12 Best Wineries in Walla Walla

  • Wineries
  • by HANA-LEE SEDGWICK
  • on OCTOBER 4, 2024
  • 8515
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Wineries

12 Best Wineries in Walla Walla

By Hana-Lee Sedgwick October 4, 2024

In recent years, the Walla Walla Valley AVA has gained recognition as one of the top wine regions in the nation. With nearly 3,000 acres of vineyards and over 130 wineries, this flourishing area along the Washington-Oregon border seems to have it all—stunning scenery, delicious food, welcoming hospitality, and, of course, fantastic wine.

Walla Walla’s wineries span six distinct wine districts, ranging from the scenic, vineyard-lined estates of the Southside to the laid-back, warehouse-style tasting rooms in the Airport District. Since narrowing it down to the top 10 is nearly impossible, for this list we’ve focused on wineries set amidst the vines—whether iconic estates or newer standouts—as well as historic properties. Definitely check out our other roundup on Walla Walla’s top urban wineries for even more exceptional finds. Wherever you choose to start, we encourage you to explore beyond these lists to uncover more hidden gems—trust us, there’s no shortage!

Rasa Vineyards
Photo courtesy of Rasa Vineyards

Rasa

Rasa Vineyards is the vision of brothers Billo and Pinto Naravane, who left behind successful careers in Silicon Valley to dedicate themselves fully to wine. After launching Rasa in 2007, their first two releases garnered critical acclaim, setting the standard for their ultra-premium wines. At their unassuming winery in the Southside District of Walla Walla, choose from the hour-long Personal Tasting, featuring a selection of six wines, or opt for the Master of Wine Tasting—an exclusive 90-minute experience led by Billo himself, one of just 421 Masters of Wine worldwide. Note: Rasa also has a tasting room in downtown Walla Walla, where wines are available by the flight or glass.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $75 at the estate; starting at $30 at the downtown tasting room.
Visit: 4122 Powerline Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (509) 252-0900
Reservations: Reservations required at the estate. Walk-ins welcome downtown Wednesday – Sunday, by reservation Monday and Tuesday.

Abeja | Colby D. Kuschatka
Photo courtesy of Abeja | Colby D. Kuschatka

Abeja

For years, Abeja has captivated wine lovers with its Washington wines, ranging from its acclaimed flagship collection to its small-batch estate releases. Experience the breadth of Abeja’s portfolio at its historic winery and inn in the Mill Creek area on the Eastside. Set on a beautifully restored farmstead dating back to the early 1900s, the winery is surrounded by estate vineyards, tranquil gardens, and a meandering creek, with scenic views of the Palouse and Blue Mountains. The Abeja Estate tasting is the best way to experience it all, featuring limited-edition estate and library wines paired with small bites prepared by Executive Chef, Mike Easton. For a more casual option, visit Abeja’s Beekeeper tasting room at the Marcus Whitman Hotel downtown, showcasing wines from its approachable Beekeeper line.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $40 at the estate; complimentary for guests staying at the Inn.
Visit: 2014 Mill Creek Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (509) 526-7400
Reservations: Reservations required at the estate. Walk-ins welcome downtown.

Force Majeure
Photo courtesy of Force Majeure

Force Majeure

Located just across the border in Milton Freewater, Oregon, Force Majeure has built a reputation for its meticulously crafted, terroir-driven wines, which regularly receive top scores from critics. Visit their winery to sample these coveted bottlings through one of two tasting experiences. We’d suggest going with the Terroir Tasting if you’re looking for an in-depth experience, which begins with a pour of grower Champagne before moving on to a side-by-side comparative tasting of Syrahs and Cabernets from distinct vineyard sites. It’s all accompanied by light canapés, to boot.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $50
Visit: 52274 Pleasant View Drive, Milton-Freewater, OR 97862
Contact: (541) 833-3051
Reservations: Reservations required.

Echolands
Photo courtesy of Echolands

Echolands

Founded by Brad Bergman and Master Sommelier/Master of Wine Doug Frost, Echolands is known for producing elegant wines from the Walla Walla Valley. In April of 2024, the winery debuted its stunning new estate, set on 341 acres in the picturesque Mill Creek area at the base of the Blue Mountains. The chic, modern tasting room, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, while the attached state-of-the-art winemaking facility—featuring solar panels, a green roof, and an underground barrel room—showcases the winery’s dedication to sustainability.

Tasting Fee: $20 per flight
Visit: 3281 Mill Creek Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (509) 676-2109
Reservations: Reservations required.

Photos courtesy of Valdemar

Valdemar Estates

Valdemar is a striking tasting room and winery set amidst the vineyards of Walla Walla’s Southside District. Led by the fifth generation of a family of Rioja producers, Valdemar’s Spanish roots are reflected in everything from its wines to its tapa menu. Tastings include selections from both its Washington label and its Rioja parent brand, Bodegas Valdemar, while the food menu highlights authentic Spanish delicacies like Jamón Ibérico, Stuffed Piquillo Peppers, and Paella on weekends. Insider Tip: Be sure to close out a tasting with a slice of their Basque cheesecake—it’s a must-try!

Tasting Fee: Staring at $20
Visit: 3808 Rolling Hills Lane, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (509) 956-4926
Reservations: Reservations suggested.

