Walla Walla Itinerary - 6/26
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 26
Shaded Early Morning stroll
Enjoy a walk to Pioneer Park, which features State Champion trees, an aviary, a rose garden, as well as a community ping pong table and pickle ball court.
10:45 a.m. pick-up from LOCATION by Curated Walla Walla
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a 30-minute drive through the rolling Palouse on the way to the Touchet Valley! Wheat is turning colors and alfalfa is coming in strong. Lewis and Clark took this route and camped just outside the little town of Dayton, Washington.
11:15 a.m. Monteillet Fromagerie (4)
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA Fee: $50 pp (will be added to tour fee).
Enjoy a genuinely French-inspired day sampling cheese on a 32-acre farm and fromagerie. Bubbling with hospitality and artistry is Joan Monteillet. You will be seated inside, or alfresco if the weather allows, for their classic goat and sheep-milk cheese tasting.
In order by age and intensity:
Soft chèvre
Feta
Cardabelle (soft Brie-style)
Larzac (ash layer)
La Roi Noir (heart-shaped with ash on the outside)
Fleur du Midi (paprika on the outside)
Served alongside the cheese tasting, Jenna will provide a Walla Walla White and Rosé Tasting highlighting local winemakers.
Ita - 2019 Les Collines Vineyard, Semillon
Brook and Bull - 2020 Rosé of Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah
Hoquetos - 2020 Rosé of Cabernet Franc
SMAK - 2019 Rosé of Pinot Gris
Picnic Pack
Served with crackers and seasonal soup.
We love collaboration and thank Foodscape for providing the best of the best!
We feature local and seasonal vegetables and grains with artisan charcuterie and cheese.
1:30 p.m. - Abeja Winery (4)
2014 Mill Creek Rd. — Prepaid tasting fees or comped with membership.
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.
3:00 p.m. - Aluvé (4)
100 Aluve Ln. — Tasting Fee: $15 pp, waived with purchase
J.J. and Kelly Menozzi have dedicate 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.
4:30 p.m. - The Walls
1015 W Pine Street — Fee: $35pp, waived with $75 purchase
The Walls was originally meant as a play on the Washington State Penitentiary, Walla Walla’s least talked about but perhaps most notorious landmark, and one that looms just down the street from their production facility. This modern tasting room features a chic newly redesigned experience. This small producer is getting 96+ scores on a selection of premium wines from rosé to Cabernet.
Enjoy tarte flambé from the wood-fired pizza oven. Menu items courtesy of Passatempo Taverna
6:15 p.m. - Return to LOCATION by Curated Walla Walla
Downtown Recommendations
Window shopping in Downtown Walla Walla is a real treat. 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.
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.
Truth Teller (open after 1 p.m.)
47 E Main Street — Tasting fee: $15 pp, waived with purchase
Meet the owners and winemakers at this approachable downtown tasting room. Fantastic wines at all price points. Some of the best value wines in town coming from a small producer.
Result of a Crush
23 S Spokane St - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tasting fee: $10, waived with purchase
Top producer, Reynvaan Family Vineyards, has a second label that just opened a downtown tasting room. Earthy and funky at an affordable price. This is one of my absolute favorites that is 100% Walla Walla Valley fruit that is estate grown.