wine tour walla walla

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Best Walla Walla Wineries, Wine Tours & Tastings 2024

Going wine tasting in Walla Walla? Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

In a quiet corner of southeastern Washington State , the compact city of Walla Walla has been a darling among wine lovers for decades. The wine industry is a major driver of tourism in the area—the city is home to around 120 wineries along with a wide array of hotels and restaurants that cater to Winetravelers. The industry is so important here, in fact, that the local community college even offers associate degrees in enology and viticulture.

Walla Walla sits at the heart of the Walla Walla Valley AVA, home to nearly 3,000 acres of vineyards—some of which are in neighboring Oregon . The region is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah , though Merlot , Malbec , and Cabernet Franc are also well represented in the region.

While red rules supreme in this AVA, you’ll also find a handful of producers bringing out Chardonnay , Viognier , and Riesling .

How to Get to Walla Walla and How to Get Around

If you don’t live in the Pacific Northwest , you’ll need to fly to one of the area’s airports and rent a car . Walla Walla has its own tiny regional airport (Airport Code: ALW) , with regular connections to Seattle on Alaska Airlines.

The closest international airport is in Spokane, just under a 3-hour drive away. Alternatively, you can fly to Portland, Oregon (a 4-hour drive from Walla Walla) or Seattle (4.5 hours away). While you can experience much of Walla Walla on foot, and there are enough tasting rooms downtown alone to keep you busy, you’ll need a vehicle to really get a feel for the region and its vineyards.

If you don’t have a designated driver in your group, you’re best off joining a wine tour or hiring a driver for the day. Roads2 Travel offers private and completely customizable transportation . We recommend selecting some of the wineries below and booking the route with them for a day of your choosing. 

Overlooking the picturesque landscapes of Walla Walla, a region renowned for its warm hospitality and exceptional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Images courtesy Walla Walla Valley Wine & Richard Duval Images.

Best Wineries to Visit in Walla Walla

Downtown alone has around 40 wineries & tasting rooms to choose from, most of which are on Main Street and on surrounding roads. Many of the city’s historic buildings have been revamped and now house wineries—popular options include Seven Hills Winery , one of the oldest in town, which is housed in a historic wood mill, and Elephant Seven , where visitors can taste Rhone varietals in a converted feed stable from 1905.

The Walla Walla Airport District is another great spot for winery hopping, with over two dozen wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries spread across a selection of World War II-era buildings in the northern part of town. Must-visits include Dunham Cellars , which occupies a refurbished airplane hangar, and Northstar Winery , where you can create your own unique wine by signing up for a blending experience . You’ll also find an ever-changing selection of fledgling wineries in the area that are participants in the Port of Walla Walla’s Winery Incubator Program.

There are plenty of options in the surrounding countryside, from Walla Walla Vinters in the eastern reaches of town to the Rotie Rocks Estate , just over the border in Oregon. You can even sample student-produced wine at College Cellars on the Walla Walla Community College campus.

If you prefer your wines bubbly, head straight to Yellowhawk Sparkling House , where you’ll find sparkling Sémillon , Malbec , and Chardonnay —they even do a bubbly red blend.

Don’t leave town without paying a visit to Caprio Cellars , one of only a few wineries in Walla Walla with its own estate vineyards.

Winetraveler Tip: The tastings at Caprio are always free, although you’ll probably end up wanting to bring some of their fantastic Bordeaux blends home with you.

While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by Pepper Bridge Winery , which features its own gravity-flow facility that uses the earth’s natural force to move grape juice and pulp to tanks and then on to the barrels, without the need for pumps. Pepper Bridge supplies grapes to Amavi Cellars nearby–if you want to rub shoulders with local winemakers, visit Amavi in the early evening, when they offer a happy hour with pizza, beer, and—of course—wine.

Best Walla Walla Wine Tours & Wine Tastings

Walla walla wine walk.

Specializing in creating memorable, hassle-free, and entertaining experiences, this tour invites you to taste your way through downtown Walla Walla, all while soaking in the local ambiance.

Summary of the Tour: The Walla Walla Wine Walk is more than a wine-tasting tour; it’s an invitation to experience the heart and soul of Walla Walla. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply curious about this charming region, this tour offers a delightful and engaging way to explore the local flavors, sights, and culture. Enjoy the wines, wander the streets, and discover the unique shops that make Walla Walla a must-visit destination.

Highlights:

• Wine Tasting in Walla Walla: Enjoy a variety of wines from Walla Walla’s local wineries, each chosen to represent the region’s viticultural excellence.
• Explore Charming Downtown: Wander through the picturesque streets of downtown Walla Walla, soaking in the charm and character of this vibrant area.
• Discover Unique Local Shops: Enhance your wine walk with visits to unique local shops, offering a glimpse into Walla Walla’s artisanal and creative community.
• Hassle-Free Experience: Enjoy a well-organized and entertaining tour that takes care of all the details, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Price: from $85.00 per adult

Schedule a Walla Walla Wine Walk

Lowest price guarantee, Reserve now & pay later, Free cancellation courtesy of our partner Tripadvisor.

Private Personal Winery Tours in Walla Walla

Experience the best of Walla Walla Wine Country with Personal Winery Tours, offering a stress-free and highly personalized wine tour tailored to smaller groups of up to 6. Perfect for couples, close friends, family members, or friends meeting up, these tours provide an intimate and enjoyable exploration of the Walla Walla Valley or the Red Mountain wine areas. With 15 years of experience, Personal Winery Tours ensures a safe, customized, and unforgettable journey through nationally acclaimed wineries and picturesque vineyards, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains.

• Explore Walla Walla Valley or Red Mountain: Choose between two of Washington’s premier wine regions, each offering distinct wineries and scenic landscapes.
• Visit Nationally Acclaimed Wineries: Experience tastings at some of the area’s most celebrated wineries, known for their exceptional wines and hospitality.
• Beautiful Vineyard Views: Enjoy the visual feast of lush vineyards set against the majestic Blue Mountains, adding to the tour’s allure.
• Personalized and Intimate Experience: With a maximum of 6 guests, the tour ensures a personal and enjoyable experience, tailored to your group’s preferences.
• Safe and Stress-Free: As a licensed and insured tour operator, Personal Winery Tours ensures a safe and relaxing journey, allowing you to fully enjoy the tastings without concern.
• Customized Itinerary: Whether new to the area or a returning customer, the tour can be customized to suit your tastes and interests, creating a unique wine-tasting adventure.

