Walla Walla Itinerary - 6/3
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 3
10:35 a.m. pickup from 51 E Main Street Condos (rear entrance)
Scenic Drive
Enjoy a scenic drive through the foothills of the Blue Mountains on the way to our first stop! We will drive down historic Walla Walla Main Street and neighborhoods and discuss how agriculture has shaped the community.
11:00 a.m. - Brook & Bull Cellars (4)
1249 Lyday Ln Fee: $20 pp (60 mins; waived with bottle purchase)
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.
12:00 p.m. - Valdemar Estates (4)
3808 Rolling Hills Lane — Fee: $15 flights
One of the best views of the Blue Mountains is on the balcony of Valdemar Estates. Relax and enjoy a flight of wines from Walla Walla or Spain. As the first internationally owned winery in Washington State, Valdemar Estates continues the family legacy of fine wine making. Bodegas Valdemar is owned by a 5th generation winemaking family from Oyón in Northern Spain. The Walla Walla winery features traditional Spanish tapas and flights by the glass. Valdemar Estates has the wow factor that one looks for in wine country.
1:00 p.m. - Revelry Vintners (4)
3978 Peppers Bridge Rd — Fee: $20pp
Located in the Southside district, you can soak up the sun with a beautiful view. Featuring a wide selection of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals—there is something to love for everyone. Crisp white wines and rose, austere Syrah and award-winning cabernet poured in an elegant atmosphere.
A selection of sandwich and salad options will be available for lunch courtesy of Curated Walla Walla.
2:45 p.m. - SMAK (4)
594 Piper Ave — Tasting Fee: $20 pp, waived with $20 purchase
A delicate tribute to the apex of summer. Owner-winemaker Fiona Mak is focused on all things pink, but this is no girlish affair. Savvy sippers will love the acidity and freshness of this lineup of rosé.
She’s a recent graduate of the Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture program, but not new to hospitality, with an impressive CV in some of the greats of NYC. She brings her love of food into her operation by providing pairing suggestions.
3:30 p.m. - Dunham Cellars (4)
150 E. Boeing Ave. Fee: $10 pp (60 mins; non-refundable)
Situated in an old airport hanger, Dunham Cellars produces everything from fresh Sauvignon Blanc to bold Cabernets. Featuring wines at multiple price points which are easy to drink and approachable.
Return to the Main Street Condos ~ 5 p.m. to relax before dinner
Additional evening transportation can be provided at $25 per trip or $40 roundtrip (with advanced notice). Uber is often, but not always available.
