Outside of California, Washington makes more wine than any other state in the country. The Pacific Northwest wine destination started as an agricultural hub more than a century ago and sprouted into one of the most unique and well-loved wine regions in the nation.
This oasis in Southeastern Washington is one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the U.S. Known as the garden city for its sweet onions and apples, Walla Walla is renowned for its wine game. With more than 130 wineries in the region and nearly 2,800 acres of grapevines, this is a haven for wine lovers. Walla Wallas’s combination of climate, character and culture, prove there is a reason this is a city so nice, they named it twice!
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
Fall into the luxury of Washington Wine Country
Walla Walla, Washington, has a wealth of history, arts and culture. It’s a welcoming town with a world-class wine and culinary scene rich with opportunities for every type of visitor to relax and enjoy life. The downtown area is safe and very walkable, or grab a bicycle and take a tour.
So where is Walla Walla? Located in the southeast corner of Washington state, the Walla Walla Valley was formed during the Missoula floods during the last ice age. The city of Walla Walla is nestled in this fertile valley at the base of the Blue Mountains. It is known for agriculture and is famous for the seasonal Walla Walla onion, apple orchards and wine. The name Walla Walla comes from the indigenous people and means “place of many waters.”
What to drink, eat and do in Walla Walla
What to drink
The area is known for its plentiful tasting rooms. Diversity is key to local wines, but red wines are dominant over white wines in this region. From the robust reds of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, to the crisp whites of chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, the wines here are salty in a good way and they go very well with food. Wine and food pairings are certainly something to toast to and celebrate.
Some of the local cellars offer a farm to table experience, pairing local seasonal produce with wines that compliment them. Sourcing from local, small farms in the area, wines are frequently paired with melons, radishes and more.
Zero-proof sipping for those who prefer alcohol-free beverages is available too. A few choices for this include:
- Burwood Brewing Co. for hop-infused water
- Marcy’s for an Italian Gucci or Ginger Binder
- Foundry Vineyards or Waterbrook wineries for alcohol-free wine
What to eat
From fine dining at The Marc inside the Marcus Whitman Hotel, to food trucks, Walla Walla has a lot to offer in taste and budget. Main Street is also a central point for many delish dining destinations. Don’t leave without sinking your teeth into a fried onion ring made with Walla Walla onions if you’re there during the summer during their brief season.
In addition to the growing wine scene, Walla Walla has some of the best restaurants in the region, with several James Beard-nominated chefs. With an abundance of agriculture and locally-sourced produce from purveyors like Frog Hollow Farm, menus change regularly to highlight what is in season. Whether sampling upscale Mediterranean flavors at local favorite restaurant Saffron, to a real French bakery downtown called Colville Patisserie, Walla Walla is full of foodie finds. Nearby in Freewater, right across the stateline in Oregon, the Walla Walla Cheese Company makes their own dairy products and is famous for their ice cream flight. Try the huckleberry ice cream or pick up a jar of local honey as a gift.
Frog Hollow Farm outside Walla Walla is a fun stop. This family-run farm is a favorite with all ages. From the cute gift shop to the accessibility garden available to those who want to experience and see vegetable growing up close but without going out to the main field, the owners have gone out of their way to grow a variety of produce for locals and visitors.
What to do
- Wine tasting at the Walla Walla wineries
- Learn about history at Fort Walla Walla Museum
- Unplug with a scenic drive in the Blue Mountains
- Hike the trails of Bennington Lake
- Stroll and shop nearly 50 downtown Walla Walla retail shops
Tip: The Marcus Whitman Hotel has a complimentary wine tasting every afternoon from a different local winery. Stop by around 4 p.m. and enjoy their beautiful historic lobby while sampling some vino.
It’s easy to fall for Walla Walla during harvest time or any time of year. Unlike the notoriously rainy Pacific Coastline and Seattle, this area sees abundant sunshine and is known as the high desert. And one doesn’t need to worry about driving to the local wineries. Several local tour companies, including Bacchus and Barley, will shuttle you around in comfort and give you the insider viewpoint on the area.
Walla Walla has its own regional airport and is a quick 45 minute flight east of Seattle or a four hour drive. Whether having a girl’s trip or a romantic weekend getaway, this area has a wide variety of inspiring experiences.
Leave a Reply