Price: from $700.00 per group (up to 6)

Book a Private and Customizable Wine Tour of Walla Walla

Where to Dine

Situated in Walla Walla’s historic Pastime Café building, Passatempo Taverna offers an Italian-inspired dinner menu of antipasti and pasta along with pizza and steaks, with most of the ingredients sourced from local farms. The wine menu leans Italian, with a few Washington options for good measure, though this downtown spot is best known for its innovative cocktails.

Owned by Tom Maccarone, who grew up in Walla Walla, T.Macs has become a bit of an institution since it opened up its doors in 2005. Stop by for lunch or dinner to try one of the beautifully presented (and tasty) dishes on offer—and make sure to save room to try some of their celebrated desserts. 

Hotels in Walla Walla

In the heart of the city center, the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center has been a Walla Walla landmark since it first opened back in 1928 and offers classic rooms within easy walking distance of restaurants and wineries. A few blocks away, The FINCH is a contemporary alternative, featuring midcentury-revival décor in a revamped old motel.

If you want to be in the heart of wine country, Cameo Heights Mansion in the nearby community of Touchet is a fantastic option, with classic, individually decorated suites with views out over the surrounding vineyards.

Beyond the Wine: More Things to Do in Walla Walla

While it’s hard to argue that wine is Walla Walla’s biggest draw, there’s plenty to do in and around town for when you need a break from drinking.

If you’d like to learn about local history, stop by the Fort Walla Walla Museum , which features exhibits on everything from agriculture to Victorian-era fashion.

The Whitman Mission National Historic Site is also worth a visit–the on-site museum features displays and artifacts pertaining to the Indigenous Cayuse people of the area and missionary settlers who came to the region on the Oregon Trail.

While there are a few easy trails at the Whiteman Mission, travelers wanting to tackle a more strenuous hike will find no shortage of options in the nearby Umatilla National Forest .

All images in this guide courtesy Walla Walla Valley Wine & Richard Duval Images.

Written By Margot Bigg

Margot Bigg is a freelance writer and editor specializing in travel and culture. Her stories have appeared in publications around the world, including National Geographic Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Rolling Stone, Lonely Planet, Afar, VegNews, Slate, Sunset, Robb Report, Roads & Kingdoms, VICE, ​The Times of India, and The Oregonian. She’s the author of Moon Living Abroad in India, Moon Taj Mahal, Delhi & Jaipur, and Moon Spotlight Delhi and a co-author of Fodor’s Essential India, Fodor’s Oregon, Fodor’s Pacific Northwest, and Fodor’s Best Road Trips in the USA.

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LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES

When you book with NW Touring & Concierge for a wine tour, we will create an itinerary based on your tastes and preferences  combined with our local expertise. We focus on delivering a thoughtful and meaningful experience for our guests and look forward to talking with you about your next trip to Walla Walla.

Not only will we handle all of the planning and scheduling needs for your time with us, but we ensure that lunch arrangements are taken care of, and dinner service too if you'd like.  Additionally, our fleet can support a variety of other outings and events.

Round up some friends and come join us!

Taste/tour with a somm.

Would you like to demystify some of the wine experience? Maybe build your understanding to enhance your enjoyment?

We've teamed up with Pattie at Walla Walla Somm:

As a certified sommelier and Walla Walla resident, Patti is passionate about sharing her love for wine with visitors. With years of experience and insider knowledge, she has curated personalized tastings so you can taste wines that you like with unforgettable experiences. Patti takes the random out of wine tastings. She will bring Walla Walla wines to your doorstep!

Skip the Drive

Ask about our surprisingly affordable private flights, meet our team.

Ryan Madsen, Owner

I've always enjoyed bringing people together and facilitating connection.  NW Touring & Concierge is the first of several ventures that focus on the relationships that grow while our guests are here with us.  I want to personally invite you to come and spend some time with me and my team, and celebrate the beauty of human bonds over food, wine, golf, nature, music and/or.....

Eric, Ch auffeur

After a long career in the PNW seafood industry ending my career with a global seafood sustainability nonprofit, we have settled in beautiful Walla Walla.  Here we have found a gracious community and rich environment that includes the award winning wine scene. With 140+ outstanding wineries to explore all within 20 minutes of downtown, we have much to introduce you to and to share some of our favorites.  I love wine (some think that was our reason for moving here) and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of our valley in the hope you thoroughly enjoy your visit and tour enough to make it a return destination.

Janine, Ch auffeur

NW TOURING & CONCIERGE REVIEWS

"amazing experience from beginning to end- ryan customized our wine tour based off of our preferences and had several conversations with me leading up to our weekend in walla walla and made me feel very comfortable that we would be taken care of. our driver, john, was absolutely amazing and kind and really just elevated the great time we were having. can't recommend this company enough, i will be using them again if i'm ever back in walla walla- if you're looking for a truly elevated customer experience, use nw touring", tag @nwtouring to be featured on our page.

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Winery Tours Walla Walla

Welcome to winery tours walla walla to experience a customized winery tour..

It is our goal to make your ideal winery tour a reality!

Walla Walla, WA....Have you been?

Winery Tours Walla Walla has been in business since 2008 providing customized wine tours to hundreds of guests from near and far.  The first winery established in Walla Walla was Leonetti Cellars in 1977 and now the region hosts approximately 120 wineries! That is a lot of wine touring and tasting to do!

The Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) was established in 1984 and is well known for Syrah, Merlot and  Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.Each year Celebrate Walla Walla celebrates one of thees big reds with a weekend full of events.  In addition these three varietals there are number of other varietals are grown in the area, including Grenache, and Mourvèdre  Wineries also source grapes from other parts of the state, as our summers are too hot for certain varietals such as Chardonnay. 

Take a wine tour with a well established business with knowledgeable drivers that caters to  sophisicated wine drinkers. 

Spring 2024

Spring is in the air, but there is a still a bit of a chill in the early morning hours.  April  is Wine Month in Walla Walla .  The vines are beginning to wake up and are getting pruned and ready for a new growing season.  Mother Nature  took her vengeance upon the Walla Walla Valley with temperatures starting to drop below 20 degrees about the 10th of January  and a record low of -14 degrees on January 13th and rising about 20 degrees about January 19, 2024.  This cold spelled damaged a number of vineyards.  It is questionable who will have a decent harvest this Fall.  

Tasting Wine

Please do not wear any perfume or aftershave on the day of your tasting.  It sill interfere with the tasting of wine. 

