Walla Walla Itinerary - 10/30-10/31
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.
Friday, October 29
11:15 a.m. pick-up from Marcus Whitman Hotel
11:30 a.m. – Gramercy Cellars (2)
635 N 13th Ave. Fee: $20 pp (60 mins; waived with purchase)
A Sommelier-run winery with old-world charm is located in Walla Walla’s industrial district. Syrah-focused with Rhone wines—they are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about quality.
1 p.m. Dunham Cellars (2)
150 E. Boeing Ave. Fee: $10 pp (60 mins; pre-paid)
Situated in an old airport hanger, Dunham Cellars produces everything from fresh Sauvignon Blanc to bold Cabernets.
2:30 p.m. Pepper Bridge Winery (2)
(90 mins; $20 waived with purchase)
Elegant wines sourced from estate vineyards. Run by my dear friend, JF Pellet. Precise and true to the varietal, the team has produced stunning wines for more than two decades. Offering truly elevated experiences of wine in Walla Walla.
Return to Marcus Whitman Hotel by 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 31 - Downtown Tasting
Browne Family Vineyards
31 E Main Street — 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Brown Family Vineyards is currently several flights of wine. Sip inside the warm tasting room or alfresco. This is prime downtown seating, located adjacent to the outdoor downtown courtyard. People watch, enjoy a flight of your choice and watch people be people.
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 space!
12:30 p.m. Bledsoe Family Winery (2)
229 E Main Street — Fee: $25 pp (waived with bottle purchase)
The downtown tasting room pays homage to Drew Bledsoe’s return to his home town of Walla Walla. Focusing on premium Walla Walla Cabernet, Bledsoe Family Winery offers quality wines at a range of price points. With just 4 tables available, reservations are important. Charcuterie plates are available for purchase.
Mark Ryan Winery
26 E Main Street - 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Offering a fabulous selection of bold premium red wines from Washington State. Next door to Starbucks with a small outside seating area. Tasting room manager Carolyn is very knowledgeable about the local wine industry. Reservations recommended.
Also check out Annex by Mark Ryan @ The Showroom on Colville (60 N Colville)
Seven Hills Winery
212 N 3rd Street - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Just behind the Marcus Whitman Hotel is the Whitehouse-Crawford Building. On the National Historic Register, the former planning mill has been home to Seven Hills Winery since it’s renovation in 2000. Sourcing from the oldest blocks of the Seven Hills Vineyard, the selection of Bourdeaux wines offered are consistently smooth and elegant. Reservations recommended.
Afterwards at Bruno’s by Va Piano
Bruno’s by Va Piano is open until 7 p.m. with ample indoor/outdoor seating. No reservation is needed and the group can come at staggered times if others need to stop by the hotel. The hospitality is warm and fun and you have access to high quality Walla Walla wine. Charcuterie, Snacks available.
Sunday, November 1
Farewell brunch at Bacon & Eggs
57 E Main Street
Walk-in option for the last hurrah downtown. Open at 8 a.m. with great coffee, cocktails, and a hot sauce wall. If you go out for breakfast to one place in Walla Walla, it has to be here.