Rotie Cellars
Photo courtesy of Rotie Cellars

Rotie Cellars

True to its name, Rotie Cellars focuses on Syrah and other Rhône varietal blends crafted in the style of France’s Rhône Valley, showcasing Washington’s ability to produce wines of balance and complexity. The Rotie Estate, on the Oregon side of Walla Walla, offers jaw-dropping views of the renowned Rocks District, a region celebrated for its exceptional Syrah. Tastings feature owner and winemaker Sean Boyd’s current releases, but if you want to delve deeper into the Rocks District, book a walking tour of the estate vineyard (only offered seasonally).

Tasting Fee: Starting at $30
Visit: 84328 Trumbull Lane, Milton-Freewater, OR 97862
Contact: (509) 301-9074
Reservations: Required.

Grosgrain
Photo courtesy of Grosgrain

Grosgrain

Grosgrain has built a loyal following for its vibrant sparkling wines, crisp whites, and lean, restrained reds, including those made from lesser–known grape varieties. Owners Matt and Kelly Austin showcase their diverse offerings in their airy Southside tasting room—a stylish, relaxed space designed to feel like stepping into someone’s home. Note: If you love the vibe, book a stay at their four bedroom vacation rental overlooking the vines. No doubt you’ll want to move right in.

Tasting Fee: $25 per person
Visit: 2158 Half Acre Lane, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (509) 876-4045
Reservations: Reservations encouraged, walk-ins based on availability.

Photos courtesy of Pepper Bridge

Pepper Bridge

Pepper Bridge has long been a cornerstone of the Walla Walla wine scene, known for its sophisticated Cabernets and Merlots that beautifully express the region’s terroir. The winery is also celebrated for its commitment to sustainable vineyard practices and meticulous winemaking. Located in the picturesque Southside District, the Pepper Bridge tasting room offers a variety of experiences tailored to both casual wine enthusiasts and serious collectors. Choose from options like a classic tasting, an exclusive library tasting, or a seated winery lunch featuring seasonal pairings.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $20
Visit: 1704 J.B. George Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (509) 525-6502
Reservations: Recommended for all experiences; required for seated lunch and library tastings.

L’Ecole
Photo courtesy of L’Ecole

L’Ecole 41

Founded in 1983 as the third winery in the Walla Walla Valley, family-owned L’Ecole is one of the region’s most cherished destinations. L’Ecole is best known for its exceptional Semillon and Bordeaux-style reds, crafted with a focus on balance, structure, and elegance. Housed in a restored 1915 schoolhouse, their Westside tasting room invites guests to sip on award-winning wines while taking in the charm and history of the property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $20
Visit: 41 Lowden School Road, Lowden, WA 99360
Contact: (509) 525-0940
Reservations: Encouraged, walk-ins welcome based on availability.

Seven Hills Winery
Photo courtesy of Seven Hills Winery

Seven Hills Winery

Founded in 1988, Seven Hills Winery is one of the region’s pioneering wineries, known for its Bordeaux varietals—in fact, it’s the only producer in the area to grow and craft all six Bordeaux varieties. The winery is housed in downtown Walla Walla’s only historic working winemaking facility, located in the Whitehouse-Crawford building. Originally built as a wood mill in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was meticulously restored in 2000 to preserve its architectural charm. When visiting, the Ethereal Tasting of current releases is a solid choice (with the option to add a curated chocolate pairing). But, if you’re looking for something more unique, don’t miss The Alchemy of Pentad Experience—you’ll explore each of Pentad’s six component varietals before creating your own custom blend.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $35
Visit: 212 North 3rd Avenue, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (877) 777-7870
Reservations: Walk-ins welcome, reservations encouraged on weekends.

Photos courtesy of Alton Wines

Alton Wines

Alton Wines is a modern tasting room designed to showcase the stunning surroundings of the Southside’s vineyards and farmland. The sleek space features floor-to-ceiling glass walls, a striking central fireplace, and a mix of contemporary furnishings that create a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Sip approachable red and white wines, each sourced from throughout Washington, while soaking in panoramic views. The winery also hosts an impressive lineup of wine and food events throughout the year—a compelling reason to join the club.

Tasting Fee: $30 per person
Visit: 3783 Peppers Bridge Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (509) 720-7136
Reservations: Required.

Brook & Bull
Photo courtesy of Brook & Bull
Brook & Bull
Winemaker Ashley Trout of Brook & Bull

Brook & Bull

Founded in 2016 by winemaker Ashley Trout, Brook & Bull has become a standout in the Walla Walla Valley, known for its expressive single-varietals and creative blends that highlight the purity of fruit with minimal oak influence. Trout, a seasoned winemaker and advocate for sustainable practices, focuses on producing wines that are vibrant, balanced, and uniquely reflective of the region. The tasting room, located in the scenic Southside District, offers a relaxed atmosphere, where guests can enjoy these vibrant wines indoors or on the scenic outdoor patio.

Tasting Fee: $20 per person
Visit: 1249 Lyday Lane, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Contact: (509) 563-2191
Reservations: Not required for groups under 10 people.

Conclusion

Walla Walla may be small, but it offers a plethora of incredible wineries, each with its own distinctive style, wines, and hospitality experiences. From the grand estates to the historic gems, each of these wineries offers a glimpse of what makes Walla Walla a truly special wine destination. There’s a reason we named it one of the top U.S. wine regions to visit this year! And be sure to check out our list of Walla Walla’s top urban wineries to continue your exploration.