As you are tasting wine follow these stepsL 

• SEE:  Look at the colors of the wine.  If it is a white wine is is pale or golden in color.  Rose wine can be many shades of pink depending how long the skin contact is.  All wine gets its color from skin contact because all juice is white.  Grenache and Pinot Noir tend to be a lighter red than Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.
• SWIRL: You will have about 2 ounces of wine.  Swirl it around in the glass to release the aromas.  
• SNIFF: What do you smell? In whites you may smell apple, honey or citrus fruits..  A Cabernet may have some rich blackberries and a Syrah hints of pepper. 
• SIP: Now take a sip and what do you taste at the beginning, middle and end? 
• SAVOR:  Does the taste linger in your mouth? 

In a tasting room, it is polite to tip the person pouring the wine.  You do not need to tip a winemaker if he or she is pouring.  Your driver can tell you if a pourer is the wine maker or not. 

Winery Tours Walla Walla, only provides private tours, meaning we will not pair you with another group in one vehicle.  Our vehicles are cleaned inside and outside prior to each tour and we have coolers in each to store wine that has been purchased.  We only have large SUV's, so if you have a group of 7 or more it will be necessary to use two vehicles. 

We customize your tour  to make your ideal winery tour a reality!

At Winery Tours Walla Walla, customer satisfaction is our purpose! We strive to give our guests an amazing one of a kind experience. With a customized itinerary, every tour is tailor made and unique for each individual group . We want nothing more than to succeed in giving our guests whatever it is that they are trying to achieve in their touring experience. 

Tour and taste at small, boutique, family-owned wineries, as well as enjoy the grand, picturesque settings of larger, well-established wineries, or explore even greater diversity with tasting craft beers, tasting at a distillery, or visiting a weedery. Whatever experience you desire, it is our goal to make it happen. We hope that you give us the opportunity to make your Walla Walla Valley tour dream a reality!

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Monday - Sunday: Tours run from 11:00am-4:00pm

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Freddy G's Taxi & Wine Tours

509-386-7636

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Have an unforgettable experience on a Freddy G Wine Tour. This is the perfect tour for people who are interested in wine, or are wine connoisseurs. You can expect a light-hearted, social, fun experience. You have found the ultimate fun wine tour! You'll visit our charming, hidden gem wineries. Not only can you count on us to get you to your location quickly, you can also enjoy a beautiful tour of wineries located in the Walla Walla Valley.

Our wine tours are set for 5 hours with additional time available. See pricing structure below.

 You can either choose to:

• Have a mini tour, full day tour, or 2-day weekend tour

• Pick your own wineries or we can help pick for you

  if you're not familiar with them.

Looking for great fun and want to experience some of

  Walla Walla's Finest wine tasting rooms and restaurants

  and we do all the driving keeping you safe.

Simply Fill Out Our Online Request Form Below To Book

Your Next Wine Tour With Freddy G Himself...

2 Passengers - $300.00*

$75.00 AN HOUR AFTER 5 HOURS

4 Passengers - $400.00*

  $75.00 AN HOUR AFTER 5 HOURS 

5-6 Passengers - $500.00*

$100.00 AN HOUR AFTER 5 HOURS

7-8 Passengers - $700.00*

9-10 passengers - $800.00*.

*Price Above Do Not Include Credit Card Fee* 

For more information call or email

Map of the wineries, walla walla restaurants, calender of events, walla walla lodging, send us a tour request.

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Freddy G's Wine Tours & Taxi Services

Walla Walla, WA 99362US

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Walla Walla Wine On Tour 2024

Connect with Walla Walla Valley wineries and winemakers and sample, side-by-side, the wine crafted from the unique growing sites of the Walla Walla Valley AVA and surrounding areas during Walla Walla Wine On Tour.

Seattle, WA

Monday, January 29 | McCaw Hall | 5:30 – 8:00 PM

Portland, OR

Monday, February 26 | The Redd on Salmon | 5:30-8:00 PM

Boise, ID – TWO NIGHTS!

Sunday, March 3 & Monday, March 4 | The Grove Hotel | 5:30-8:00 PM

Walking Wine Tour Downtown Walla Walla

• Tasting fees
• Stops at local shops with a unique experiences and small samples
• Local Guide
• Purchases can be delivered to local accommodations
• Photo Opportunity
• Walla Walla, WA 99362, USA Each guest will receive their itinerary via text message on the morning of the tour.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Walking Wine Tour Downtown Walla Walla provided by Walla Walla Wine Walk

The Downtown Walla Walla Wine District – A Tasting Itinerary

The Downtown Walla Walla Wine District is charming. The Downtown Walla Walla Wine District is eclectic. And the Downtown Walla Walla Wine District is convenient! Within walking distance of great hotels, award-winning restaurants, shopping, and fine arts, the Downtown Walla Walla Wine District could keep you busy for days on end. To get you started, we’ve put together an easy three-day itinerary for you to follow. 

Plenty of wine, great meals, and good company. No drive time.

Stay in The Downtown Walla Walla Wine District

Opt for a quaint vacation rental downtown to enjoy more of the comforts of home. Or, book a stay at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center if you’re looking for old-world glamour. If modern accommodations and Instagram-worthy lounging is more your scene, book a room at The FINCH Walla Walla , one of the newer arrivals on the Walla Walla lodging scene.

Day 1: The Downtown Walla Walla Wine District Tastings

Your energy and walking comfort are both at their peak on arrival, so plan to visit the just-off-Main Street downtown Walla Walla wineries first. After a delicious brunch at a downtown mainstay like Bacon & Eggs or AK’s Mercado , you’re ready to embark on your first day of wine tasting in the Downtown Walla Walla Wine District.

Make your first stop at Seven Hills Winery , one of the founding wineries in the Walla Walla Valley. The winery and tasting room are located in the historic Whitehouse-Crawford building in downtown Walla Walla, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built as a wood mill in 1904, the building underwent restoration in 2000 to house the winery and preserve its architectural integrity. The locale is lovely but the wines are what you’ll be talking about later. At Seven Hills Winery, the focus is crafting Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines that authentically reflect their places of origin. You’ll also find a delicious dry Rosé in the summer months, sure to be your go-to porch sipping wine long after your getaway. In addition to the most traditional Bordeaux varietals, you’ll discover some of the unsung heroes of the region, like Seven Hills Winery limited-production Carmenere. 

