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8 Delicious Reasons to Visit Walla Walla Washington

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Hayden Walker
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In a town home to over 100 wineries within a 35-mile radius representing a wide range of varietals, Walla Walla, Washington has become a beacon of world-class tourism along the coast of the Pacific Northwest, for wine-lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Walla Walla offers the rare opportunity to experience not only world-class wines but to meet the winemakers, vintners and family members carrying on the wine tradition.

 

Where to Stay

 

The Barn B&B

1624 Stovall Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Surrounded by rolling farmland near the Walla Walla River and just minutes away from a dozen westside wineries, the Barn B&B is one of the most unique and upscale bed and breakfast destinations in the region.  The property offers a relaxing, pastoral setting, featuring seven unique guest suites with a view of the Blue Mountains, a private entrance, a Zen garden and outdoor hot-water shower.  Each suite also boasts hand-painted artwork with a rustic-modern style designed by the owners.   

The Barn offers a complimentary globally inspired 3-course dinner available on Monday or Thursday with a 2 night minimum stay along with a full gourmet breakfast each morning.  All meals are prepared by the owners and an in-house chef and served family style with fellow guests.  Rates start at $300 per night.  

 

 

Wine Tasting

 

Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Tour

The Seven Hills Winery Founding Vineyard was the first significant Merlot and Cabernet planting in the Walla Walla Valley.  The property is named both for it’s historical significance as well as its critical role in shaping the viticultural development of the region.  The vineyard’s original vines were planted in the early 1980s by Casey McClellan and his father and have produced over 30 vintages of highly regarded Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and continue to do so today.  The tour offers multiple instagram-worthy moments boasting miles of breathtaking views of the rolling hills of the valley.  

 

Seven Hills Winery, Past Present & Future Tastings

212 N 3rd Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Established in 1988, Seven Hills Winery is one of the founding estates of Walla Walla Valley, built inside of the legendary Whitehouse-Crawford building.  Enjoy an in-depth tour of the winery to learn about the grape’s progression from vineyard to bottle, concluding in the barrel room with a tasting of their current offerings as well as a barrel sample from a future release.  Guests may also enjoy cheese pairings with a library of wines from current vintages.  Tastings are offered at $25 per guest and complimentary for members, while cheese pairings are offered at $40 per guest and $25 per member.

 

 

Where to Dine

Whitehouse-Crawford

55 W Cherry St, Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Dining at Whitehouse-Crawford is a true Walla Walla experience. Foods are sourced from local farmers and artisans, wines are from local producers and the dining space is a unique piece of the area’s history.  Lead by Executive Chef and Owner, Jamie Guerin, the restaurant focuses on carefully selected ingredients, prepared with respect for technique and tradition coupled with his own sense of creativity.  

 

Andrae’s Kitchen

After a tour of  Seven Hills Vineyard, we enjoyed a delightful lunch by Andrae’s Kitchen, the brainchild of classically trained chef Andrae Bopp.  Adrea’s Kitchen was Walla Walla’s first gourmet food truck which has now expanded to include AK’s @ the Co-op, inside the Walla Walla Farmers Co-op.  If you can’t stop in there, you can usually find the truck parked at the area’s wineries on most weekends, serving up a riff on classic street food. Andrae’s Kitchen is also one of Washington’s premier caterers and can create custom menus for any type of event.

 

Seven Hills Winery Wine & Food Pairing Experience

212 N 3rd Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Indulge in seated pairing of fine wines expertly paired with delectable cuisine from local chef Sarah Mayhew.  This experience begins with a relaxed, seated tasting of current vintages alongside four small dishes designed to explore the synergy and art of food and wine pairing. Guests are then invited to enjoy a guided tour of the historic winery building and taste a barrel sample of an upcoming release.

Pairing experiences are offered at $65 per guest and $45 per member starting at 11 a.m. Friday & Saturday by appointment for up to 8 guests.

 

Fun Around Town

Frog Hollow Farm

174 Frog Hollow Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362 | Walla Walla has long been known as one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the nation, producing such crops as wheat, asparagus, strawberries and their famous sweet onions.  Frog Hollow Farm is a family-owned farm in the Walla Walla Valley specializing in heirloom vegetables and fruits, not commonly found in most markets.  The farm’s success is a result of owners Jeff and Amy’s vision to create a place to learn, grow and share the bounty of harvests with local chefs and customers.  In addition, the farm also provide opportunities for youth area families to rediscover the joy of  working in fresh dirt, hard work, growing your own food, and sharing it with others.

 

Downtown Walla Walla

Downtown Walla Walla has been recognized as one of the most attractive small town destinations in the country.  It represents a vibrant reflection of the past and modern times, where you begin to discover the unique and romantic allure of this historic town.  Take a walk down the tree-lined streets where you’ll see a funky mix of vintage boutique shops, bistros and cafes, bookstores, wine tasting rooms, and bars. Throughout various times of the year, you’ll see numerous pieces of local art placed around town as well as a seasonal Farmers Market and other outdoor events.

Hayden Walker

Hayden Walker is the Editor in Chief and Director of Operations for Austin Food Magazine

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