Walla Walla Itinerary - 5/28
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.
Friday Night Suggestions
Tranche Cellars - Live Music 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. on the lawn and patio
705 Berney Drive Fee: Glass pours and bottle purchases with Food Truck
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.
The Perfect Day
10:40 a.m. pick-up from the Marcus Whitman Hotel
11 a.m. - Abeja Winery (pre-paid)
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 vineyards.
12:45 p.m. depart for Monteillet Fromagerie
12:45 p.m. 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.
1:15 p.m. Monteillet Fromagerie (6)
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA Fee: $25 pp (Please bring cash)
Enjoy a genuinely French-inspired afternoon sampling cheese on a 32-acre farm and fromagerie. Bubbling with hospitality and artistry is Joan Monteillet. You will be seated all together for an afternoon of sampling, savoring, and conviviality. Wine pairings, from cult producers will be available as well as flights of rosé.
LUNCH
Local and seasonal picnic packs by Foodscapes will be included with the the tour. After lunch, take a walk around the property or learn the French game of pétanque.
Depart at 3:10
3:30 p.m. Opening Day at Spring Valley Vineyards (6)
1663 Corkrum Road, Walla Walla, WA Fee: $20 pp
A fabulous estate winery producing a wide range of varietals. Enjoy a tasting at the ranch, which is nestled in their estate vineyard located in the rolling foothills of the Palouse. The story of the family and the wines is interesting and the winemaker is a a charming French-man. Enjoy a flight of estate wines paired with live music.
5:30 p.m. return downtown to Walla Walla to walk-in to patio at Saffron, TMACs or AKs Mercado.