Walla Walla Itinerary - 6/4
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 4
2:45 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. A modern tasting room features a cool inside tasting experience or a delightful patio. Featuring a selection of premium wines from rosé to highly scored Cabernet.
Enjoy tarte flambé from the wood-fired pizza oven. Menu items courtesy of Passatempo Taverna
5:30 p.m. - Valdemar Estates
3808 Rolling Hills Lane — Fee: $15 flights (non-refundable)
One of the best views of the Blue Mountains is on the balcony of Valdemar Estates. Relax and enjoy a flight of wines either Spanish, local red or white. As the first internationally owned winery in Washington State, Valdemar Estates continues the family legacy of fine wine making. Featuring a full kitchen with traditional Spanish Tapas. A great place to grab a bite!
Until 8 p.m. - Tranche
705 Berney Drive Fee: Wines by the glass and bottle available for purchase
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.
Live music featured every Friday night on the lawn of the patio. 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.
Saturday, June 5
10:45 a.m. pick-up from Courtyard Marriot
11 a.m. Revelry Vintners
3978 Peppers Bridge Rd — Fee: $20pp, pre-paid tasting fee
Head back to the Southside district to soak in the sun with a beautiful view. Featuring a wide selection of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals—there is something to love for everyone.
12:30 p.m. - Garrison Creek Cellars
122 Hood Road — Fee: $35pp (waived with purchase)
A family-owned winery located in the heart of the 220-acres Les Collines Vineyard. An historic barn was renovated into a gravity-flow winery, complete with cellar. From the site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, estate wines are bottle-aged for an extra year beyond the typical annual releases of the Walla Walla wineries. Nothing typical about Garrison Creek Cellars, you will be transported by the amazing views, smooth reds and friendly hospitality.
Picnic Pack provided by Foodscapes featuring pimento cheese from Hattaways on Alder.
2:00 p.m. Grosgrain Vineyards
2158 Half Acre Ln. — Fee $15 pp. (waived with purchase)
Grosgrain Vineyards is one of the new kids on the block and boy are they fresh. They offer a diverse array of wine varietals including sparkling, rose, white and red. They do a range of small-batch wines that sell out very quickly—especially their Pet-Nat! From their tastefully appointed facility look out over the rows of Nebbiolo, Aglianico, Grenache and Carignan. Can you tell one of the owners is a designer? Yes!
3:30 p.m. Aluvé
100 Aluvé Lane — Fee $15 pp. (waived with $30 purchase)
Perched in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, the Menozzi Estate Vineyard reaches out from the tasting room and crush-pad. Planted in 2012, the estate vineyard features stunning Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Watch the clouds roll in and enjoy the offerings from the winemaker/owner team Kelly and JJ.
Drop-off to downtown Walla Walla
5:00 p.m. Brasserie Four
4 E Main Street
A friendly French bistro with amazing frites, salad and to die for steak and house-made pates. Hand-pick a bottle of wine from the wine wall with amazing French and local selections. Very affordable wines by the glass and not to be missed is the classic crepe suzette.
Downtown tasting suggestion: Bruno’s by Va Piano is open until 8 p.m. with ample indoor seating. No reservation is needed. Michelle is warm, fun, and knowledgeable about Walla Walla wine. Charcuterie, Snacks available
8:00 p.m. — TMAC’s
80 N Colville St
Proprietor, Tom Maccarone, is a local with a huge following. Known for good taste, great flavors, and seasonal menus — you will find a lot to love. Craft cocktails and something for everyone on the inspired menu.
Sunday, June 6 — Downtown
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. Studio Opal has a wide selection of women’s clothing and a great sale rack!