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.
Saturday, May 28
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.
Pickup at 10:45 a.m. at the Finch
11:00 a.m. - Itä Winery (3)
600 Piper Ave — Fee: $10 pp (waived with purchase)
Itä is just one of just a handful of women-owned wineries in Walla Walla. Kelsey is focused on classic Walla Walla varietals grown in the cooler foothills of the Valley. One site is the Les Collines Vineyard (around Garrison Creek Cellars), as well as a Pinot Noir site just south of the Oregon border.
12:30 p.m. - Sleight of Hand Cellars (3)
1959 JB George Rd - Fee: $20pp (waived with $40 purchase)
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.
Sandwich or salad from local business, Graze - A Place to Eat courtesy of Curated Walla Walla
2:00 p.m. - Grosgrain Vineyards (3)
2158 Half Acre Ln, Walla Walla — Fee $20 pp (waived with 2 bottle purchase)
Grosgrain Vineyards is one of the new kids on the block and boy are they fresh. They offer a diverse array of wine varietals including sparkling, rose, white and red. They do a range of small-batch wines that sell out very quickly—especially their Pet-Nat! From their tastefully appointed facility look out over the rows of Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Grenache and Carignan. Can you tell one of the owners is a designer? Yes!
3:30 p.m. - Foundry Vineyards (3)
1111 Abadie Street — Fee: $10pp, waived with $25 purchase
Foundry Vineyards was created with the premise that art and wine are a perfect pairing. Art gallery and wine are blended together in a modern and chic space. Producing a great variety of wines included sparkling, white and red. A great experience surrounded by beautiful designs—don’t forget to take time to check out the current art exhibition and artisan gift shop.
~5:15 p.m. Return to the Finch or head over to Tranche
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. — Saturday night Live Music at Tranche
705 Berney Drive — Tasting Fee: Glass and bottle service
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. Featuring a rotating selection of food trucks. (Let me know if you would like to borrow my lawn chairs).