Walla Walla Itinerary - 6/17
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 17
11:25 a.m. pickup from La Quinta Inn and Suites
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a 30-minute drive through the rolling Palouse on the way to our first stop located in the Touchet Valley! Lewis and Clark took this route and camped just outside the little town of Dayton, Washington.
We will drive down the historic Main Street of Waitsburg, WA and discuss the vineyards and breweries of the region.
12:05 p.m. - Monteillet Fromagerie
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA - Fee: $25 pp
Enjoy a genuinely inspired morning sampling cheese on a 32-acre farm and fromagerie. Bubbling with hospitality and artistry is Joan Monteillet. The spring kids and lambs prance about while you indulge in Curated Walla Walla’s flagship tasting.
Served alongside the cheese tasting, Jenna will provide a Walla Walla wine tasting seminar. The focus will be on single varietal wines of the Walla Walla Valley and other notable vineyards. Learn about 4 unique wineries and discuss their flagship wines. Wine tasting fee is $30 per person.
2:15 p.m. - Aluvé (5)
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.
3:30 p.m. — KINHAVEN (5)
1050 Merlot Drive — Tasting Fee: $25pp (waived with 2 bottle purchase)
A family affair with a lot of flair. Fun fresh wines that are both bold and refined. On good days, sit out in the vineyard around the warm fireplace, reclined in Adirondack chairs. The property is not just home to the winery and estate vineyards, but hosts live music and events. Approachable and laid-back environment with a high quality approach to winemaking. A new partnership with Tim Donahue, a long-time, now former enology instructor, will pay off as they bring newly planted vineyards into production.
After Kinhaven, there will be opportunities for another stop!! Maybe Brook & Bull or Amavi Cellars—both will be hosting happy hour at wineries between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Amavi Cellars — Perched on a ridge with sweeping views of the vineyards of Walla Walla, Amavi features consistent and sustainable estate wines. You can elevate your tasting with a chocolate pairing or add a taste of one of their vintage wines.
Brook & Bull Cellars — 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. Ashley also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
Return to La Quinta or get dropped downtown or the following event that I am recommending!
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. — Live Music at Tranche Cellars (5)
705 Berney Drive — Fee: wine available by the glass or bottle
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 all set to the tune of a local band. A fantastic food truck, Soi71 will delight you—or enjoy a fry pie from Stay Around Donuts
Additional evening transportation can be provided at $25 per trip or $40 roundtrip (with advanced notice). Uber is often, but not always available.
