Tanya Vandermeer, party of 5, Friday, May 12
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.
Friday, May 12
10:30 a.m. pickup. 128 Eagan Street
11:00 a.m. — Tranche
705 Berney Drive — Tasting Fee: $20 pp (waived with two bottle purchase)
Truly a slice of the good life! Tranche, a word meaning slice, delivers on your image of a luxurious wine country experience. Sweeping views, charming pasture and classic patio vibes.
The winery and tasting room is nestled in the Blue Mountain Vineyards. Enjoy a selection of approachable wines at a truly modern wine country estate.
Weather permitting, you’ll be going on an ATV adventure into the estate vineyard for a private tasting.
12:45 p.m. — Runway Market & Sparkling Wine Bar
455 B Street — Fee: Flights and bites
The 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. Owner Cathy will have your group in stitches!
Lunch here is covered as part of your tour. Wine available by flight or glass, separately. (Menu below is a sample only; it changes from time to time.)
2:15 p.m. — Foundry Vineyards
1111 Abadie Street — Fee: $10pp, waived with $25 purchase
Foundry Vineyards was created with the premise that art and wine are a perfect pairing. Art gallery and wine are blended together in a modern and chic space. Producing a great variety of wines included sparkling, white and red. A great experience surrounded by beautiful designs—don’t forget to take time to check out the current art exhibition and artisan gift shop.
3:45 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.
