Sorraya Boudiaf, party of 11, August 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.
The Perfect Day
Your driver and guide for the day is Jamey: (208) 867-8261
~10:30 a.m. pickup @ 1309 Sturm Ave.
11:00 a.m. — Brook & Bull
1249 Lyday Ln. / Fee: $20 pp (waived with bottle purchase)
Owned and operated by one of the U.S. top 40 under 40 winemakers, Ashley Trout produces big and bold red wines. She is known for Malbec, as she spent several harvests making wine in Argentina. She also makes phenomenal Rose and Chardonnay from one of the best vineyard sites in Washington State. Ashley also supports VITAL wines, which raises money for free health care services to the underserved.
12:30 p.m. — Yellowhawk Resort and Winery
2901 Old Milton Hwy — Wine flights $15-$20 per person
This lavish estate is the Southside’s newest Resort property, and Walla Walla’s only winery to focus exclusively on bubbles. Lunch and bubbles on the scenic patio here is an unforgettable, iconic wine country experience.
Your group will be ordering off their lunch menu; Curated Walla Walla will provide a gift card for purchase.
2:00 p.m. — Dunham Cellars
150 E. Boeing Ave. / Fee: $15 pp
Situated in an old airport hanger, Dunham Cellars produces everything from fresh Sauvignon Blanc to bold Cabernets. Featuring wines at multiple price points that are easy to drink and approachable.
3:30 p.m. — SMAK
594 Piper Ave — Tasting Fee: $22 pp, waived with bottle purchase
A delicate tribute to the apex of summer. Owner-winemaker Fiona Mak is focused on all things pink, but this is no girlish affair. Savvy sippers will love the acidity and freshness of this lineup of rosé.
She’s a recent graduate of the Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture program, but not new to hospitality, with an impressive CV in some of the greats of NYC. She brings her love of food into her operation by providing pairing suggestions.
At the end of the tasting at SMAK, we can drop you at one of our favorite tasting rooms downtown, or deliver you back to your lodging.