Lee & Emily Fergestrom and Alexis Sells of Fortuity Cellars
Small Business Association’s 2019 Rising Startup of the Year in Washington and Northern Idaho
Chance moments that can change one’s life for good are summed up by the word “Fortuity,” and that’s the name Lee and Emily Fergestrom chose for their Wapato winery that produced its first wines in 2017. Such moments have led to unique Fortuity wines and to Emily and Lee meeting in the first place, all because of an empty chair. Since their first meeting and eventual marriage, chance, vision and a lot of hard work have resulted in Fortuity Cellars, which started the 2021 season with a new palatial winery and tasting room facility set on a stunning site overlooking the Yakima Valley about 15 minutes south of Yakima. Lee and Emily have spent time getting to know growers and now source grapes from many of the top vineyards in the Yakima Valley. They have been so successful that the Small Business Association named them 2019 Rising Startup of the Year in Washington and Northern Idaho.
Before starting the winery, Lee and Emily were involved in very different careers and so needed to hire a winemaker who could turn their vision into reality. They were lucky enough to lure Alexis Sells from the legendary Duckhorn Vineyards Winery in Napa Valley, a lure that was a coming home for Alexis. Lexi is now using her winemaking experience in Walla Walla, New Zealand, and Napa to craft Bordeaux and Rhone style wines in the approachable, food-friendly Fortuity style. Her Viognier and Rosé of Cinsault are about to be released. At the winery, Lee and Emily are committed to providing a personalized tasting experience that includes lots of information on the wines and vineyards. Some of the wines such as the 50/50 blend and the Sauvignon Blanc are quite unique, as are some of the vineyards, all discussed here in this interview.
Listen to the Interview: