Walla Walla Itinerary - 6/2
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.
Wednesday, June 2
9:45 a.m. pick-up from Marcus Whitman Hotel
10 a.m - Canvasback (6)
1825 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $20pp (waived with 2 bottle purchase)
Napa Valley put American Cabernet on the map and Canvasback is trying to do the same for the Red Mountain AVA Cabernet. The hot appellation produces full-bodied wines, expertly handled by Washington native and winemaker, Brian Rudin. Charcuterie, Snacks available.
11:30 a.m. - Doubleback (6)
3853 Powerline Rd. Fee: $45 pp (90 mins.; waived with purchase)
Doubleback is a lifelong dream of retired NFL player, Drew Bledsoe. He has “doubled back” to his hometown of Walla Walla, WA. He’s producing premium Cabernet Sauvignon in a gravity-flow production facility with a stellar team of wine and hospitality professionals. The tasting fee includes a tour of the facility, flight of current releases and a barrel sample paired with charcuterie plate.
Scenic drive past historic landmarks. Discussion of Walla Walla soil and geology.
Local and seasonal picnic lunch courtesy of Curated Walla Walla.
2:00 p.m. - Long Shadows (6)
1604 Frenchtown Rd. Fee: $20 pp (60 mins.; waived with $40 purchase)
Long Shadows was started with the premise that Washington State wines can go head to head against internal and domestic heavy hitters. The state-of-the art wine production facility located in rolling Palouse wheat fields showcases a selection of wines from consulting winemakers. From Randy Dunn to Michel Rolland, heavy hitting international winemakers have a hand in showcasing the quality of Washington State wines.
3:30 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.
5:15 p.m. Return to the Marcus Whitman Hotel