Walla Walla Itinerary - 6/12
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.
Saturday, June 12
10:45 a.m. pick-up from the Haven
11:00 a.m. - Caprio Cellars (6)
1603 Whitely Road. Fee: Complimentary
Perched on a hillside and surrounded by estate vineyards—the light an airy tasting room is a great spot to kick back and relax. Enjoy big and bold red wines in a beautiful place. The tasting is free and includes locally-sourced food pairings.
1:00 p.m. - L’Ecole No 41 (6)
41 Lowden School Rd, Lowden Fee: $15 pp (60 mins.; waived with purchase)
A third-generation family-owned winery housed in the 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.
2:30 p.m. Brook & Bull Cellars (6)
1249 Lyday Ln Fee: $10 pp (60 mins; waived with one bottle)
Owned and operated by one of the U.S. top 40 under 40 winemakers, Ashley Trout produces big and bold red wines. She is known for Malbec, as she spent several harvests making wine in Argentina. She also makes phenomenal Rose and Chardonnay from one of the best vineyard sites in Washington State. She also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
Lunch served courtesy of Curated Walla Walla.
4:00 p.m. Sleight of Hand Cellars (6)
1959 J.B. George Rd. Fee: $20 pp (60 mins; waived with $50 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.
Return to the Haven around 5:30 p.m.