The winery was named for the canyon where Rick’s family has farmed for generations and where the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard is now located. As the second winery in the Walla Walla Valley, Woodward Canyon and the Smalls were instrumental in the federal approval of the Walla Walla Valley Appellation in 1984. 

The winery has consistently produced premium, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons, Bordeaux-style blends, Merlots, and Chardonnays. From the outset, it was determined that quality would always take precedence over quantity.

The family’s roots run deep in the land they have farmed for four generations. Rick and Darcey’s children, Jordan and Sager, are co-owners and board members alongside their parents. Today, Sager serves as Director of Education, partnering with an experienced executive management team to guide the winery into its next chapter.

Rick planted the first of thirty-five acres at the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard in 1977 on his family’s dryland wheat ranch. The hillside vineyard now includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. The estate is Certified Salmon-Safe, and the Smalls had continued to experiment with organic and regenerative farming practices. 

In addition to estate fruit, Woodward Canyon has fostered long-standing partnerships with acclaimed Columbia Valley growers since its early vintages, including historic sites like Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills and Sagemoor Vineyards. Woodward Canyon holds a firm belief that wine quality begins in the soil; after all, grape-growing and winemaking are still agriculture.