Continuing to visit some of the “just-off-Main Street” wineries on day one, proceed to your private tasting at Elephant 7 or Forgeron Cellars . At Elephant 7 you’ll discover Rhone varietals in an unexpected setting and go home knowing about one of the best-kept secrets in Walla Walla wine. And at Forgeron Cellars, you’ll be treated to both the classic grape varietals and unique blends from the most exciting vineyards in the Columbia Valley. 

Day 1: Where to Eat

Walk a bit further into downtown Walla Walla for an early dinner at Hattaway’s on Alder , where Southern hospitality and honest food await you. Their pimento cheese appetizer and fried chicken main course are just the sustenance needed after a day of walking and wine tasting. And of course, their wine list of local stand-outs is a perfect way to experience some of the offerings from a winery outside of the Downtown Walla Walla Wine District.

Day 1: Go Play!

A visit to Walla Walla could exclusively center around wine tasting, but our Downtown has so much more to offer. Squeeze in some recreation as well. After dinner, enjoy a short walk to Divots Golf for a round of virtual golf! Divots Golf uses cutting-edge simulator technology that captures the direction and speed of each golfer’s swing, paired with top-of-the-line software that offers players a fully immersive golf experience. At Divots, you can play nearly 90 different courses from around the world, regardless of the weather or daylight! Their inviting atmosphere is amplified with a great selection of beer, wine, and coffee to enjoy while playing 9 or 18 holes or simply practicing your short game. 

An action-packed day of walking, sipping, and swinging caps off with a short walk back to your hotel to refresh for day two.

Day 2: The Downtown Walla Walla Wine District Second Avenue Tastings

The second day of your Downtown Walla Walla Wine District tasting adventure takes you up and down Second Avenue. Here, you’ll discover so many fantastic wineries in just a block or so of real estate… which means you can squeeze in a few more spots!

On one side of the street, you have Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards & Winery, Moonbase Cellars, and Barons Winery to visit. Goose Ridge offers both wine AND cider flights, as well as an utterly delightful selection of home goods, apparel, and wine accessories that will knock “bring back gifts for wine-loving friends” right off your vacation to-do list. Moonbase Cellars is a relative newcomer (compared to our many long standing tasting rooms) having opened its downtown location in 2021. And at Barons Winery , you’ll get to taste delicious Bordeaux-style wines from storied vineyards.

Then cross the street and taste at Spring Valley Vineyard. Spring Valley boasts a unique family heritage and produces limited-production, estate-grown red wines that reflect the dedication of six generations of family farmers. The family stories you hear while you’re tasting at Spring Valley Vineyard will add richness to your enjoyment of the wines later as you recount them with good friends who missed the trip.

Don’t miss Maison Bleue Winery for a taste of the Rocks District without the drive time! Focused primarily on Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, your 90-minute private tasting can be scheduled in advance .

Then swing by Kontos Cellars (or swing INSIDE Kontos Cellars, because yes, they have a swing!). Their covered patio is one of the best in downtown Walla Walla, where you can enjoy a tasting of terrific small lot blends and varietal representations.

Day 2: Where to Eat

That wraps up your tasting for Day 2, but you will want to cap it with magnificent dinner. We can think of no better place to make that special reservation than Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen , where James Beard award-winning chef Chris Ainsworth produces inspired mezze, pasta, flatbreads and so much more. Start with the oysters on the half-shell followed by the farmhouse flatbread. Can’t decide between the house-made Gemelli or fettuccine? Have both. You walked a bit today! Then savor the adobo marinated hanger steak with wilted greens and ricotta torte to finish the evening. And don’t forget, local wines to pair. 

Day 2: Make it dinner & a show

For a touch of Walla Walla night life, walk just a bit outside of the downtown district to take in a cinema screening at the historic Gesa Power House Theatre Walla Walla . This 120-year-old building was once the Walla Walla Gas Plant, originally built to produce coal gas and pipe it underground to light the streets, businesses, and homes of Walla Walla. In 2011, the interior of the building was transformed into a state-of-the-art performing arts theater inspired by the intimate Blackfriars Theatre in London, England. Today, the theater stages professional productions featuring comedy, music, family programs, films, festivals, and more. This beautiful masterpiece of a building is a must-visit for enthusiasts of the arts and will be a perfect nightcap for your day of tasting on Second Avenue.

Day 3: The Downtown Walla Walla Wine District Main Street Wineries

Main Street Walla Walla is considered one of America’s Most Beautiful Streets, according to an article by msn.com . Winery tasting rooms, boutiques, bakeries, jewelers, and even soap sellers nestle inside renovated Victorian and Beaux-Arts buildings, giving the street a historic, vibrant character. Your final day of tasting gives you an opportunity to take in this beautiful stretch and appreciate the stunning architecture while you sip!

Start the day at Otis Kenyon Winery . We love Otis Kenyon for their elegantly structured and affordable Bordeaux and Rhone varietal wines, but perhaps equally so for the artful way that their rich family history ties into every bottle of wine. We don’t want to spoil any surprises, but just know that during your visit you’re going to hear an utterly fantastic story of how a struggling dentist in the early 1900s went from disgraced to having his silhouette grace the label of award-winning Walla Walla wines. (It’s one of our favorite winery stories of all time.)

Save time for a visit to neighboring Henry Earl Estate Winery or Browne Family Vineyards before lunch across the street in the Walawála Plaza. You can dine on Greek cuisine from Yamas , New York-style pizza and stromboli from Sweet Basil Pizzeria , or a playful frankfurter at the charming Wiener & Bun hotdog window located in the historic Sayers Building.

Proceed to the end of the Main Street strip for your next wine tasting at Bledsoe Family Winery . This is the sister project to the esteemed Doubleback Winery founded by former NFL quarterback and local hero Drew Bledsoe. The Bledsoe Family Winery downtown Walla Walla Wine Lounge pours a flight featuring Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, Chardonnay, and more produced from Walla Walla Valley grapes. 

Don’t miss your opportunity to taste at DAMA Wines , a women-owned winery in the Walla Walla area. Their dangerously beautiful wines embody the spirit of pioneering women who have inspired passion, creativity and positive change for centuries, and every label is a work of art. Their inviting tasting room space features eye-popping artwork and decor in addition to their beautiful wines.

For an authentic taste of Northwest adventure, drop into Canoe Ridge Vineyard’s downtown tasting room. If you’re feeling adventurous, then you don’t want to skip Plumb Cellars for their popular wine slushies on the patio by the Land Title Plaza. 

