Best Walla Walla Wineries to Try in a Weekend

  • Inspirations
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on DECEMBER 30, 2015
  • 7739
  • 0
Between the blue mountains and lakes, wineries in Walla Walla Valley have a view you can’t beat. Walla Walla Valley has 100 wineries and 2,800 acres of vineyards in Washington and Oregon—two-thirds found in Washington and one-third in Oregon. The Walla Walla Valley wine region is comprised of four distinct subregions: Southside and Oregon, Westside, Downtown, and Eastside. The following are some of the go-to wineries in Walla Walla Valley.

Day 1: Southside, Oregon, and Downtown

rasa-vineyards Image Source: Rasa Vineyards and Yelp

Rasa Vineyards
4122 Powerline Road
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 252-0900
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 1 review
Reservations: Required
Directions: Next to the Washington and Oregon Stateline Road, Rasa Vineyards is located on the right side of Powerline Road.

Rasa Vineyards was formed by two brothers, Pinto and Billo Naravane, who decided to leave their life in the computer industry for a more fulfilling lifestyle of making wine together. Across the 11 different vineyards within Rasa Vineyards, the brothers cultivate a wide range of grapes—from Bacchus to Syrah (their most common variety). Once you step inside the massive rustic barn with views of their vineyards, you won’t want to leave.

Insider tip: Ask the winemaker about the coarse-grain alluvial sediments found in the soil, which is similar to France’s famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

garrison-creek-cellars Image Source: Yelp

Garrison Creek Cellars
4153 Hood Rd.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 525-7377
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews
Reservations: Required
Directions: Leaving Rasa Vineyards, head North on Powerline Road. Take a slight left onto Cottonwood Road and continue onto S. Howard Street. Turn left onto S. 2nd Avenue, left on W. Poplar Street and right onto S. 5th Avenue.

Garrison Creek Cellars has 300 acres of land with amazing rolling hills and green vineyards surrounding it. The winery is based off the look of the classic 1916 Winn family barn. The Murr family, owners of Garrison Creek Cellars, handcraft all of their wine and sell an exclusive 1,000 cases or less each year. Their primary varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, are definitely worth trying.

Insider tip: Signage from the main road is very minimal so keep an eye out so you don’t miss it.

doubleback Image Source: Facebook

Doubleback Winery
229 E Main Street,
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 525-3334
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 3 reviews
Reservations: Required
Directions: From Garrison Creek Cellars, head West to turn Right onto Hood Road. Turn left onto Cottonwood Road, continue onto S. Howard Street to E. Alder Street and then take S. Palouse Street to E. Main Street.

Drew Bledsoe and Chris Figgins have dreamed of having their own winery since they were friends in high school. Today they produce award-winning wine at Doubleback Winery, which they started together in 2008. Spend your day at Doubleback Winery by sitting next to the above-ground bonfire and taking in their breathtaking views. Doubleback Winery has a laid back feel where Bledsoe and Figgins focus on providing a positive experience for their clients while producing premium wine.

Insider tip: If you’re a New England Patriots fan, then yes, it’s that Drew Bledsoe.

seven-hills-winery Image Source: Yelp

Seven Hills Winery
Whitehouse-Crawford Building
212 N 3rd Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 529-7198
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 26 reviews
Reservations: Not required
Directions: Head Southeast on E. Main Street toward N. Spokane Street, turn right at the 1st cross street onto N. Spokane Street. Then turn left at the 1st cross street onto E. Rose Street and turn right onto N. 3rd Avenue and your destination will be on the right.

Seven Hills Winery is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in Walla Walla Valley. While you’re enjoying the wine, listen to the rich history of Seven Hills from the warm and friendly staff. Since 1988, Seven Hills Winery has crafted appellation inspired wines and has bottled more vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots than any other winery in the AVA.

Seven Hills has collaborated with other wineries from around the appellation to create its restrained oak, bright acidity, and pure flavors of wine. This quaint and charming winery allows you to walk through the aging barrels or sit and admire from their tasting room.

Insider tip: Try Olive Marketplace & Cafe across the street for gourmet meats and cheeses.

Day 2: Westside and Eastside

gramercy-cellars Image Source: Gramercy Cellars

Gramercy Cellars
635 N. 13th Ave.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 876-2427
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 16 reviews
Reservations: Not required Friday and Saturday, by appointment only Wednesday and Thursday.
Directions: Head Northwest on N. 3rd Ave. toward W. Cherry Street, then turn left at the 3rd cross street onto W. Pine Street and turn left onto N. 13th Ave.

At Gramercy Cellars, the goal is to create wine that will complement different foods. Greg Harrington, the founder of Gramercy Cellars, worked for top wine programs under prestigious chefs such as Joyce Goldstein, Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, and Stephen Hanson. You can relax at Gramercy Cellars, as the tasting room is set up with comfortable couches and big screen TVs for entertainment.

Insider tip: Try their popular Syrah, The Third Man. 

reininger-winery Image Source: Yelp

Reininger Winery
5858 Old Hwy 12
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 522-1994
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 33 reviews
Reservations: Not required
Directions: From Gramercy Cellars, head north on N. 13th Ave. toward W Cherry Street, then turn left at the 2nd cross street onto W. Pine Street. At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Heritage Road and turn left onto Old Hwy 12.

Reininger Winery is located in the heart of Walla Walla Valley. Inside the modern rustic winery you’ll be greeted by bright decor and ample seating. Reininger Winery was voted one of the top 100 wineries in 2005 and 2006 by Wine & Spirits Magazine Buying Guide.

Insider tip: Try the Helix SoRho for a taste of fruit and spice.

walla-faces-tasting-room-750 Image Source: Walla Faces

Walla Faces Winery Production & Tasting Room
598 Piper Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(877) 301-1181
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 110 reviews
Reservations: Not required
Directions: From Reininger Winery, head east on Old Hwy 12 toward Spalding. Turn left onto Spalding Rd, then right onto US-12 E. Turn left toward G St, and continue for almost a half mile. Turn left onto Piper Ave, the winery will be on your left.

After moving from their downtown location in 2014, Walla Faces can now be found at the popular Walla Walla Incubators. Located on a block of five uniform pastel-hued homes, Walla Faces focuses not only on perfecting their well-regarded reds, but also supporting the local art scene—even down to their custom wine labels. Visitors can continue their wine country visit and opt to stay at one of their nearby inns—located either downtown or at their vineyard.

Insider tip: Walla Walla Incubators is home to four other wineries, Palencia Winery, Corvus Cellars, J&J Vintners, and Burwood Brewing

k-vintners-tasting-room-750 Image Source: Yelp

K Vintners Tasting Room
820 Mill Creek Rd
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 526-5230
Reservations: Not required
Directions: From Walla Faces, head southeast on Piper Ave toward G St. Turn right onto G St, then left onto Mill Creek Rd.

K Vintners Tasting Room is located on the Eastside of Walla Walla Valley, at the base of the Blue Mountains on open farmland. Owner Charles Smith has a no nonsense approach to winemaking—declaring “It’s just wine, drink it.”

Insider tip: Charles Smith spent nine years in Scandinavia managing the famous Danish duo The Ravonettes and the atmosphere of his winery reflects his rock band vibe.

Explore all Walla Walla Valley has to offer. With so many unique wineries to choose from you are sure to find one that suits your taste.


Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.