top spot for Best New World Bordeaux Blend.
The Owners
Martin and Megan Clubb are co-owners of L’Ecole N° 41 along with their children. Marty took over the winery’s operation from Megan’s parents, Jean and Baker Ferguson, six years after the winery’s founding.
Marty has a hands-on approach to the winery’s Ferguson and Seven Hills Estate Vineyards and personally works with over two dozen Columbia Valley vineyards to source the fruit.
Also, Marty partnered with Gary and Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar and Norm McKibben of Pepper Bridge Winery to develop the highly acclaimed SeVein Vineyard.
Besides his own winery, Martin Clubb is deeply involved in developing and promoting the Washington wine industry and Walla Walla wineries.
For over 30 years, he served in various roles in wine industry organizations, including Washington Wine Commission, Washington Wine Institute, and WineAmerica, and the Walla Walla Community College Center for Enology and Viticulture. Marty was instrumental in the founding of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, serving as its first President.
L’Ecole N° 41 Winemaking Team
The winemaking team is lead by Martin Club (managing winemaker) and Marcus Rafanelli, a Seattle native. He studied at the WWCC Institute for Enology & Viticulture program. Following graduation in 2008, he worked at a boutique Washington winery for 6 years. Before joining L’Ecole, he worked for a few years at renowned wineries in Australia and Germany.
Like Martin, he’s involved in few organizations promoting Washington wine and educating wine professionals.
Fun Facts
Year founded: in 1983 (the third Walla Walla Winery)
Founders: Jean and Baker Ferguson
Current Owners: Martin and Megan Clubb (Ferguson’s daughter)
Winemakers: Martin Clubb and Marcus Rafanelli
Estate Vineyards: Ferguson, Seven Hills, SeVein
AVA: Walla Walla Valley, Columbia