Day 3: Shop in Downtown Walla Walla

Want a new outfit to pair with your new wine collection? Leave time on your schedule for some shopping in downtown Walla Walla’s vibrant fashion scene. Forward Boutique offers a signature experience with master stylists who will outfit you from head to toe. Bring an empty suitcase, or just don’t bother packing and let their stylists dress you for your entire visit!  Studio Opal is a specialty boutique featuring everything from Pendleton Wool to handmade jewelry and beauty and wellness products. And Walla Walla Clothing Company offers personalized shopping for men and women in their two-story flagship location downtown.

Day 3: What’s for dinner

As far as dinner is concerned, whether you’re staying at the Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center or not, we recommend a meal at The Marc Restaurant . Awarded “Restaurant of The Year” in 2021 by the Washington Wine Commission, The Marc Restaurant is a dining experience to write home about. Their six in-house chefs meticulously prepare the region’s finest menu of Pacific Northwest delicacies from jumbo diver scallops with risotto, wild spinach, and roasted peppers to Wagyu boneless short ribs with roasted carrots, Italian sweet peas, and caramelized sweet onion jus to name just a few. And with a miraculously diverse wine list you are guaranteed to experience a peerless wine-paired meal at The Marc Restaurant to end your Walla Walla visit very, very full.

Newcomers Downtown

The Downtown Walla Walla Wine District is home to some true Walla Walla mainstays, but there are some newer additions we thought were noteworthy. Pursued by Bear on South Palouse Street aims for a style that splits the difference between Eastern Washington abundance and  olde worlde  finesse. Rasa just past Book and Game on Main Street serves ultra-premium, terroir-specific wines. And Avennia in the Walawàla Plaza is brand new as of fall 2023. We’re so proud to present these newcomers to you. Enjoy!

That’s your Itinerary in the Downtown Walla Walla Wine District .

As you can see, a world of wine, culinary, and shopping experiences await you in the Downtown Walla Walla Wine District. You could quite literally leave your car parked for the entire stay and have a full itinerary of some of the region’s most coveted wines and restaurants. Whether you are wanting to save on the rental car, save on gas, or simply want to stretch those legs, a three (or more) day visit to Downtown Walla Walla Wine District is not only doable. We highly recommend it!

Our Adventure Journal

10 of the Best Wineries in Walla Walla (Photos, Map, & More!)

Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Kelly

Walla Walla has over 120 wineries, so I was a bit overwhelmed when we were planning our trip to the Walla Walla Wine Valley! I did a lot of research for our trip, and I chose 10 spectacular wineries in Walla Walla . After visiting each of these wineries, I’m sharing my full review with you! I was able to visit all 10 wineries mentioned in this post in a single weekend. 

About Walla Walla Wineries

Walla Walla Valley covers over 3,000 acres in Washington and Oregon. The city of Walla Walla, specifically, is located in Washington State. We learned that 44 different varietals of grape can grow in Walla Walla, which means that there’s plenty of options for winemakers to create amazing wines!

Walla Walla Valley is Washington’s second American Viticultural Area (AVA). About 95% of the area is planted with red grapes, with the remaining 5% dedicated to white grapes. The region is especially famous for its syrah and cabernet sauvignon production, so be sure to try those types of wine while you’re visiting!

The Walla Walla Valley is comprised of 6 different wine districts : Westside, Downtown, Airport, Eastside, Southside, and Oregon. We recommend visiting several wineries in each district to make the most of your drive time. During our last visit, we primarily visited wineries in the Southside and Downtown.

What I like best about visiting Walla Walla is that each of the wineries has a specific theme or decor. Some of the wineries look like they are straight from Tuscany, others resemble bodegas in Spain, some are upscale and classy, others are rustic, and some are laid-back and fun. You will definitely love exploring the different wineries!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.

Looking for a hotel in Walla Walla? Be sure to see our overview of the best hotels in Walla Walla ! During our last visit to Walla Walla, we stayed at the Marcus Whitman Hotel and we loved the historic feel and excellent location in downtown. 

“A good wine requires a mad man to grow the vine, a wise man to watch over it, a lucid poet to make it, and a lover to drink it.” – Salvador Dalí

10 of the Best Walla Walla Wineries

These are our favorite wineries in Walla Walla, listed in no particular order. We have been to each of them!

1. L’Ecole No. 41

The first winery we visited was L’Ecole No. 41. If you’re traveling from Seattle, it’s one of the first wineries you will see before you enter the city of Walla Walla.

The winery is set in a building that used to be a schoolhouse . (The schoolhouse was built in 1915!) So, you’ll get to sip on wines while hanging out in a building with over 100 years of history. When you purchase a bottle of wine at L’Ecole No. 41, you’ll also see the iconic schoolhouse depicted in the wine label.

The winery chose the name L’Ecole because it means the school in French. (There were many Canadian French settlers in Walla Walla at the time.) The winery chose Number 41 because the school was located in school district 41.

When we visited L’Ecole No. 41, we entered the old schoolhouse and saw a library full of books, as well as a bookshelf ladder. It was a sunny day, so we opted to have our wine tasting in their outside patio. 

We tried 5 different wines during our tasting. They also brought out a decanter of water and cracker sticks. Our server taught us about the different types of wines, and she even brought out some samples of the soil to show us what makes Walla Walla wines so special. She taught us that the roots grow through fractured basalt , which helps to add additional minerality to the wines. She also showed us a sample of the soil so that we could see the sediment.

I thought that this winery would be perfect for large groups or families with children. There was a large grassy lawn with picnic tables and a couple pieces of playground equipment. You can definitely spread out and enjoy!

2. Barons Winery

We stayed at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel while we were in Walla Walla, and the front desk gave us a card for free wine tasting across the street at Barons Winery. We decided to visit their tasting room after we checked into our room. We’re glad that we did, because it was one of our favorite visits of the weekend!

The winery specializes in the Bordeaux grape varietals. (If you love a good red wine, be sure to check out this winery!)

Barons Winery is a tasting room located in downtown Walla Walla. What we loved most about this winery (aside from the wine!) was the very personalized service we received. We learned so much about wine making! The Tasting Room Manager, Stephanie, brought out lots of maps and posters to teach us about winemaking in the Walla Walla Valley. She also brought us out a soil sample in a glass jar for us to look at while she was explaining the winemaking process to us. I really enjoyed learning about the “family tree” of wine grapes. (When you visit, ask about the history of the Caberene grape!)  We received the most in-depth education about the wine valley at this tasting room.

We tried 6 different wines in total (primarily red wines), one of which was paired with a piece of dark chocolate. They were all super delicious!

