People Behind the Pour: Breaking Barriers and Building Inclusive Community with August Forest
Welcome to Pride Month! We’re thrilled to feature C.J. Augustine, one-half of the incredible winemaking team at August Forest in Walla Walla, Washington. C.J.'s journey into winemaking began with a deep connection to community and a passion for crafting wines that tell a story. C.J. co-founded August Forest with Forest Rogers-Phillips, a partnership rooted in shared values of inclusivity, authenticity, and celebration of diverse identities.
“I’ve always been drawn to winemaking to connect people,” says C.J., “to create experiences that bring community together around something joyful and meaningful.”
Before jumping into winemaking, C.J. worked as a senior consultant and project manager in IT and legal research in the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. Deciding to leap into something he was genuinely passionate about, C.J. began his winemaking journey in 2014 when he enrolled in the enology program at Walla Walla Community College, relocated across the country, and met his future business partner, friend, and fellow East Coaster, Forest.
From the start, C.J. was drawn to the science and craft of winemaking and the sense of community surrounding the program. In 2020, C.J. and Forest decided to take a chance and create their own label, one that embodies their shared vision of inclusivity and innovation. Thus, August Forest was born and is proud to be an LGBTQ-owned brand, creating not just wine but a welcoming community that embraces all identities.
“It wasn’t just about learning to make wine—it was about learning to create an inclusive space where different voices could thrive,” C.J. explains. This foundational experience shaped his winemaking philosophy: authenticity, respect for the land, and a commitment to openness.
His approach to winemaking centers on balance and expression. C.J. believes that wine should reflect the unique characteristics of the vineyard and the people behind it.
“For me, winemaking is about storytelling,” he says. “Each bottle captures the place it came from and the diverse perspectives that shaped it.”
This philosophy guides everything August Forest produces—from elegant whites like Viognier to bold reds like their Merlot AF, crafted with minimal intervention to let the grapes and terroir speak for themselves.
Beyond winemaking, August Forest invests in the future of diverse voices through scholarships for LGBTQ+ enology students, helping to nurture the next generation of winemakers.
“It’s a small way of giving back, helping to increase queer voices in the industry and open doors for the next generation.” C.J. recalls his education, where nearly a quarter of his enology cohort identified as LGBTQ+, an encouraging sign for the future. “Seeing that representation was fabulous — it gives me hope that we’ll continue to see more diversity moving forward.”
C.J. acknowledges the wine industry is at a crossroads. While Walla Walla’s scene is increasingly welcoming to women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ winemakers, there is still an opportunity within the wine industry to invite even more voices and talents.
“Walla Walla is pretty open and friendly,” notes C.J. “I see people who genuinely want the industry to change and welcome diverse voices, which is fabulous.”
C.J.’s optimism for the future is grounded in his lived experience and commitment to change through education, community, and authentic storytelling. August Forest is a beacon of that progress—a winery where identity, craft, and community thrive together.
August Forest was a very early partner with WeRise, before we even had business cards! We are thrilled to feature their wines at our wine bar, on our online bottle shop, and in our wine club. Sign up for the WeRise newsletter to be the first to hear about our latest news and upcoming events at WeRise Wines. To learn more about CJ and August Forest, visit their website.
