Walla Walla Itinerary - 10/8 to 10/10
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.
Thursday, October 8
10: 45 a.m. pick-up from the Walla Walla Airport by Curated Walla Walla
11:15 a.m. quick stop to drop luggage off at the Marcus Whitman Hotel
12 p.m. L’Ecole No 41 (10)
41 Lowden School Rd, Lowden Fee: $15 pp (60 mins.; waived with purchase)
A third-generation family-owned winery housed in the historic schoolhouse. They produce distinctive Bordeaux wines and some stunning Sauvignon Blanc. In 2014, L’Ecole’s 2011 Estate Ferguson was named the best Bourdeaux Blend in the world by Decanter.
Special catered lunch at the winery provided by Chef Jose Meza of TMACs
Proprietor, Tom Maccarone, is a local with a huge following. Known for good taste, great flavors, and seasonal menus — you will find a lot to love. Craft cocktails and something for everyone on the inspired menu. $50 pp
2:45 p.m. Dunham Cellars (10)
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.
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.
7:30 p.m. Hattaways on Alder (10)
Friday, October 9
11:30 a.m. pick-up from the Marcus Whitman Hotel
12 p.m. - Long Shadows (10)
Long Shadows was started with the premise that Washington State wines can go head to head against internal and domestic heavy hitters. The state-of-the art wine production facility located in rolling Palouse wheat fields showcases a selection of wines from consulting winemakers. From Randy Dunn to Michel Rolland, heavy hitting international winemakers have a hand in showcasing the quality of Washington State wines.
2 p.m. - Sleight of Hand Cellars (10)
1959 J.B. George Rd. Fee: $20 pp (60 mins; waived with $50 purchase)
Started in 2007 to make excellent wine and have fun — this endeavor has had numerous wines in the Top 100 wine lists of Wine Spectator Magazine. Traci will walk you through a selection of current releases while the harvest crew is busy making wine in view. Choose from 1000’s of vinyl records or check out Traci’s garden!
3:30 p.m - Canvasback (10)
1825 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $15pp (waived with 2 bottle purchase)
Napa Valley put American Cabernet on the map and Canvasback is trying to do the same for the Red Mountain AVA Cabernet. The hot appellation produces full-bodied wines, expertly handled by Washington native and winemaker, Brian Rudin. Charcuterie, Snacks available.
5:15 p.m. drop-off at Marcus Whitman Hotel
6:10 pm. pickup from Marcus Whitman Hotel
6:30 p.m Leonetti Cellar tasting at Historic Waitsburg buildings in an Art Gallery & bar. (12)
Followed by Paella dinner in the courtyard (12)
Take the party alfresco for French pétanque, aperitif, antipasti and the sights and smells of a sizzling paella. Check out the menu below!
Saturday, October 10
Yoga in the Gallery at Foundry — 9:30 a.m. ($10)
Downtown Farmer’s Market - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., walkable from the house.
10:30 a.m. Pick-up from Marcus Whitman
11:00 a.m. Pepper Bridge Winery (12)
Comped industry experience (90 mins; 20% off on wine purchases)
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.
12:45 p.m. Scenic Drive
Enjoy a 30-minute drive through the rolling Palouse on the way to your next stop located in the Touchet Valley! Lewis and Clark took this route and camped just outside the little town of Dayton, Washington.
1:15 p.m. Monteillet Fromagerie (12)
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA Fee: $20 pp (Please bring cash)
Enjoy a genuinely French-inspired afternoon sampling cheese on a 32-acre farm and fromagerie. Bubbling with hospitality and artistry is Joan Monteillet. You will be seated all together for an afternoon of sampling, savoring, and conviviality. Wine pairings, featuring new and innovative winemakers will be available for $35 pp.
LUNCH
Brasserie Four at the fromagerie. Enjoy a selection of charcuterie, pate, salads, and quiche du jour. Preorder by October 8.
3:25 p.m. Departure from Monteillet’s
4 p.m - Private wine tasting and tour at the Squire Broel Gallery
Enjoy a line-up of four stunning Walla Walla wines while you receive a guided tour of the downtown loft of local artist, Squire Broel. Broel's work is in numerous private and public collections throughout the US and he has participated in solo and group exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest, Canada, Austria, Vietnam, China and Indonesia.
While his work is exhibited internationally, Broel lives and works in Walla Walla, Washington. Broel dives deep into his subject matter, in materials as diverse as canvas, wood, bronze, fabric and glass.
Guests can return, as needed, to the Marcus Whitman Hotel (1 block away from the gallery)
5:45 p.m. - Pick-up from Marcus Whitman Hotel
6 p.m. - Caprio Cellars (10)
I’ve known Dennis, the bright, exuberant and generous owner of Caprio Cellars for many years. He’s a charismatic leader with a winery that is a secret gem in the Walla Walla wine world.
They have a very special 5-course dinner planned for the evening.
Evening - Return to the Marcus Whitman Hotel
Sunday, October 11
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.