3. Plumb Cellars

Plumb Cellars is located downtown and was definitely one of the more popular tasting rooms. When we visited Walla Walla, they had live music on the weekend and lots of people hanging out on their patio. They’re well-known for their wine slushies … perfect for a hot day!

Plumb Cellars specializes in a Bordeaux-style blend, which they named Damn Straight . This winery is a lot of fun!

4. Sleight of Hand Cellars

As soon as we arrived to Sleight of Hand Cellars, we knew we found one of our favorite wineries. The music was jamming and the tasting room had a nice laid-back vibe. 

There were lots of vinyl records to browse through while we sipped on our wine. The owner is definitely a big fan of Pearl Jam , and you’ll see lots of their posters throughout the tasting room.

The winery had indoor and outdoor seating. We ordered a glass of their Archimage Red Blend to share and found a nice spot inside. While we were there, we bought a bottle of The Conjurer . The label has a picture of Neil Patrick Harris as a magician. I asked our server what that was all about, and he said that Neil Patrick Harris is a big fan of their winery. I wasn’t able to verify this story, but apparently Neil Harris signed up for their wine club. When the owners called to see if it was the famous actor, turned out it was him! They asked if he wanted to be on one of their wine labels, and the rest is history! You’ll have to visit this winery yourself, though, to see if you can verify the story. I’ve heard there are several versions. 🙂

One of the things I liked about this winery is the fact that if you buy a bottle, they’ll drop it off at your hotel for you. (If you’re at one of the main hotels in the area.) Because we were staying at the Marcus Whitman, they were able to drop it off for us. We didn’t have to worry about carrying the bottle with us all day, and we didn’t have to worry about the wine getting too hot in our car. When we got back to our hotel that night, our bottle was waiting for us at the front desk.

We’d definitely recommend this winery to others. The people there were so friendly! We really didn’t want to leave, so we’ll have to come back again one day!

5. Castillo de Feliciana

I’ve been to Castillo de Feliciana twice, and both times I’ve absolutely loved it there. I used to live in Spain, and wine-tasting at Castillo de Feliciana makes me feel like I’m back in Spain. The tasting room is located in a beautiful white building surrounded by lavender plants. 

When we arrived, we heard the soft music of flamenco guitar and we sat outside for the wine tasting. The winery had a nice water feature outside which made the experience even more peaceful. The landscaping was beautiful, and they also had some outdoor activities like corn hole to play.

We ordered the wine tasting flight (which was delicious) , which included 4 tastings . However, Castillo de Feliciana is especially known for their sangria. You can purchase sangria by the glass or by the growler. Just be sure to check out their website to make sure you are in time for sangria season.

You can read more about our experience at Castillo de Feliciana .

6. Yellowhawk Resort

If you’re looking for sparkling wines , head to Yellowhawk Resort. We ordered a sparking wine flight and got to try 3 types of sparkling wines: a white, a rose, and a red. We also learned that unlike red wines, you don’t want to swirl your glass before tasting. (It releases the bubbles prematurely!) Instead, just pick up your glass, smell the wine, and take a sip.

What we really loved about Yellowhawk Resort was the property itself. The winery sits on top of a hill, so you’ll be able to see the rolling fields around you. They also have a paved path so you can walk through the vineyard .

The main building is also super impressive. Because it’s a resort, you can choose to stay there overnight. The front doors showcased a massive wood carving, and the main room had a large fireplace. If you stay at the resort, you also don’t have to worry about transportation after drinking. (Always a plus!)

7. Va Piano Vineyards

This winery was named after the following Italian saying:  chi va piano, va sano e ve lontano.  (When you go slowly, you go safely and you go far.) The name  Va Piano couldn’t be more fitting. As soon as we stepped onto the property, we felt completely relaxed. The winery is very small and intimate, and it reminded us of a Tuscan villa. The outdoor seating was also very private. It truly really felt like we were at a small winery in Italy. To this day, whenever we feel frazzled, we’ll tell each other, “I wish we were at Va Piano right now!”

You’ll need to make reservations in advance to enter this winery. The road to the winery has a locked gate, so you’ll need the gate code to enter the property. Because of that, it tends to be less crowded than some of the other wineries.

I’ve been to Va Piano twice, and both times I really enjoyed sitting in their outdoor space. They recently renovated their patio, and there’s a pretty fountain, swinging chairs, and several Adirondack-style chairs to choose from.

Their tasting flight included 6 different wines . They were all so delicious! We bought two bottles of the sauvignon blanc to take home because it was our favorite.

8. Valdemar Estates

As I mentioned previously, I love all things Spain. When I was living in Spain, my host-father taught me all about Rioja wines. He sent me home with a bottle to give to my parents, and I’ve been in love with R iojas ever since. 

The winery had its beginnings in Spain. After one of the owner’s children studied in Washington, they were convinced to build a second winery in Washington State. Thus, Valdemar Estates offers wines from the Walla Walla region as well as Spain.

The winery has a cool industrial vibe, with a large outdoor seating area and water feature.

We ordered a tasting flight of the Spanish wines (I couldn’t resist!) and paired them with authentic Spanish tapas. Basically, I was in heaven.

9. Long Shadows

Looking for some of Washington State’s best wines? Head to Long Shadows winery. The winery was created by 9 acclaimed winemakers . Basically, the best-of-the-best came together and decided to dedicate themselves to making the perfect wines.

The winery has both indoor and outdoor seating. The inside seating area is both elegant and sophisticated, featuring world-famous Chihuly blown glass. The outdoor seating area has beautiful views of rolling fields.

We visited Long Shadows on our last day in Walla Walla. (Perhaps we saved the best for last?) We ordered a white tasting flight which was absolute perfection. Although we don’t consider ourselves wine experts by any means, we gave some of our top ratings to the wines at Long Shadows.

Our server also gave us a demonstration by pouring the same white wine in two different types of tasting glasses. We actually tasted a difference! (We recommend you ask about this when you visit – it was really cool!)

You can read all about our experience at Long Shadows Vintners . (We also include more photos!)

10. Waterbrook Winery

The last winery we visited was Waterbrook Winery. The winery is located about 11 miles west of downtown Walla Walla. 

What we liked most about Waterbrook Winery was its large outdoor seating area. We sat across from a beautiful pond , and there was also a big fireplace, corn hole, and bocce ball.

We ordered a glass of white wine and enjoyed a nice lunch outside. 

Waterbrook Winery has over 80 wines that have received wine scores of 90 or above. They know what they’re doing!

