Walla Walla Itinerary - 9/8 - 9/9
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.
Tuesday Evening Tasting Suggestions
Seven Hills Winery
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
The Perfect Day
9:40 a.m. pick-up by Curated Walla Walla at the Finch
10:00 a.m. Canvasback (3)
1825 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $20pp (waived with 2 bottle purchase)
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.
11:30 a.m. Doubleback (3)
3853 Powerline Rd. Fee: $50 pp (90 mins.; waived with purchase)
Doubleback is a lifelong dream of retired NFL player, Drew Bledsoe. He has “doubled back” to his hometown of Walla Walla, WA. He’s producing premium Cabernet Sauvignon in a gravity-flow production facility with a stellar team of wine and hospitality professionals. The tasting fee includes a tour of the facility, flight of current releases and a barrel sample paired with charcuterie plate.
Foodscape Picnic
Curated Walla Walla will provide a delicious and seasonal picnic pack and salad to enjoy after your tasting.
1:30 p.m. Woodward Canyon (3)
11920 W. Highway 12, Lowden, WA — Tasting Fee: $15 pp (waived with purchase)
Located adjacent to the historic Lowden School House is the second winery to be established in Walla Walla. Woodward Canyon is a family business with great wines and an easy going attitude. First and second generation work side-by-side to produce stunning Chardonnay and Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon.
3:30 p.m. The Walls (3)
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.
Return to the Finch ~ 5 p.m.
Thursday, September 9, 2021
The Perfect Day
10 a.m. pickup at the Finch
10:10 a.m. Monteillet Fromagerie (3)
109 Ward Rd., Dayton, WA Fee: $25 pp (Please bring cash)
We will enjoy the classic goat and sheep-milk cheese tasting.
Served alongside the cheese tasting, Jenna will provide a Walla Walla wine tasting seminar. The focus will be library wines from Walla Walla and other notable vineyards. Wine tasting fee is $50 per person.
11:30 a.m. Dunham Cellars (3)
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.
After the tasting we will enjoy a lunch courtesy of Curated Walla Walla. A local favorite is Graze - offering classic salads and sandwiches.
1 p.m. - Long Shadows (3)
Long Shadows was started with the premise that Washington State wines can go head to head against internal and domestic heavy hitters. The state-of-the art wine production facility located in rolling Palouse wheat fields showcases a selection of wines from consulting winemakers. From Randy Dunn to Michel Rolland, heavy hitting international winemakers have a hand in showcasing the quality of Washington State wines.
3:00 p.m. Tranche Cellars (3)
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.
~ 5:30 p.m. return to the Finch