Patti Dollase, party of 3
Walla Walla was once the Washington Territory's capital stretching from the Olympic Peninsula and Puget sound, over the Cascade Mountains to the dry Columbia Plateau and rolling Palouse Hills. Walla Walla has been home to tribes, missionaries, fur traders, the Hudson's Bay Company, Idaho gold rushers, U.S. cavalry, and briefly by Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery.
Walla Walla (named by local tribes as the land of many waters) is nestled into a valley in the Blue Mountain's foothills. It features rich fertile soils from years of glacial flooding, which suits many fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Italian immigrants planted vineyards four generations ago, and one of those descendants started the first winery. The first Walla Walla wine was released in 1977 by Leonetti Cellar.
Wednesday, October 19
10:00 a.m. pickup, 42 View Drive. Your driver for the day is Jamey.
10:30 a.m. Woodward Canyon
11920 W. Highway 12, Lowden, WA — Tasting Fee: $15 pp (waived with purchase)
Located adjacent to the historic Lowden School House (home of L’Ecole 41) is the second winery to be established in Walla Walla. Woodward Canyon is a family business with great wines and an easygoing attitude. First and second generation work side-by-side to produce stunning Chardonnay and Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon.
12:15 p.m. Rotie Cellars
84328 Trumbull Ln, Milton-Freewater — Fee $30 pp. (waived with $50 purchase)
If you want funky, terroir-driven, Rhone-style wines, you need look no further. Set in the Rocks District AVA estate vineyards, you can enjoy a great variety of distinctive wines all with the same earthy character. In summers they show off their selection of crisp Rhone whites from Washington state, as well as their flagship red blends.
You purchased the gourmet boxed lunch option, which will be provided by Foodscapes Walla Walla. You can enjoy your lunch concurrently with your tasting.
1:45 p.m. Canvasback
1825 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $20pp (waived with bottle purchase)
Napa Valley put American Cabernet on the map and Canvasback is doing the same for Red Mountain AVA Cabernet. This tiny, hot appellation produces full-bodied wines, expertly handled by Washington native winemaker, Brian Rudin.
3:00 p.m. Tranche Cellars
705 Berney Drive — Tasting Fee: $20 pp (waived with two bottle purchase)
Truly a slice of the good life! Tranche, a word meaning slice, delivers on your image of a luxurious wine country experience. Sweeping views, charming pasture and classic patio vibes.
The winery and tasting room is nestled in the Blue Mountain Vineyards. Enjoy a selection of approachable wines at a truly modern wine country estate.
Back to your VRBO by 5:00 p.m.