One way to visit the wineries in Walla Walla is to book a wine tour. When you book a tour, you’ll be able to visit multiple wineries in the same day without having to worry about being sober to drive. Also, everyone in your party will be able to drink as well. When you split the cost among a group of friends or family, it’s also fairly affordable. If you book this wine tour , you’ll be able to customize your tour. (You can choose the wineries!)

See our article on 25 Things to Do in Walla Walla ! (We’ll share lots of activities besides wine tasting!)

Wine-Tasting Itinerary

We visited all the wineries in this article in one long weekend. To minimize driving time, it helped us to cluster the wineries together by location. Before your visit, be sure to check out current hours of operation. They can change by season, so you may need to adjust!

Here’s the itinerary we completed:

3pm: L’Ecole No.41 

5pm: Barons Winery

11am: Slight of Hand Cellars

11:30am: Castillo de Feliciana

1pm: Yellowhawk Resort (tasting and lunch)

3pm: Va Piano

5pm: Valdemar Estates (tasting and dinner)

7:30pm: Plumb Cellars

11:30am: Long Shadows

1:30pm: Waterbrook Winery

Here is a map of the wineries we visited during our last trip to Walla Walla:

There are lots of Walla Walla Wineries! There are often new wineries that open up, so be sure to check out the official Visit Walla Walla website for current updates.

Where to Eat

After all that wine tasting, we were ready for a meal! Here’s some of our favorite restaurants in Walla Walla.

The Marc Restaurant

For our first night in Walla Walla, we made reservations at the Marc Restaurant. We were staying at the Marcus Whitman Hotel , so it was very convenient to eat at their flagship restaurant. I had the shaved prime rib sliders, which were delicious. I also really enjoyed their beer cheese soup, and their garlic rolls were so good!

Yellowhawk Resort

During our first full day of wine tasting, we stopped at Yellowhawk Resort for lunch. We enjoyed prosciutto-wrapped dates and their ranch burger. They also have several tasting boards to choose from.

Valdemar Estates

For dinner, we visited Valdemar Estates. Their menu consisted of tapas and rations. We ordered several rounds of tapas and enjoyed them with a wine tasting flight. I especially enjoyed the tortilla de patatas.

Bright’s Candies

The place to go for ice cream in Walla Walla is Bright’s Candies. We saw lots of people entering this candy store, so we knew they had to serve some good treats! The ice cream hit the spot after a long day of wine tasting and being in the sun.

Maple Counter Cafe

Although we had complimentary breakfast included in our stay at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, we heard such good things about the Maple Counter Cafe that we had to have breakfast there on our last day. One of the house specials is the Apple Pancake, and it did not disappoint! It was massive and had such a delicious topping. It reminded me a lot of a soufflé , because it was at least several inches tall and had an egg taste to the main batter.

Waterbrook Winery

Before leaving Walla Walla, we had lunch at Waterbrook Winery. After a weekend full of wine tasting, I was looking to eat something healthy. I ordered their seasonal salad and it was really tasty. My husband ordered the smoked chicken sandwich and really liked that dish.

Tips for Wine Tasting in Walla Walla

• If you buy a bottle of wine from a winery in Walla Walla, ask if it can be dropped off at your hotel. That way, you don’t have to carry it around all day. (Or risk it over-heating in a car!) Many of the wineries will drop-off orders at the local hotels at the end of the day.
• Wear comfortable shoes. We did a ton of walking outside. Some of the wineries have gravel or grass, so heels aren’t a great choice.
• Many of the wineries in Walla Walla offer to waive the tasting fee if you buy a bottle or spend a certain amount of money. 
• Take notes as you wine taste so that you can keep track of your favorites!
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The servers at each of the wineries we visited were so generous in sharing their knowledge.
• Don’t forget to eat! Pack snacks and make sure to schedule in your meals.
• On that note, don’t forget to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
• If you’re bringing your own car, it can be helpful to have a cooler to store snacks, water, and bottles of purchased wine. (If you visit during the summer, it can get very hot in Walla Walla.)

We spent a romantic weekend in Walla Walla and enjoyed exploring many of the wineries. Even though we visited 10 or so wineries, we barely scratched the surface of what Walla Walla has to offer. We can’t wait to go back to Walla Walla to re-visit some of our favorite wineries listed here, as well as to visit some new ones. We hope this guide helps you plan your own trip!

Disclaimer :  We always strive for content accuracy.   Since the time of publishing, travel-related information regarding pricing, schedules, and hours may have changed. Please look up such information directly from each vendor or institution for the most current information.

Hi, I’m Kelly!

After studying abroad in Spain, I became passionate about international travel. Since then, I’ve traveled to 6 continents and 36 states within the United States. When I’m not travel blogging, you can find me hiking, reading books in Spanish, or playing cribbage. I hope my blog inspires you to see the world!

KC’s top wine expert is opening a winery. But you’ll have to leave town to visit

D oug Frost still lives in Kansas City — among other things, he’s got a new granddaughter who lives about a mile away — but for the last several years, he’s been spending a lot of time in Walla Walla.

A longtime sommelier and wine consultant, Frost in 2018 partnered with another Kansas Citian, Brad Bergman, on a plan to start making their own vino out in the southeast corner of Washington state. They called it Echolands Winery.

“Basically what happened is that I was offered a piece of property in the Walla Walla Valley next to some pretty famous vineyards,” Frost said. “But (growing grapes) takes awhile — usually about three to five years for a crop to be ready to be turned into wine. We got our first crop in 2022. And now we’re about to have this thing where people can come see what we’ve been doing.”

Echolands Estate , the public-facing arm of the operation, will open April 3 in Walla Walla. The 27,000-square-foot building, which sits in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, includes a production facility, multiple tasting rooms and a visitor center.

“It’s a big space with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Blues,” Frost said. “I think it’s a really beautiful, stunning building that offers a cool take on the way wineries work. And we’re out on Mill Creek Road, where there’s a lot of exciting winery action happening right now. Walla Walla is pretty fun to visit — there’s more than 100 wineries, plus a surprisingly good food scene.”

Right now, Echolands is cranking out about 5,000 cases of wine a year — about 60,000 bottles. The wines include cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, grenache, grenache blanc and cinsaut.

“We make about 70% of our wine from our own grapes, and the other 30% comes from our neighbors,” Frost said.

In addition to his Washington obligations, Frost is out on the road a fair amount, consulting and educating on the topic of wine. (He holds both a Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications and used to write The Wine Press column in The Star.) But he also manages the beverage program at The Restaurant at 1900 and keeps tabs on the local wine scene, which he continues to trumpet.

