Maggie Smith, party of three
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, November 12
Your driver for the day is the inimitable Michael Jaramillo. You can reach him by phone or text at (509) 520-3964
11a.m. — Michael can pick you up at your breakfast stop downtown if you will confirm for us where that is :)
11:30 a.m. - Aluvé
100 Aluve Ln. — Tasting Fee: $15 pp, waived with purchase
J.J. and Kelly Menozzi have dedicated 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’ newest vineyard project nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains.
1:30 p.m. - Pepper Bridge Winery
1704 JB George Rd - Fee: $20pp - waived with purchase
Elegant wines sourced from estate vineyards. Run by my dear friend, JF Pellet. Precise and true to the varietal, the team has produced stunning wines for more than two decades. Offering truly elevated experiences of wine in Walla Walla.
Lunch from Graze-A Place to Eat will be served courtesy of Curated Walla Walla. Please choose from the menu below.
3:30 p.m. - Long Shadows
1604 Frenchtown Rd. - Fee: $20 — $30 pp, waived with 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.
5:00 p.m. - Michael will return you to your lodging after the tasting at Long Shadows.
7:15 p.m - You have a reservation for four at Passatempo for dinner.
