Julie & Beverly, party of 2, Sep. 12 + 13
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, Sep. 12
Your driver and guide for the day is Jamey. (208) 867-8261
10:40 a.m. pickup at The Barn B and B, 1524 Stovall Rd.
11:00 a.m. — Long Shadows
1604 Frenchtown Rd. Fee: $20 — $30 pp, waived with purchase
Long Shadows was started with the premise that Washington State wines can go head to head against international 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.
12:30 p.m. — The Walls
1015 W Pine Street — Tasting Fee: $35pp, waived with $75 purchase. Lunch for 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.
2:00 p.m. — Pepper Bridge Winery
1704 JB George Rd ($20pp, waived w purchase)
Elegant wines sourced from estate vineyards. Run by my dear friend, JF Pellet. Precise and true to the varietal, the team has produced stunning wines for more than two decades. Offering truly elevated experiences of wine in Walla Walla. You will be seated right in the middle of the wine making process at the winery surrounded by the estate vineyards.
3:30 p.m. — Rotie Cellars
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.
Wednesday, September 13
10:30 a.m. — pickup at the Barn B and B
11:00 a.m. — Abeja Inn and Winery
2014 Mill Creek Rd. — Tasting Fee - $45 pp, waived with purchase
A lovingly restored family farm is home to the winery and Inn at Abeja. Perched on a ridge near the Mill Creek River, large Poplar, Willow and Oak trees give way to an immaculately cared-for grounds. Sample a line-up of stunning whites and reds from the estate.
12:30 p.m. — Caprio Cellars
1603 Whitely Road. Fee: Complimentary. Lunch stop!
Perched on a hillside and surrounded by estate vineyards—the light an airy tasting room is a great spot to kick back and relax. Enjoy big and bold red wines in a beautiful place. Owner and winemaker Dennis Murphy is a warm host. The tasting is not just complimentary-- it includes locally-sourced food pairings.
2:00 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.