Londa Bosch, party of 3
Saturday, May 7, 2023
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.
We’ll pick you up at 9:45 am at The Haven. The inimitable Michael Jaramillo will be your guide for the day.
10:15 a.m. Canvasback
1825 J.B. George Rd. — Fee: $20pp (waived with bottle purchase)
Napa Valley put American Cabernet on the map and Canvasback is doing the same for Red Mountain AVA Cabernet. This tiny, hot appellation produces full-bodied wines, expertly handled by Washington native, winemaker Brian Rudin.
12:00 p.m. — Runway Sparkling Wine Bar
455 B Street — Fee: Flights and bites. Lunch here provided by Curated Walla Walla.
This grab-and-go market and sparkling wine bar has helped fill two serious needs in the Walla Walla Valley: food options in the airport district and flights of local sparkling. Featuring wines produced in Washington state in multiple different styles, there’s something for everyone. This is a great stop for lunch, snacks and gifts.
1:45 p.m — Reininger Winery
5858 Old Highway 12 — Fee: $15 or $25 pp depending on choice of flight.
Winemaker Chuck Reininger has built two wineries—Helix and Reininger. A family affair with four generations of farming in the Palouse. From wheat to wine, Reininger Winery is a celebration of Walla Walla Valley fruit sourced from the oldest blocks of the Seven Hills Vineyard. They are particularly known for their old-vine Walla Walla Carménère. Helix is a second label which represents a fun collection of Columbia Valley wines. Affordable and approachable and 100% quality.
3:30 p.m. — L’Ecole 41
41 Lowden School Rd, Lowden — Tasting Fee: varies (60-90 mins.; waived with purchase)
The day will end up 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.
Michael will return you to The Haven by 5:30 p.m.