“You go check out Barry (Tunnell) at Tannin or Jimmy (Frantze) at JJ’s , and those guys run very serious (wine) programs,” Frost said. “Very fun and different, nothing cookie-cutter about it. I sometimes have to defend Kansas City when I’m in other cities, but I still say this is a good wine town.”

©2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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Tasting Room Magazine

The magazine for people who love wine tasting

• Mercer Estates Winery To Open Walla Walla Tasting Room in Summer 2024

April 16, 2024

Walla Walla, WA — Mercer Wine Estates has announced the winery will open a new tasting room at 18 E. Main Street in Walla Walla Washington in June 2024. The Mercer family opened their first tasting room in Prosser, WA in 2009, and this new location will offer the full line of Mercer Small Lot and Reserve wines, plus the new addition of a natural wine brand aptly named Sonova Sage.

All Mercer wines hail from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) and are grown, harvested, processed and made into wine by the Mercer team. The Walla Walla location (previously Martin’s Jewelers and originally the People’s Bank of Washington) has been carefully renovated to save and showcase some of the building’s original architecture.

For many years, members of the Mercer family have travelled to Walla Walla for recreation, wine tasting, shopping and dining. “Finding the historic Martin Jewelers space and joining other tasting rooms in downtown Walla Walla has been a dream for the Mercer family,” says Brenda Mercer, who graduated from Wa-Hi (Walla Walla High School) in 1985. “Opening here just feels natural. My first pair of earrings came from Martins. I do feel a sweet connection here,” she adds.

The Mercer Wine Tasting Room plans to open its doors to the public in early summer of 2024. Reagan Mercer, a fifth generation member of this farming family, will launch and help manage the tasting room. She grew up in Prosser and Richland, graduated college from SMU in Dallas, and has been working for Breakthru Beverage in Chicago for the past few years. She looks forward to the new adventure. “It is thrilling, and it feels special to be able to bring my father’s family wines to my mother’s hometown,” says Reagan.

Mercer’s Wines will be available by the glass or in a tasting flight format, along with thoughtfully curated light bites. The space will offer indoor and outdoor seating, a grand tasting bar, table seating and lounge seating. The upstairs loft will offer a more casual space to enjoy a glass of Mercer wine and charcuterie. The space will be available to rent for large parties or private events, while offering unique experiences for the local public.

Five Generations Strong

In 1886, the Mercer family homesteaded in Prosser and the Horse Heaven Hills, approximately 75 miles west of Walla Walla. Willis Mercer brought his family to southeast Washington and eventually began a sheep herding operation. This continued until 1968 when the Mercer brothers implemented the first irrigation pumps on the Columbia River, allowing the region to grow into the agricultural haven that it is today.

In 1972, Don Mercer and his family planted the first wine grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon, in the Horse Heaven Hills, paving the way for the AVA’s designation in 1983. Some of these original vines were sold to Champoux Vineyards, renowned for multiple 100-point wines. This area has become one of Washington’s premier appellations.

Horse Heaven Hills AVA

The Horse Heaven Hills have grown agriculturally over the past 50 years and now contribute about 25% of the state’s wine grapes. It also boasts many of Washington’s top 100-point wines. The fertile, basalt-laden and sandy soils of this area are the main contributors to its unique terroir. Steady, strong winds, coupled with dozens of canyons and micro-climates differentiate this AVA from others. This AVA is well known for its beautifully developed Cabernet Sauvignon grapes – brimming with color, dusty-tannins and a unique richness. Dappled among the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, wine enthusiasts will also find a spectacular array of Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Riesling (to name a few) vineyards producing the backbone of many favorite Washington wines.

“Washington state holds a unique and enviable terroir to grow wine grapes and produce elegant food-friendly wines. The Cabernets are world class and represent some of the very best wines being produced,” says Rob Mercer. Mercer wines have received over 900 awards and medals for their consistent wine offerings. The winery is owned and operated by Rob and Brenda Mercer, and Willis and Piper Mercer, based in Prosser, WA.

Below are 7 wines we recently reviewed:

Mercer Estates Reserve 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon 95 pts. Sourced from Mercer’s renowned Cavalie Vineyard, this red shows cavernous depth and range behind the suave dark expressions of black currant preserves, black cherry and blackberry. Powerfully built yet equally graceful in structure, a core of persuasively firm tannins ride along the interminable finish accented by refined cedar, mineral, coffee and bay leaf notes. $45  159 cases produced.

Mercer Estates Reserve Syrah 2019 94 pts. Barrel aged for 20 months, this red was culled from Spice Cabinet and Milt’s vineyards in the Horse Heaven Hills. Defined by firm, high-toned structure this is framed by a plush mouthfeel with a host of sophisticated red fruit riding center stage. Aggregated ripe cherry, red plum, wild strawberry, roasted fig, dried herbs and elegant spice play into the uplifting mix, with finishing details of white pepper and sweet tobacco. Finishes long, with concentration and verve. $45  136 cases produced.

Mercer Estates 2020 Small Lot Cabernet Sauvignon 93 pts. Rich and flavorful with elegant stylings, this estate-grown red delivers seamless expressions of cassis, red currant and blackberry, framed by a gripping swath of uber-fine tannins ingrained with cedar spice and crushed pebbles. Pure, with stellar weight and polish that carry the finish in regal style to an ethereal place. Drinks well above its price range. $35

Mercer Estates 2019 Small Lot Mourvèdre 93 pts. Only 54 cases were produced of this single-vineyard gem from Mercer’s acclaimed Spice Cabinet Vineyard. Complex and nuanced, this teases with floral and earthy red berry aromas. As it opens, delicate cranberry and strawberry fruit evolve with finesse, joined by violet, white pepper, clove, cedar and vanilla notes. Plush, soft tannins align with balanced acidity that echo ever-deepening expressions on the extensive finish. $35

Mercer Bros. 2022 Horse Heaven Hills Chardonnay 90 pts. This estate-grown wine delivers clean tropical fruit expressions structured around a nicely rounded mouthfeel. Ample depth and poised proportions of white peach, pineapple, melon and butterscotch build strong appeal. An exceptional value. $21.99

About the Magazine

Tasting Room® magazine is the ultimate authority on the Washington wine scene and your personal tour guide to wineries, vineyards, destinations and travel tips, and artisan foods, chefs and artists. In short, Tasting Room is a metaphor for life’s simple pleasures that pair remarkably well with wine—touring, food, travel, culture, recreation and people.

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