Walla Walla Itinerary - 5/18
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.
Monday Tasting Recommendations
Downtown and near downtown
Seven Hills Winery
212 N 3rd Ave. — Tasting fee: $25 pp, waived with $40 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. Reservations recommended.
Truth Teller (open after 1 p.m.)
47 E Main Street — Tasting fee: $15 pp, waived with purchase
Meet the owners and winemakers at this approachable downtown tasting room. Fantastic wines at all price points. Some of the best value wines in town coming from a small producer.
Result of a Crush
23 S Spokane St
Top producer, Reynvaan Family Vineyards, has a second label that just opened a downtown tasting room. Earthy and funky at an affordable price. This is one of my absolute favorites that is 100% Walla Walla Valley fruit that is estate grown.
Yamas Greek Cuisine is a fantastic lunch option!!
Tuesday, May 18th
10:15 a.m. pick-up from Eritage Resort
11 a.m. Rotie Cellars (2)
84328 Trumbull Ln, Milton-Freewater — Fee $30 pp. (waived with $50 purchase)
If you want funky, terroir-driven, Rhone-style wines, you need look no further. Set in the Rocks Distric AVA vineyards, you can enjoy a great variety of distinctive wines all with the same earthy character. One of the most beautiful spots in Walla Walla.
12:30 p.m. Saviah Cellars
1979 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $15pp (waived with purchase)
Few wineries in Walla Walla have the range of wines offered by the crew at Saviah Cellars. From stunningly earthy Syrah from the estate Funk Estate to light and fruity Barbera, this is a crowd pleaser.
We will have lunch at Saviah or Dunham - options of authentic Mexican food or the local sandwich/salad favorite - Graze.
2:30 p.m. Dunham Cellars
150 E. Boeing Ave. Fee: $10 pp (60 mins; pre-paid)
Situated in an old airport hanger, Dunham Cellars produces everything from fresh Sauvignon Blanc to bold Cabernets.
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a 30-minute drive through the rolling Palouse on the way to your next stop located in the Touchet Valley! Lewis and Clark took this route and camped just outside the little town of Dayton, Washington.
4:00 p.m. Monteillet Fromagerie
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 $30 pp and will include four distinctive Walla Walla wines.
Walla Walla Vintners - 2018 Sangiovese
College Cellars - 2019 Scholarship White
Aluve - 2020 Rose of Sangiovese
Helix by Reininger - 2016 Pomatia
Return to Eritage Resort by 6 p.m.