Walla Walla Itinerary - 3/26 - 3/29
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, March 26
L’Ecole No 41
41 Lowden School Rd, Lowden Fee: $15 pp (60 mins.; waived with purchase)
On the way into town, is one of Walla Walla’s benchmark wineries. 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.
You can sit inside an old classroom or on their deck.
Downtown tasting recommendations for Friday
Bergevin Lane Vineyards
70 N. Colville Street — Fee $15 pp
Knowledgeable staff 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.
Bledsoe Family Winery (reservation recommended)
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.
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. A wide selection of wines from whites to Syrahs. Charcuterie, Snacks available.
Dinner
Enjoy our downtown outdoor courtyard coupled with live music. You can enjoy take-out from Graze, YAMAS Greek or Walla Walla Indian Cuisine.
——>If you would prefer a sit-down casual option
Public House 124
124 E. Main Street
Walk-in option for arrival night dinner at the locals’ favorite spot! They have some very tasty wine options, craft cocktails and draft beer as well. Open later. Food and drinks are available for take-out, if you want to head in for the night.
Saturday, March 27
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.
10:15 a.m. pick-up from Marcus Whitman Hotel by Curated Walla Walla
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a 30-minute drive through the rolling Palouse on the way to the Touchet Valley! Lewis and Clark took this route and camped just outside the little town of Dayton, Washington.
10:45 a.m. Monteillet Fromagerie (4)
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA Fee: $20 pp (Please bring cash)
Enjoy a genuinely French-inspired day sampling cheese on a 32-acre farm and fromagerie. Bubbling with hospitality and artistry is Joan Monteillet. You will be seated inside, or alfresco if the weather allows, for their classic goat and sheep-milk cheese tasting.
in order by age and intensity
Soft chèvre
Feta
Cardabelle (soft Brie-style)
Larzac (ash layer)
La Roi Noir (heart-shaped with ash on the outside)
Fleur du Midi (paprika on the outside)
Served alongside the cheese tasting, Jenna will provide a Walla Walla Wine Tasting Seminar highlighting the distinctiveness of the local wine region. Wine seminar is $25 pp and will include four distinctive Walla Walla wines.
College Cellars - 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Rotie Cellars - 2019 Grenache Blanc
Grosgrain Vineyards - 2018 Petit Grosgrain
Helix by Reininger - 2016 Pomatia
1:00 p.m. - Gramercy Cellars (4)
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 on Rhone wines—they are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about quality.
2:30 p.m. - Caprio Cellars (4)
1603 Whitely Road. Fee: Complimentary
I’ve known Dennis, the bright, exuberant and generous owner/winemaker of Caprio Cellars for many years. He’s a charismatic entrepreneur with a winery that is a secret gem in the Walla Walla wine world. The tasting is free and includes locally-sourced food pairings.
4:00 p.m. Brook & Bull Cellars (4)
1249 Lyday Ln Fee: $10 pp (60 mins; waived with one bottle)
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. She also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
5:15 p.m. Brasserie 4 (4) - A friendly French bistro with amazing frites, salad and to die for steak and house-made pates. Hand-pick a bottle of wine from the wine wall with amazing French and local selections. Very affordable wines by the glass and not to be missed is the classic crepe suzette.
Return by foot 1 block back to Marcus Whitman Hotel . Other late-night options:
Ice Cream at Bright’s Candies
Tiramisu and difestif at Passatempo
Bowling at Star Dust Lanes
Marcy’s for the late late night
Sunday, March 27
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.
Maple Counter Cafe is also a fantastic homegrown breakfast option if you want indoor or outdoor table-side service. Classic options and huge portions served with a smile.
Waterbrook Winery
10518 W Highway 12 — Fee: Flights and wines by the glass available for purchase.
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 or brunch is available.
Oregon Trail History
Just down the road from Waterbrook is an interesting history stop—the Whitman Mission. Listed as a National Historic Site, it is home to the gruesome slaughter of early-19th century missionaries. Enjoy the visitor’s center and a self-guided tour on the grounds (don’t miss the climb to the top of the big hill)!
Hours are 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. and the entrance fee is free.
If you weren't able to stop by L’Ecole 41 on your way into town, this is very close to Waterbrook. Don’t forget to ring the school bell on your way out!
Sunday downtown tasting recommendations:
Seven Hills Winery (reservation required)
212 N 3rd Street - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Fee: $20 pp waived with 2 bottle purchase
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.
Spring Valley Vineyards (reservations recommended)
2 E Rose Street - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Fee: $20 pp waived with purchase.
A fabulous estate winery producing a wide range of varietals from a vineyard located in the rolling foothills of the Palouse. The story of the family and the wines is interesting and the winemaker is a a charming French-man.
Sunday Dinner Recommendation
TMACS
80 N. Colville Street
Northwest cuisine served inside a serene dining room. 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 menu.
Monday, March 29
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.