Walla Walla Itinerary - 10/14 - 10/16
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.
Tuesday, October 13
En route from Federal Way, WA
Treveri Cellars (Reservations required, Call en route at 509-877-0925 x2)
71 Gangl Road Wapato, WA 98951
Treveri Cellars is the only winery dedicated to putting Washington State sparkling wine on the map. This is a must-see stop if you can squeeze in time on your trip to Walla Walla.
Enjoy a fine dinner at the Marcus Whitman Hotel Dining Room or the Vineyard Lounge.
Wednesday, October 14
Morning
Enjoy a walk to Pioneer Park, which features State Champion trees, an aviary, a rose garden, as well as a community ping pong table and pickle ball court.
11:45 a.m. Lobby pick-up!
12 p.m. Foundry Vineyards (2)
1111 Abadie Street — Fee: $10pp, waived with $25 purchase
Foundry Vineyards was created with the premise that art and wine are a perfect pairing. Art gallery and wine are blended together in a modern and chic space. Producing a great variety of wines included sparkling, white and red. A great experience surrounded by beautiful designs—don’t forget to check out the current ceramic art exhibition by the winemaker, Jay Anderson.
Frog Hollow Farm
174 Frog Hollow Road - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Amy Dietrich and family have established a stunning property with U-Pick flowers and herbs and all the charms of a local organic farm. They supply produce to local restaurants and heirloom tomatoes and peppers to Whole Foods Market. We will make a stop for a quick farm tour.
2 p.m. Waterbrook Winery (2)
10518 W Highway 12 — Fee: Varies
Enjoy lunch, paired with regional wines, in a beautiful setting. Seated outdoors or indoors you can look out over beautiful grounds while you can enjoy wine by the flight or glass. Those looking for a big bold red will enjoy the ICON Red Mountain Cabernet. Bocce ball, frisbee golf and fire building all optional activities for those seeking a little adventure. Lunch is included with your tour!
3:30 p.m. Valdemar Estates (2)
3808 Rolling Hills Lane — Fee: $15 flights (non-refundable)
One of the best views of the Blue Mountains is on the balcony of Valdemar Estates. Relax and enjoy a flight of wines either Spanish, local red or white. As the first internationally owned winery in Washington State, Valdemar Estates continues the family legacy of fine wine making. Featuring a full kitchen with traditional Spanish Tapas. See the menu above!
5:30 p.m. Return to Marcus Whitman Hotel
Thursday, October 15 — Downtown
Window shopping in Downtown Walla Walla is a real treat. Check out Walla Walla Bread Company if you are seeking raw juices, fresh pastries and artisan breads. They sell out each day, so make sure to stop by early. Studio Opal has a wide selection of women’s clothing and a great sale rack!
12 p.m. Bergevin Lane Vineyards (2)
70 N. Colville Street — Fee $15 pp
Christie will provide an overview of the Walla Walla Valley and walk you through a selection of wines. The tasting room is located inside of the newly renovated Showroom on Colville Street. Check out the Combine Art Collective or Epicurean Kitchen down the hall from this cool tasting room.
Lunch
Enjoy our downtown outdoor courtyard with take-out available from Graze, YAMAS Greek, or Walla Walla Indian Cuisine. Bad weather? Maple Counter Café is your spot for great food and ample indoor seating space!
2 p.m. Browne Family Vineyards (2)
31 E Main Street — Fee: Varies
Brown Family Vineyards is currently featuring a sparkling and a white wine flight. Located adjacent to the outdoor downtown courtyard, the tasting room is perfect for people watching.
After the tasting
Window shop or enjoy cider from Locust Cider or wines by the glass at Charles Smith Wines.
Bruno’s by Va Piano is open until 7 p.m. with ample indoor seating. No reservation is needed. Michelle is warm, fun, and knowledgeable about Walla Walla wine. Charcuterie, Snacks available.