Melissa Conger, birthday weekend
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, November 18
Arrival at The Haven, 633 Pearson St., Walla Walla
If you’d like us to have an elevated snack and celebratory bottle of wine waiting for you on arrival, we’re happy to provide that.
Cost is $95 ($19pp).
7:00p.m. - dinner at Walla Walla Steak Co. — Be sure to let them know you’re celebrating a birthday!
After dinner, stop by Public House 124 (124 E Main St) to keep the party going!
Saturday, November 19
9:30a.m. - breakfast at Bacon & Eggs, 57 E Main. Reservations accepted, but probably not necessary.
11:00a.m. - Echolands Winery, 7 W Alder St.
Since 2018, winemaker Taylor Oswald has created distinctive, ageable wines that reflect the very special terroirs of the Walla Walla AVA. Taylor works under the watchful eye of owner Doug Frost, one of the world’s very few people to hold both Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications.
1:00p.m.—TMACs, 80 N Colville St
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.
4:00p.m. - Result of a Crush
23 S Spokane St - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tasting fee: $15, waived with purchase
Top producer, Reynvaan Family Vineyards, has a second label that just opened a downtown tasting room. Earthy and funky at an affordable price—everything is just under $30. This is one of my absolute favorites. Rhone whites, reds, and interesting co-fermentations of 100% estate, Walla Walla Valley fruit.
8:30 p.m. - Brasserie Four.
Sunday, November 20
We recommend Walla Walla Bread Co. for breakfast. We can pick you up there or at the Haven.
10:10 a.m. - pickup either downtown or at the Haven. Your driver for today is Jamey. You can reach him at (208) 867-8261.
10:30 a.m. - Aluvé
100 Aluve Ln. — Tasting Fee: $15 pp, waived with purchase
J.J. and Kelly Menozzi have dedicated their lives to the production of estate wines. Outside their doorstep, nestled on a ridge in the foothills of Walla Walla, is the Menozzi Estate Vineyard. Featuring Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot with true to the varietal winemaking styles. The vineyard is just on the doorstep of Chris Figgins’ newest vineyard project nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
12:30 p.m. - Brook & Bull Cellars
1249 Lyday Ln Fee: $20 pp (60 mins; waived with bottle purchase)
Owned and operated by one of the U.S. top 40 under 40 winemakers, Ashley Trout produces big and bold red wines. She is known for Malbec, as she spent several harvests making wine in Argentina. She also makes phenomenal Rose and Chardonnay from one of the best vineyard sites in Washington State. Ashley also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
2:30 p.m. - The Walls
1015 W Pine Street — Tasting Fee: $35pp, waived with $75 purchase
The Walls was originally meant as a play on the Washington State Penitentiary, Walla Walla’s least talked about but perhaps most notorious landmark, and one that looms just down the street from their production facility. The Walls’ modern tasting room features a selection of premium wines from rosé to highly scored Cabernet. Ask for a flight of their second label, Pâšxa. These wines highlight the Rocks District Vineyards of the Walla Walla Valley.
Lunch from Graze-A Place to Eat will be served courtesy of Curated Walla Walla. Please choose from the menu below.
6:45 p.m - You have a reservation for four at Hattaway’s for dinner.