Walla Walla Itinerary - 35th Wedding Anniversary
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.
Tuesday, October 13
9:45 a.m. Pick-up from the Marcus Whitman
10 a.m - Canvasback
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.
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a 30-minute drive through the rolling Palouse on the way to the Monteillet Fromagerie! Lewis and Clark took this route and camped just outside the little town of Dayton, Washington.
11:45 a.m. Monteillet Fromagerie
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA Fee: $20 pp (Please bring cash)
Enjoy a genuinely French-inspired afternoon and lunch sampling cheese on a 32-acre farm and fromagerie. Bubbling with hospitality and artistry is Joan Monteillet. Truly a story of love and passion. Wine pairings, featuring new and innovative winemakers will be available for $35 pp.
1:30 p.m. - Garrison Creek Cellars
122 Hood Road, — Fee: $35pp (waived with purchase)
A family-owned winery located in the heart of the 220-acres Les Collines Vineyard. An historic barn was renovated into a gravity-flow winery, complete with cellar. From the site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, estate wines are bottle-ages for an extra year beyond the typical annual releases of the Walla Walla wineries. Nothing typical about Garrison Creek Cellars, you will be transported by the amazing views, smooth reds and friendly hospitality.
3 p.m. - Abeja Winery
A lovingly restored family farm is home to the winery and Inn at Abeja. Perched on a ridge near the Mill Creek River, large Poplar, Willow and Oak trees give way to an immaculately cared-for grounds. Sample a line-up of stunning Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley inside well-appointed carriage house.
