Marty Johnson of Ruby Magdalena Vineyards
Photos Coutesy of Marty Johnson
Montana is not typically associated with fine wine. But that is where Marty Johnson discovered his passion for wine in the 1970s. He was a forestry student at the University of Montana, and cultivated a friendship with the owner of a local wine shop. The shop was a source of affordable wines from around the world, and Marty tasted many, while also reading books on wine and wine history. The bottle that made him fall in love with wine is one he held on to for over 2 decades for a special occasion. It was a 1973 Veuve Cliquot La Grande Dame, and he can still remember how it tasted and felt in his mouth. In 2005, Marty and his wife Ryan moved to WA state where Marty worked for three different wineries, while also starting his own vineyard and label.
Marty and Ryan planted their first grapes in 2007, and they received a winery license in 2014 for their Ruby Magdalena Vineyards label. Ruby Magdalena was Marty’s mother whose family was descended from Spanish Basque settlers who came to what is now northern New Mexico in the 17th century. Marty grew up in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, and his mother instilled in him a passion for hard work, education and book learning. The vineyard and winery are an homage to Marty’s mother and his Spanish heritage. All the grape varieties in the vineyard are Spanish ones, and the decorations and maps on the tasting room walls relate to Spain and Mexico. Speaking of the tasting room, it is called The Cork and Pullet, and opened to the public in February 2026. This renovated 1960s garage is a must see place for all those interested in learning more about Spanish style wines.
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