Alexis Holz, Party of 4
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.
Saturday, January 28
11:30 a.m. pickup. Your driver for the day is Jamey.
11:45 p.m. - Saviah Cellars
1979 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $20pp (refundable with $40 minimum bottle purchase or Wine Club signup.)
Few wineries in Walla Walla have the range of wines offered by the crew at Saviah Cellars. From stunningly earthy Syrah from the estate Funk Estate to light and fruity Barbera, this is a crowd pleaser.
There may be time for an extra stop between Saviah and Woodward Canyon or to drive through the Rocks District AVA to check out the stunning rocky terroir.
2:30 p.m. Woodward Canyon
11920 W. Highway 12, Lowden, WA — Tasting Fee: $20 pp (waived with purchase)
Located adjacent to the historic Lowden School House (home of L’Ecole 41) is the second winery to be established in Walla Walla. Woodward Canyon is a family business with great wines and an easygoing attitude. First and second generation work side-by-side to produce stunning Chardonnay and Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon.
You purchased the gourmet boxed lunch option, which will be provided by Foodscapes Walla Walla. You can enjoy your lunch concurrently with your tasting.
4:00 p.m. - L’Ecole 41
41 Lowden School Rd, Lowden — Tasting Fee: $20 pp (60-90 mins.; waived with $40 purchase)
The day will end at the 3rd winery established in Walla Walla. L’Ecole No 41 is a third-generation, family-owned winery, housed in an historic schoolhouse. They produce distinctive Bordeaux wines and some stunning Sauvignon Blanc. In 2014, L’Ecole’s 2011 Estate Ferguson was named the best Bordeaux Blend in the world by Decanter.
Back to your AirBnb by 5:45 p.m.