You guessed it, back again with another travel guide. This time around I went to a place I’m embarrassed to say, I’ve never been to before. Being a lover of wine and the Pacific Northwest I’m not sure why I never made it to Washington wine country, but all that has changed. I’m so excited I finally made it to Walla Walla because it’s a very special place and I can’t wait to show you my recommendations in this charming town. My partner in crime on these Pacific Northwest adventures, Brittany and I explored Walla Walla for a weekend getaway and it truly has something for everyone. I hope you love this travel guide all about Walla Walla Washington.
About Walla Walla
Walla Walla Washington is a stunning town located in the southeastern region of Washington, approximately four hours away by car from Portland and four and a half hours from Seattle. Walla Walla has a history of being a huge agricultural area and still is dotted with several expansive farms as you drive into town. However, the new crop in town is definitely grapes, wine grapes! Similarly to Bend and McMinnville, Walla Walla has that small town charm that can’t be beaten. Everyone we encountered during our stay was kind, heartwarming and some of the most hospitable people I’ve ever met. If you like great wine and local charm Walla Walla is for you.
Food and Drink
Whether you are looking for fine dining or gas station food (more on that below!), Walla Walla has amazing dining options. What I loved most about our meals in Walla Walla was the emphasis on local ingredients. It’s one of those places where everything on the menu comes from “the guy down the road,” and you can taste the freshness.
Andrae’s Kitchen: Don’t let the location of Andrae’s Kitchen (inside a gas station) fool you. This is out-of-this-world food. They were recently written up in Travel & Leisure magazine as a must visit place in Walla Walla! The food features incredibly tasty smoked meats. Try the voodoo fries and street tacos!
Crossbuck Brewery: If wine isn’t your thing, Walla Walla also has a great brewery. Located inside the old train depot the place is teeming with history and the beers and grub isn’t bad either! Perfect place to change it up after a long day of wine tasting.
Where to Stay
This section of the travel guide could literally be a whole blog post on its own. We had one of the best hospitality experiences ever in Walla Walla, and I know Brittany would back me up on that statement.
The Barn Bed and Breakfast in Walla Walla. The Barn just opened on April 1, 2019 and I know they have a HUGE future ahead of them. The bed and breakfast is owned and operated by Anand & his wife Naina. They were the first people we met upon arriving in Walla Walla, and it’s safe to say I could have sat on the large front porch of The Barn and chatted with them all weekend. They have amazing stories of traveling all over the world, loved sharing their passion for Walla Walla and of course wine. The rooms were luxurious and no detail was overlooked. Each room also has a beautiful outdoor shower which is a unique touch. Lastly, the 3-course breakfast provided every morning was one of the best meals I’ve had in 2019. The food, hospitality, and accommodations far surpassed my expectations. If you do anything in your time in Walla Walla, make sure you stop by the Barn and tell them Rachel sent you for an extra large wine pour.
Wine
Now the thing you’ve all been waiting for, the wine. Walla Walla is known as wine country for a great reason. The wine that comes from this region is rich, unique, and high quality. If you like the big reds Washington wine is for you. There are so many vineyards in the region and we only visited a couple during our stay, but I don’t think you can go wrong!
Bledsoe Family Wines: This tasting room is located downtown and is wine created by Drew Bledsoe (yes the football player). The wines are the perfect drinking/table wines and pair nicely with your weeknight dinners!
Doubleback Winery: This is the boutique brand of Drew Bledsoe family wines. These wines are rich, flavorful, and have amazing taste! Their tasting room which is appointment only is stunning and a must visit, call ahead to make an appointment.
Basel Cellars: I loved the outdoor space at this vineyard. It was perfect to sit outside and taste our wine flight on a beautiful Walla Walla day.
Pepper Bridge Winery: This was probably my favorite wine stop of our trip! I loved the tasting room, knowledgeable staff and tasty wines!
Waterbrook Winery: We also got to attend the 4th annual Rosé Partay at Waterbrook. 120 rosés, appetizers, live music and more. It was the perfect end to a beautiful weekend in Walla Walla Washington.
In summary, Walla Walla has made it on the map for creating outstanding wines, but it also has a lot more to offer. Friendly local people, amazing food, and beautiful scenery. I hope to get back as soon as possible! If you’ve been to Walla Walla too, let me know your favorite spots.
Love, Rachel xo
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