The scenic views of the Blue Mountains and the rolling hills of the Palouse region make Walla Walla a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
A Taste of the Region
Walla Walla is renowned for its exceptional wine production, with a focus on high-quality Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, and Syrahs. The region’s unique terroir, characterized by its rich, volcanic soil and dry climate, allows for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties. Visitors can explore the many wineries and tasting rooms, sampling some of the region’s best wines. Some notable wineries include:
A Foodie’s Paradise
Walla Walla is a food lover’s dream destination, with a thriving culinary scene that showcases the region’s fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and farm-to-table cuisine. The town’s farmers’ market is a bustling hub of activity, offering a wide range of local specialties, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. Some popular local specialties include:
Whitman College is a private liberal arts college that focuses on the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
The History of Walla Walla
Walla Walla has a rich and diverse history that spans over 10,000 years.
The Thief’s wine list is curated by a sommelier, ensuring a diverse selection of wines from around the world.
The Wine Scene in Walla Walla
Walla Walla, a small town in southeastern Washington, has become a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts. The region’s unique terroir and favorable climate have led to the proliferation of over 30 tasting rooms, offering a vast array of wines for visitors to sample.
A Diverse Selection of Wines
Standout Wineries and Wine Shops
Spring Valley Vineyards
The Wine Enthusiast’s Paradise
Abeja Vineyards, Valdemar Estates, and Rasa Vineyards are three distinct wine establishments that cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of wine enthusiasts. Each of these wine establishments offers a unique experience, tailored to satisfy the cravings of connoisseurs and novices alike.
Wine and Food Pairings
One of the most exciting aspects of visiting these wine establishments is the opportunity to indulge in wine and food pairings. Abeja Vineyards, for instance, specializes in small batch releases, allowing visitors to sample a variety of wines in a more intimate setting. The winery’s focus on small batch releases enables guests to appreciate the nuances of each wine, unencumbered by the distractions of a larger crowd. Key features of Abeja Vineyards’ wine and food pairings:
- Small batch releases
- Intimate setting
- Opportunity to appreciate nuances of each wine
On the other hand, Valdemar Estates takes a more traditional approach, pairing Rioja with tapas and Spanish classics. This pairing allows visitors to experience the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine, perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of Rioja.
The town’s history is also reflected in its architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century.
The Early Years of Walla Walla
Walla Walla’s early history is marked by its significance as a fur trading post. The area was attractive to early settlers due to its fertile soil and abundant water supply. The town’s early economy was driven by agriculture, with many farms producing wheat, oats, and other crops. The construction of the Oregon Trail in the 1840s brought an influx of settlers, and the town began to grow rapidly. Key events in Walla Walla’s early years: + 1805: Lewis and Clark visit the area + 1840s: Construction of the Oregon Trail + 1840s: Fur trading post established
The Whitman Mission and the Whitman College Sculpture Walk
The Whitman Mission, established in 1836, played a significant role in the town’s history. The mission was founded by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, who were missionaries from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The Whitmans were instrumental in establishing a community of Native Americans and European-Americans in the area. The mission was later destroyed by a band of Cayuse warriors in 1847. Today, the Whitman College Sculpture Walk features 20 pieces made by various artists, showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage.
The region’s unique combination of climate, soil, and geology creates a diverse range of ecosystems that support a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The Wine Country of Walla Walla
Walla Walla is renowned for its exceptional wines, with over 100 wineries and tasting rooms in the area. The region’s wine industry is built on the foundation of the Columbia River Valley, which provides a unique combination of climate, soil, and geology that is ideal for grape growing.