Explore the Walla Walla Valley Wine Region
Nestled in southeastern Washington, the Walla Walla Valley is a premier wine destination known for its exceptional reds. This picturesque region offers a blend of world-class wineries, charming towns, and rich agricultural heritage.
Towns and Villages
The city of Walla Walla serves as the heart of the wine region. Its vibrant downtown features tasting rooms, restaurants, and boutique shops. Milton-Freewater, just across the Oregon border, offers a quieter experience with access to nearby vineyards.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Main Street, Walla Walla: Home to numerous tasting rooms and eateries
- Whitman College campus: Beautiful grounds for a stroll
- Pioneer Park: Perfect for picnics and outdoor activities
Wine Producers
The Walla Walla Valley boasts over 120 wineries, ranging from boutique operations to internationally recognized brands. Many offer tasting experiences and vineyard tours.
Notable Wineries:
- L’Ecole No. 41: Housed in a historic schoolhouse
- Woodward Canyon: Known for their “Artist Series” Cabernet Sauvignon
- Leonetti Cellar: One of the valley’s pioneering wineries
- Cayuse Vineyards: Renowned for their biodynamic practices
Accommodations
Walla Walla offers a range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts. Many properties are within walking distance of downtown tasting rooms.
Recommended Stays:
- Marcus Whitman Hotel: Historic luxury in downtown Walla Walla
- The Inn at Abeja: Upscale accommodations on a working winery
- Eritage Resort: Secluded luxury with vineyard views
- Green Gables Inn: Charming B&B in a restored Victorian home
Dining
The region’s culinary scene showcases local ingredients and pairs perfectly with Walla Walla wines. Restaurants range from fine dining establishments to casual farm-to-table eateries.
Top Dining Spots:
- Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen: Upscale Mediterranean cuisine
- Whitehouse-Crawford: Fine dining in a historic building
- Brasserie Four: French-inspired bistro fare
- Andrae’s Kitchen: Gourmet comfort food in a gas station
Wine Shops & Bars
Walla Walla offers numerous wine-centric establishments for tasting and purchasing local wines. Many downtown tasting rooms double as retail shops.
Recommended Spots:
- Bodega Wine Shop: Curated selection of local and international wines
- The Thief Fine Wine & Beer: Wine bar with an extensive by-the-glass menu
- Eternal Wine Tasting Room: Intimate space featuring small-lot wines
- Seven Hills Winery: Historic downtown tasting room and shop
Other Shops
Beyond wine, Walla Walla boasts a variety of unique boutiques and specialty stores. Many showcase local products and artisanal goods.
Must-Visit Shops:
- Reynvaan Vineyards & Light Co: Handcrafted candles and wine-related gifts
- Inland Octopus: Quirky toy store with a vibrant facade
- Book & Game Co: Independent bookstore with a wide selection
- Olive Marketplace & Cafe: Gourmet food shop with local specialties
Attractions
While wine is the main draw, Walla Walla offers diverse attractions for all interests. History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.
Top Attractions:
- Fort Walla Walla Museum: Showcases regional history and culture
- Whitman Mission National Historic Site: Preserves an important pioneer settlement
- Walla Walla Valley Farmers Market: Local produce and artisanal goods (May-October)
- Blue Mountain Lavender Farm: Scenic fields and lavender products (seasonal)
Events
Walla Walla hosts numerous wine-focused events throughout the year, along with cultural celebrations and festivals.
Annual Events:
- Spring Release Weekend (May): Wineries debut new vintages
- Walla Walla Wine Month (April): Month-long celebration of local wines
- Walla Walla Balloon Stampede (October): Hot air balloon festival
- Holiday Barrel Tasting (December): Wineries offer tastings of future releases
Appellations
The Walla Walla Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) spans parts of Washington and Oregon. It includes several sub-regions known for distinct wine characteristics.
Key Sub-Regions:
- The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater: Known for Syrah and Grenache
- SeVein: High-elevation vineyards producing concentrated reds
- Mill Creek: Cooler climate ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon
- Southside: Warmer area producing full-bodied reds
Grape Varieties
The Walla Walla Valley is known for its robust red wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah dominate the vineyards.
Other varieties include Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. White wine grapes like Chardonnay and Viognier are also grown, but in smaller quantities.
Main Wine Styles
Walla Walla Valley wines are characterized by their rich flavors and bold structures. The region’s Cabernet Sauvignons often exhibit black fruit notes with firm tannins.
Syrahs from the area are known for their spicy, meaty qualities. Merlots tend to be full-bodied with plum and cherry flavors.
Food Specialties
The Walla Walla Valley is famous for its sweet onions. These mild, juicy onions pair well with the region’s bold red wines.
Local restaurants often feature farm-to-table cuisine, showcasing fresh produce and locally raised meats. Artisanal cheeses and chocolates are also popular in the area.
Drives & Walks
The Walla Walla Valley Wine Trail offers a scenic drive through vineyards and farmlands. Stop at wineries like L’Ecole No. 41 and Woodward Canyon for tastings.
For a leisurely walk, explore downtown Walla Walla’s tree-lined streets. The Pioneer Park Aviary provides a peaceful setting for a stroll among exotic birds.
Itineraries
Weekend Wine Getaway
- Day 1: Arrive in Walla Walla, explore downtown, dinner at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen
- Day 2: Visit Pepper Bridge Winery and Northstar Winery, lunch at Colville Street Patisserie
- Day 3: Tour Garrison Creek Cellars, picnic in the vineyards, depart
Family-Friendly Adventure
- Day 1: Visit Fort Walla Walla Museum, dinner at Sweet Basil Pizzeria
- Day 2: Explore Whitman Mission National Historic Site, picnic at Pioneer Park
- Day 3: Tour Walla Walla Bread Company, wine tasting (juice for kids) at Three Rivers Winery
Getting There & Around
The Walla Walla Regional Airport offers daily flights from Seattle. Alternatively, drive from Seattle (4.5 hours) or Portland (4 hours) for scenic routes through Washington state.
Renting a car is recommended for exploring wineries. Many hotels offer shuttle services to downtown tasting rooms. Tesla charging stations are available at select wineries.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities. Enjoy blooming vineyards in spring or harvest festivities in fall.
Summer brings warm temperatures and bustling tasting rooms. Winter is quiet but cozy, with potential for wine and food pairings by the fireplace.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Walla Walla wineries practice sustainable viticulture. L’Ecole No. 41 and Pepper Bridge Winery use solar power and water conservation techniques.
Look for the LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certification on wine labels, indicating environmentally and socially responsible practices.
Language Tips
English is widely spoken. Familiarize yourself with basic wine terms like “tannin,” “terroir,” and “appellation” for more engaging tasting experiences.
Learn to pronounce “Walla Walla” correctly (WAH-luh WAH-luh) to blend in with locals.
Further Resources
Visit the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance website for up-to-date event information and winery listings.
Download the Walla Walla Valley Wine Map app for an interactive guide to wineries and tasting rooms in the region.
