The Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red is a beloved Washington red blend with a great story behind it — and a great pour to match. Made by Tamarack Cellars in Walla Walla, it’s a multi-varietal Columbia Valley blend that has been a consistent favorite of Northwest wine lovers for decades. We pour it by the bottle in West Seattle because it captures so much of what we love about Washington wine: depth, value, and a sense of place.
About the Winery
Tamarack Cellars was founded in 1998 by Ron and Jamie Coleman, starting with a modest first vintage of Merlot. The winery is housed in a renovated World War II firehouse at the Walla Walla Regional Airport — the very building that gives the Firehouse Red its name. First produced as a red table wine in 1999 and named Firehouse the following year, the wine has been recognized ever since as a Northwest red of real depth and distinction.
Region & Grape
Firehouse Red is a Columbia Valley blend that can draw on as many as eight red varietals. The core of the blend is typically Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, with smaller amounts of grapes like Malbec, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, and Carmenère rounding things out. Syrah, added in 1999, brings a signature ripeness. The Columbia Valley’s warm days and cool nights give the blend both generous fruit and structure.
Tasting Notes
Expect a full, layered red with ripe dark fruit — blackberry, plum, and black cherry — woven together with savory, spicy, and herbal notes from the many grapes in the blend. The palate is rich and balanced, with firm but approachable tannins and a long, satisfying finish. It’s a complete, food-loving red that drinks well above its price.
What to Pair It With
A versatile blend like this loves hearty, savory dishes. Try it with our NY Strip Steak, the Steak Tip Fettuccine, or the Mushroom Cassoulet — the wine’s mix of fruit and spice meets the richness head-on. See more on our dine-in menu.
How We Pour It at Camp West
Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red is available by the bottle at $40 — a Washington classic to share around the table.
FAQ
Where does Firehouse Red get its name?
It’s named for the World War II firehouse at the Walla Walla Regional Airport, where Tamarack Cellars is located.
What grapes are in Firehouse Red?
It’s a Columbia Valley blend of up to eight red varietals, built around Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Who makes Tamarack Cellars Firehouse Red?
Tamarack Cellars, founded in 1998 by Ron and Jamie Coleman in Walla Walla, Washington.
Ready to try it? Book a table, see the full beverage menu, or browse our wine list.