Phil and Betsy Rodick, party of 2, Wednesday, May 15
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.
10:40 a.m. pickup at The Finch
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 immaculately cared-for grounds. Sample a line-up of stunning whites and reds from the estate.
12:30 p.m. — Echolands
3281 Mill Creek Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Tasting $20pp, waived with purchase of 2 bottles
After a lot of excitement and buzz, the flagship Echolands Estate winery is finally open and serving expectant tasters from across the US. Echolands was created in 2018 by Brad Bergman and Doug Frost, two Kansas City residents who believed in the Walla Walla Valley AVA’s ability to offer a distinct style of wine, one that would benefit from aging. In 2023, Echolands was proud to announce Brian Rudin as head winemaker. The group crafts responsibly produced wines that reflect the potential for elegant and balanced wines from this singular place.
Lunch will be served, compliments of Curated Walla Walla.
2:30 p.m. — Force Majeure
52274 Pleasant View Road, Milton Freewater, Oregon 97862
Force Majeure is a heavy hitter that walks with grace. This winery focuses on estate-grown, single-vineyard Bordeaux and Rhône-varietal wines, crafted with expertise and deep artistry by Todd Alexander (formerly of Napa’s Bryant Valley Vineyard). This stylishly appointed tasting room is situated in the heart of the Rocks District, and some of the wines on offer here reflect that very special terroir. But be prepared to also sample the distinctive profiles of Red Mountain and the up-and-coming vineyards planted along the steep, upper reaches of the North Fork of the Walla Walla River.
4:30 p.m. — return to the Finch.