Walla Walla Itinerary - 8/22 to 8/25
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.
Sunday, August 22 - Arrival Day
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—everything is $25. This is one of my absolute favorites. Rhone whites, reds, and interesting co-fermentations of 100% estate, Walla Walla Valley fruit. If you can’t make it in before closing and would like to schedule an appointment, let me know.
5:25 p.m. p/u by Curated Walla Walla from Marcus Whitman Hotel
Monday, August 23 - The Perfect Day
9:45 a.m. pick-up by Curated Walla Walla
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.
10:30 a.m. Canvasback (2)
1825 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $70pp (non-refundable)
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. You will be enjoying a comparative Walla Walla wine tasting in the cellar with food pairings. (Menu to follow).
1:00 p.m. The Walls (2)
1015 W Pine Street — Tasting 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. The Walls’ modern tasting room features a selection of premium wines from rosé to highly scored Cabernet. Ask for a flight of their second label, Pâšxa. These wines highlight the Rocks District Vineyards of the Walla Walla Valley.
2:45 p.m. Valdemar Estates (2)
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 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. This is a quick stop for traditional Spanish tapas and raciones provided by Curated Walla Walla.
3:30 p.m. - Rotie Cellars (2)
84328 Trumbull Ln, Milton-Freewater — Fee $30 pp. (waived with $50 purchase)
If you want funky, terroir-driven, Rhone-style wines, you need look no further. Set in the Rocks District AVA estate vineyards, you can enjoy a great variety of distinctive wines all with the same earthy character. In summers they show off their selection of crisp Rhone whites from Washington state, as well as their flagship red blends.
5:15 - Return to Marcus Whitman Hotel
6:15 p.m. - Passatempo (2)
Pasta to perfection in this Italian eatery. Beautiful concept, craft cocktails and expert hospitality.
Tuesday, August 24 — Downtown
Breakfast Options
The Marcus Whitman Hotel offers breakfast, but if you want to venture check out Walla Walla Bread Company. Raw juices, fresh pastries and artisan breads await you until they sell out that day. Owner/baker Michele Pompei competed on America’s Best Baker—so make sure to stop by early to see his craft!
Enjoy the morning golfing!
12:30 p.m. - Spring Valley Vineyards (2)
2 E Rose Street - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Fee: $20 pp waived with purchase.
A fabulous estate winery producing a wide range of varietals from a vineyard located in the rolling foothills of the Palouse. The story of the family and the wines is interesting and the winemaker is a charming French-man. You can pre-order a Ploughman’s lunch or other items to pair with your estate wine tasting.
Lunch suggestion - 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.
4:00 p.m. - Seven Hills Winery (2)
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 planing mill has been home to Seven Hills Winery since its renovation in 2000. Sourcing from the oldest blocks of the Seven Hills Vineyard, the selection of Bordeaux wines offered are consistently smooth and elegant. Reservations recommended.
Other downtown tasting options:
Mark Ryan Winery
26 E Main Street - 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Offering a fabulous selection of bold premium red wines from Washington State. Next door to Starbucks with a small outside seating area. Tasting room manager Carolyn is very knowledgeable about the local wine industry. Reservations recommended, not required.
Kontos Cellars
10 N 2nd Ave - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Winemaker-owner Chris Kontos has found farming to be foundational to their production. With deep roots and family ties to the Walla Walla Valley you can learn a lot about the history of the valley and the rise of the local wine industry through the family history. Reservations encouraged, not required.
6:15 p.m. Brasserie 4 (2)
A friendly French bistro with amazing steak frites, salad and house-made pâtés. Select a bottle from their well-stocked wine wall with amazing French and local selections. Very affordable wines by the glass and not to be missed is the classic crepe suzette.