Walla Walla Itinerary - 8/11
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, August 11 - The Perfect Day
10 a.m. pickup at South Fork Walla Walla River Road
Enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling foothills of the Blue Mountains. Among the hilltop forest, dry grass and straw stubble, you will see the green rows and ripe fruit of the 2021 harvest. Apples, peaches, plums, nectarines, hops and of course—grapes. Jenna will provide an overview of the Walla Walla AVA and point out the distinctive features of the wine growing region.
11:00 a.m. Amavi Cellars (4)
3796 Peppers Bridge Rd. Fee: $15 pp (60-90 mins, $5 with purchase)
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.
12:30 p.m. Grosgrain Vineyards (4)
2158 Half Acre Ln, Walla Walla — 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!
Following your tasting, enjoy a picnic lunch by the pond.
Picnic lunch featuring local and artisan food provided by Foodscape
3:00 p.m. Tranche Cellars (4)
705 Berney Drive Fee: $20 pp (waived with two bottle 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.
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.
Frog Hollow Farm
174 Frog Hollow Road - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Amy Dietrich and family have established a stunning property with U-Pick flowers and herbs and all the charms of a local organic farm. They supply produce to local restaurants and heirloom tomatoes and peppers to Whole Foods Market. We will make a stop to feed the pigs and goats and to stock up on beautiful local produce.
