Walla Walla Itinerary - 4/23
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.
Saturday, April 23
10:45 a.m. pickup at Marcus Whitman Hotel
11:00 a.m. Tranche Cellars (4)
705 Berney Drive Fee: $20 pp (waived with two bottle purchase)
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.
The winery and tasting room is nestled in the Blue Mountain Vineyards. Enjoy a selection of approachable wines at a truly modern wine country estate.
12:30 p.m. Caprio Cellars (4)
1603 Whitely Road. Fee: Complimentary
Perched on a hillside and surrounded by estate vineyards—the light an airy tasting room is a great spot to kick back and relax. Enjoy big and bold red wines in a beautiful place. Owner and winemaker Dennis Murphy is a warm host. The tasting is not just complimentary-- it includes locally-sourced food pairings.
1:45 p.m. Amavi Cellars (4)
3796 Peppers Bridge Rd. Fee: $15 pp (60-90 mins, $5 with purchase)
Perched on a ridge with sweeping views of the vineyards of Walla Walla, Amavi features consistent and sustainable estate wines. You can elevate your tasting with a chocolate pairing or add a taste of one of their vintage wines.
3:30 p.m. - Reininger Winery (4)
5858 Old Highway 12 — Fee: $15 or $25 pp depending on choice of flight.
Winemaker Chuck Reininger has built two wineries—Helix and Reininger. A family affair with four generations of farming in the Palouse. From wheat to wine, Reininger Winery is a celebration of Walla Walla Valley fruit sourced from the oldest blocks of the Seven Hills Vineyard. They are particularly known for their old-vine Walla Walla Carménère. Helix is a second label which represents a fun collection of Columbia Valley wines. Affordable and approachable and 100% quality.
Return to the Marcus Whitman Hotel by ~ 5 p.m.
