Walla Walla Itinerary - 9/30 - 10/5
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, September 30
Drinks or dinner at Public House 124
124 E. Main Street
Walk-in option for arrival night cocktails or dinner at the locals’ favorite spot! Open later. Food and cocktails are available for take-out as well.
Thursday, October 1 — Downtown District
Morning
Early risers enjoy a walk to Pioneer Park, which features State Champion trees, an aviary, a rose garden, and a pickleball court.
11:30 a.m. Bergevin Lane Vineyards (5)
70 N. Colville Street — Fee $15 pp
Christie will provide an overview of the Walla Walla Valley. Note: Check out the Combine Art Collective or Epicurean Kitchen down the hall!
Lunch
Enjoy our downtown outdoor courtyard with take-out available from Graze, YAMAS Greek, or Walla Walla Indian Cuisine. Bad weather? Maple Counter Café is your spot for great food and ample indoor space!
2:30 p.m. Spring Valley Vineyards (9)
2 E. Rose Street — Fee $20 pp.
Enjoy distinctive and bold wines across from the historic Marcus-Whitman hotel.
After
Window shop or enjoy cider from Locust Cider or wines by the glass at Charles Smith Wines.
Bruno’s by Va Piano is open until 7 p.m. with ample indoor seating. No reservation is needed. Michelle is warm, fun, and knowledgeable about Walla Walla wine. Charcuterie, Snacks available.
Friday, October 2 — Southside Vineyard Area
11 a.m. Amavi Cellars (9)
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. Add a 3- vintage vertical of Syrah to your tasting (Adds 30 minutes).
12:30 p.m. Sleight of Hand Cellars (9)
1959 J.B. George Rd. Fee: $20 pp (60 mins; waived with $50 purchase)
Started in 2007 to make excellent wine and have fun — this endeavor has had numerous wines in the Top 100 wine lists of Wine Spectator Magazine. Traci will walk you through a selection of current releases while the harvest crew is busy making wine in view. Choose from 1000’s of vinyl records or check out Traci’s garden!
Lunch
Andrae’s Kitchen in the vineyard Andrae Bopp, a St Louis native, has received national attention for his gourmet food truck in a gas station. Your order is in and will arrive ~1 p.m. to enjoy at Sleight of Hand Cellars.
2 p.m. Brook & Bull Cellars (9)
1249 Lyday Ln Fee: $10 pp (60 mins; waived with one bottle)
Owned and operated by one of the U.S. top 40 under 40 winemakers, Ashley Trout produces big and bold red wines. She also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
After
If you want one more stop for a walk-in tasting, check out Saviah (Funky Syrah) or Revelry Vintners (for Syrah) or Canvasback Wines (for Cabernet).
Cap off the day with a hike at Benington Lake Recreation Area. Locals enjoy a 2.6-mile loop around the reservoir.
Enjoy a meal together at the vacation rental or bring a picnic to Tranche at the scenic Blue Mountain Vineyards. Farm and vineyards converge at the beautiful setting. Sometimes featuring pop-up food trucks, with ample outdoor seating.
Saturday, October 3 — Touchet Valley and Airport Districts
Morning
Yoga in the Gallery at Foundry — 9:30 a.m. ($10)
Downtown Farmer’s Market - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., walkable from the house.
11:00 a.m. Pick-up from Vacation Rental
11:15 a.m. Dunham Cellars (8)
150 E. Boeing Ave. Fee: $10 pp (60 mins; pre-paid)
Situated in an old airport hanger, Dunham Cellars produces everything from fresh Sauvignon Blanc to bold Cabernets.
12:25 p.m. Scenic Drive
Enjoy a 30-minute drive through the rolling Palouse on the way to your next stop located in the Touchet Valley! Lewis and Clark took this route and camped just outside the little town of Dayton, Washington.
1 p.m. Monteillet Fromagerie (8)
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA Fee: $20 pp (Please bring cash)
Enjoy a genuinely French-inspired afternoon sampling cheese on a 32-acre farm and fromagerie. Bubbling with hospitality and artistry is Joan Monteillet. You will be seated all together for an afternoon of sampling, savoring, and conviviality. Wine available for purchase or BYOB.
LUNCH
Brasserie Four at the fromagerie Enjoy a selection of charcuterie, pate, salads, and quiche du jour. Preorder by October 1.
3:25 p.m. Departure from Monteillet’s
4 p.m. Gramercy Cellars (8)
635 N 13th Ave. Fee: $20 pp (60 mins; waived with purchase)
A Sommelier-run winery with old-world charm is located in Walla Walla’s industrial district. Syrah- focused on Rhone wines—they are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about quality.
5:15 p.m. – Return to the Vacation Rental 6:25 p.m. – Pick-up from the Vacation Rental
6:30pm TMACS (8)
80 N. Colville Street
Northwest cuisine served inside a serene dining room. 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 menu.
8:30 p.m. Return to the Vacation Rental
Sunday, October 4 — The Gorge and Walla Walla Confluence
Morning
Rise and shine and earn your wine with a hike! Twin Sisters at 2471 US-730, Touchet is where you can get amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge. While this is just a quick 0.6-mile out and back hike, you can take time to explore, scramble on the rocks and get incredible photos.
Head back towards Walla Walla and and visit the Whitman Mission. Listed as a National Historic Site, it is home to the gruesome slaughter of early-19th century missionaries. Enjoy the visitor’s center and a self-guided tour on the grounds (don’t miss the climb to the top of the big hill)!
12 p.m. Waterbrook Winery (8)
10518 W Highway 12 Fee: Varies
Enjoy brunch or lunch, paired with regional wines, in a beautiful setting. Seated at outdoor cabanas, your group can enjoy wine by the flight, glass, or bottle. I recommend the ICON Red Mountain Cabernet. You’ve probably seen the label at the grocery store, but their ICON collection is small-batch and available on-site.
2 p.m. L’Ecole No 41 (8)
41 Lowden School Rd, Lowden Fee: $15 pp (60 mins.; waived with purchase)
A third-generation family-owned winery housed in the historic schoolhouse. They produce distinctive Bordeaux wines and some stunning Sauvignon Blanc. In 2014, L’Ecole’s 2011 Estate Ferguson was named the best Bourdeaux Blend in the world by Decanter.
After
Fill the rest of your afternoon with anything you’ve missed out on from the previous days.
Shopping downtown wraps up around 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Burwood Brewery is where the winemakers go for a beer at the end of the day. Open until 7 p.m. on Sundays. You can bring outside food.
Monday, October 5
Farewell brunch at Bacon & Eggs
57 E Main Street
Walk-in option for the last hurrah downtown. Open at 8 a.m. with great coffee, cocktails, and a hot sauce wall. If you go out for breakfast to one place in Walla Walla, it has to be here.