Walla Walla. I’ve heard of their sweet onions. But wine? Yes! Especially Syrah! And many other grapes. Let’s explore this wonderful wine region.
Wine Oh! TV’s Video
I was delighted to be able to watch Wine Oh! TV’s video about this wonderful wine region.
According to Discover Washington Wine, “The Walla Walla Valley AVA is located in the southeastern part of Washington State but extends across state lines into the northeastern corner of Oregon. The region is wholly contained within the larger Columbia Valley and is named after a Native American term for ‘many waters.'” This appellation is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA.
“In addition to grapes, the area produces those world-famous…sweet onions…along with a number of other agricultural crops such as wheat, apples, asparagus, and strawberries…Walla Walla AVA has the second-highest concentration of vineyards in Washington State (3,000 acres) and the highest concentration of wineries in the state [120].”
I can’t wait to visit this appellation, which is approximately 200 miles from my new home in Washougal, WA.
Types of Wines
There are all kinds of wines in this appellation. But reds rule the roost, with the Blue Mountains bringing the cool air that makes for wonderful Cabernets, Merlots, Malbecs and Syrahs.
The Rock District of Milton-Freewater, which is a very young sub-appellation (approved in 2015), is the Syrah capitol of WA. The distinguishing feature of The Rocks District is its soil, which consists primarily of dark-colored basalt cobblestones.
Wineries and Tasting Rooms
When you watch the video, you’ll see that Monique Soltani of Wine Oh! TV visits many wonderful wineries and tasting rooms, including Caprio Cellars, Long Shadow Vintners and Seven Hills Winery:
- Caprio Cellars does a food pairing with each wine, and their tastings are free. Count me in!
- Long Shadows Vintners won Best Tasting Room in America from USA Today. A very beautiful part of their tasting room is glass artwork by Dale Chihuly. Apparently, he and the owner of the winery were good friends.
- Seven Hills Winery is one of the pioneer wineries in the area. It was started in the early 1980s.
Other Things to Do
In addition to visiting many wonderful wineries, Monique Soltani did some paddle boarding, which is a popular sport in the area.
She also got to make pottery at the Vital tasting room. Vital is a non-profit winery whose mission is to improve access to healthcare for vineyard and cellar workers in their local communities. Very cool!
Care to join me for a wine-tasting adventure in Walla Walla? I’d love to have you come with me.
