Walla Walla Education Seminar - 2/14
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.
Sunday, February 14th
2019 SMAK, Rosé of Pinot Gris, Summer Rosé - $19
A delicate tribute to the apex of summer. Owner-winemaker Fiona Mak is focused on all things pink, but this is no girlish affair. Savvy sippers will love the acidity and freshness and the food pairing suggestions.
She’s a recent graduate of the Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture program, but not new to hospitality, with an impressive CV in some of the greats of NYC.
2018 Maison Bleue, Walla Walla Valley, Viognier, Voltigeur - $40
The Rocks District of the Walla Walla Valley is ideal for growing Rhone Varietals, both white and red. Founding winemaker, Jon Meuret, wanted to honor this truth by focusing exclusively on the French regional style.
This terroir-focused winery is now owned and operated by Willamette Valley Vineyards. Their vineyard holdings are continuing to expand in the impressive large cobblestone vineyards from an ancient riverbed.
2019 Brook & Bull Cellars, Conner Lee Vineyard, Chardonnay - $30
Owned and operated by one of the U.S. top 40 under 40 wine makers, Ashley Trout, Brook and Bull produces big and bold red wines. She also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
Conner Lee Vineyard is a prized Washington site with premium Chardonnay plots along the Columbia River Gorge.
2018 Foundry Vineyards, Walla Walla AVA, Malbec - $38
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. Another woman-led venture, Foundry Vineyards features a maker-shop, and yoga classes.
This is not just any gallery. The family has 20 years experience operating a world-renowned bronze production in Walla Walla, attracting Maya Lin, Deborah Butterfield and working with the likes of Ai Wei Wei.
Malbec is one of several Bourdeaux varietals grown in the Southside vineyard district. While predominantly used in blends, many produces are opting for 100% offerings to feature the dark fruit, soft tannins and herbal notes.
2016 Tranche, Blue Mountain Vineyard, Cabernet Franc - $40
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.
A popular spot for early evening libations on Friday and Saturday for couples, groups, and families.
The vineyard and winery operation is family-owned and the second label for Corliss Estates, which offers well-aged cabernet. They are also behind another fun offering, Secret Squirrel
2018 Rotie Cellars, Rocks District AVA, Northern Blend - $48
If you want funky, terroir-driven, Rhone-style wines, you need look no further. Set in the Rocks District AVA vineyards, you can enjoy a great variety of distinctive wines all with the same earthy character.
Adjacent to cult-producer Cayuse Vineyards, you get a senses of the terroir of the Rocks AVA. The wine is a100% estate Syrah and co-fermented Viognier.
2017 Reynvaan, Walla Walla AVA, The Unnamed Series Syrah - $35
Can you tell I think that Rhone wines are where it’s at? Yes I do.
This offering is one of the best deals in the Walla Walla Valley. Reynvaan Family Vineyards is the only other wine company where Christophe Baron serves as consulting winemaker. A relationship that goes back almost 14 years with the inaugural 2007 vintage. The winemaking is led by Matt Reynvaan, one of several family members involved in a truly family affair.
Result of a Crush was a second label that didn’t quite make it. This new series is your opportunity to try the famed Cayuse and Reynvaan wines without breaking the bank. While you have to be an allocation member to pick-up at their In The Hills Vineyard winery on allocation weekend, soon you will be able to access their Unnamed Series wines in downtown Walla Walla.
2017 Canvasback, Red Mountain AVA, Cabernet Sauvignon - $42
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.
The Duckhorn family chose wisely in both winemaker and appellation. The Red Mountain is a south-facing vineyard district making premium Bordeaux blends.
Fun Fact: This winemaker is married to the winemaker of Brook & Bull!
