Walla Walla Itinerary - 6/11-12
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, June 11, 2021
The Perfect Day
9:40 a.m. pick-up by Curated Walla Walla at 51 E Main
10 a.m. L’Ecole 41
41 Lowden School Rd, Lowden — Tasting Fee: $45 pp (90 mins.; waived with $100 purchase)
The day will start off at the 3rd winery established in Walla Walla. L’Ecole No 41 is a third-generation, family-owned winery, housed in an historic schoolhouse. They produce distinctive Bordeaux wines and some stunning Sauvignon Blanc. In 2014, L’Ecole’s 2011 Estate Ferguson was named the best Bourdeaux Blend in the world by Decanter.
You will enjoy the Graduated Tasting which will feature their premium Bordeaux blends and several library selections.
After your tasting, head next door to Woodward Canyon Winery, offering first come, first serve seating in their garden where lunch will be served.
Woodward Canyon
Located adjacent to L’Ecole No 41 is the second winery to be established in Walla Walla. Woodward Canyon is a family business with great wines and an easy going attitude. First and second generation work side-by-side to produce stunning Chardonnay and Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon.
1:00 p.m. departure to Abeja
1:30 p.m. - Abeja Winery
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. - Pepper Bridge Winery
1704 JB George Rd — Tasting Fee: $20pp (90 mins., waived with purchase)
Elegant wines sourced from estate vineyards. Run by my dear friend, Jean Francois 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.
You will be seated on the patio surrounded by the estate vineyards. Take in the beautiful mountain views. Great spot for pictures.
5:15 p.m. - Return to 51 E Main
Saturday June 12, 2021
10:30 a.m. - Garrison Creek Cellars
122 Hood Road, — Fee: $35pp (waived with purchase)
A family-owned winery located in the heart of the 220-acres Les Collines Vineyard. An historic barn was renovated into a gravity-flow winery, complete with cellar. From the site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, estate wines are bottle-aged for an extra year beyond the typical annual releases of the Walla Walla wineries. Nothing typical about Garrison Creek Cellars, you will be transported by the amazing views, smooth reds and friendly hospitality.
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. I recommend you hit this winery before heading back downtown. Call to make a reservation or BOOK ONLINE.
Downtown Recommendations
Mark Ryan Winery
26 E Main Street - 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Offering a fabulous selection of bold premium red wines from Washington State. Next door to Starbucks with a small outside seating area. Tasting room manager Carolyn is very knowledgeable about the local wine industry. Reservations recommended.
Also check out Annex by Mark Ryan @ The Showroom on Colville (60 N Colville)
Seven Hills Winery
212 N 3rd Street - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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.
Bruno’s by Va Piano is open until 7 p.m. with ample indoor/outdoor seating. No reservation is needed and the group can come at staggered times if others need to stop by the hotel. The hospitality is warm and fun and you have access to high quality Walla Walla wine. Charcuterie, Snacks available.