Walla Walla Itinerary - 5/14 - 5/15
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, May 14
The Perfect Day
10:45 a.m. pickup at AirBnb (109 Jordan Road)
11: 00 a.m. - Brook & Bull Cellars (4)
1249 Lyday Ln Fee: $20 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. Ashley also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
12:00 p.m. - Canvasback (4)
1825 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $70pp (non-refundable)
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.
Flights & Bites
Enjoy a comparative Walla Walla wine tasting in the cellar with food pairings. Pairing current Canvasback Wines with delectable bites of cuisine prepared by Chef Penny
Let the Canvasback Team take you on a journey of handpicked wines paired with seasonally fresh foods brought together by Winemaker Brian Rudin and Chef Penny Addison.
7 wines, 7 bites - $70 pp
2:00 p.m. - Sleight of Hand Cellars (4)
Started in 2007 to make excellent wine and have fun — this endeavor has had numerous wines in the Top 100 wine lists of Wine Spectator Magazine. Sleight of Hand Cellars makes a wide selection of Bordeaux wines and several funky Rocks District Syrahs. We will be sampling wine produced from local and Washington vineyards.
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a 30-minute drive through the rolling Palouse on the way to our Tuscan afternoon stop located in the Touchet Valley! Lewis and Clark once took this route and camped just outside the little town of Dayton, Washington.
We will drive down the historic Main Street of Waitsburg, WA the site of Seattle Chef Mike Easton’s (of Il Corvo and Il Nido) newest project.
4:15 p.m. - Monteillet Fromagerie
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA - Fee: $25 pp
Enjoy a genuinely inspired afternoon sampling cheese on a 32-acre farm and fromagerie. Bubbling with hospitality and artistry is Joan Monteillet. The spring kids and lambs prance about while you indulge in Curated Walla Walla’s flagship tasting.
Served alongside the cheese tasting, Jenna will provide a Walla Walla wine tasting seminar. The focus will be on single varietal wines of the Walla Walla Valley and other notable vineyards. Learn about 5 unique wineries and discuss their flagship wines. Wine tasting fee is $50 per person. An afternoon picnic will be provided courtesy of Curated Walla Walla.
6:45 p.m. - Return to Downtown Walla Walla for live music OR return to AirBnb
(Wine will be delivered to Airbnb if you are dropped downtown.)
8:30 p.m. - TMAC’s
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.
Sunday, May 15
Breakfast Options:
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.
10:00 a.m. pickup at AirBnb by Curated Walla Walla
10:15 a.m. - The Walls (4)
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.
12:00 p.m. - Long Shadows (4)
1604 Frenchtown Rd. Fee: $20 pp (60 mins.; waived with $40 purchase)
Long Shadows was started with the premise that Washington State wines can go head to head against international and domestic heavy hitters. The state-of-the art wine production facility located in rolling Palouse wheat fields showcases a selection of wines from consulting winemakers. From Randy Dunn to Michel Rolland, heavy hitting international winemakers have a hand in showcasing the quality of Washington State wines.
A gourmet charcuterie board will be provided courtesy of Curated Walla Walla.
1:45 p.m. - Abeja Winery (4)
2014 Mill Creek Rd. — Tasting Fee - $45 pp, waived with purchase
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 whites and reds from the estate.
3:30 p.m. - Aluvé (4)
100 Aluve Ln. — Tasting Fee: $15 pp, waived with purchase
J.J. and Kelly Menozzi have dedicate 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’, of Leonetti Family Vineyards, newest project.
Return to the AirBnb ~ 5:30 p.m.
7:15 p.m. - Hattaway’s on Alder (4)
A southern-inspired restaurant with craft cocktails and an impressive wine list. Owned and operated by Lindsey & Chad Hattaway, the establishment has a home spun, but sophisticated vibe.
Note About Evening Reservations: I wanted to ensure that you had the opportunity for a dining experience in Walla Walla at two of my favorite places. Sundays also fill up due to many restaurants being closed. Let me know if you’d prefer more casual walk-in options and I will cancel one or both reservations.
Evening transportation can be provided at $25 per trip or $40 roundtrip (with advanced notice). Uber is often, but not always available.
