Walla Walla Valley is a must visit for wine lovers! I’m not the only one who thinks so. It has been named America’s Best Wine Region in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards two years in a row. If you’re wondering where to eat and drink in Walla Walla and want the perspective of a wine industry insider, just use this personal itinerary from my trip last June as a guide. These wineries and restaurants are not to be missed during two days in Walla Walla.
On a recent visit to Walla Walla, I spent a most glorious afternoon at Caprio Cellars in the pastoral Southside district of Walla Walla Valley. I have no idea why this incredible tasting experience has been flying under the radar and I hadn’t heard of it until recently. Caprio Cellars should be high up on any Washington wine and food lover’s list of places to visit. Read on to learn why.
As we pull up to the gated property, the hubby announces our arrival via intercom as I wonder what could possibly be in store for us. Perhaps this special entry is part of why this estate is such a secret. Then, something fantastic happens. Continue reading “Visit Caprio Cellars”
It is my mission to get wineries on social media and a bottle of wine on every dinner table. I am excited to announce that this quest is one step closer to being realized! A group of over 20 wineries has reached out to me to help take their social media to the next level. Read on and get to know Seattle Urban Wineries.
Photographer Richard Duval and Cascade Cliffs Georgetown Tasting Room Manager Sylvia during a visit in early MarchAccording to a Wine Spectator article, Résonance , Maison Louis Jadot’s first winery outside of Burgundy, was due to open its visitor center this summer. That meant it would be open in time for my most recent road trip to Oregon Wine Country. The Résonance website didn’t yet have information about visiting the property. However, the Oregon winery’s social media feeds made mention of wine and food experiences. Be still my heart!
An email inquiry resulted in a timely reply from Karen Kissane, Hospitality Manager, with a couple of options.
$45/person, $30 with membership
Enjoy a glass of Résonance Rosé as we explore our Certified Organic estate vineyard. We will finish with a curated flight of four wines accompanied with a local cheese plate.
Please allow for 60 minutes for the experience. Tastings are $45 per person and hosted daily at 11am and 3pm, weather permitting and by reservation only. 48-hour advance notice required.
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Terrior Provisions Tasting – $75/person, $45 with membership
This unique terrior tasting highlights 6 single vineyard wines, both current and past vintages, along with locally sourced seasonal provisions representing a sense of place.
This immersive seated experience is hosted in the communal, yet intimate setting of our Résonance Room.
Please allow 90 minutes for the experience. Tastings are $75 per person and hosted Wednesdays-Sundays at 11am, by reservation only. 48-hour advance notice required.
Based on anticipated arrival time, I scheduled the Vineyard Tour & Seated Tasting for my husband and myself.
Although we visit Carlton annually, our time is usually spent in the small yet significant core area of the town within the well-respected Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area. Résonance is about five minutes west of that district. The drive offers an idyllic scene that initially provides a sense of calm. Then, heading up the hillside to the property, that peaceful feeling transforms into one of anticipation.
When wine and food loving friends come to Seattle for a visit, I want to send them to my favorite places. For that reason, I’ve compiled a short list of recommendations for wining, dining, and a bit of exploring around town.
Open Daily
Delectable Dutch Baby at Tilikum Place CafeThis cozy restaurant is known far and wide for its brunch specialty, the Dutch Baby. Made to order in either a savory or sweet version, it is presented in a darling single serve portion cast iron pan. Or come here for a delectable dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients. In either case, make reservations at this popular destination in advance or risk being turned away at the door.
Glass sculpture at Chihuly Garden and GlassIf it’s still too early for an adult beverage after fueling up, head to nearby Chihuly Garden and Glass at the Seattle Center. Awaken your senses walking among towering sculptures crafted by famed glass blower, Dale Chihuly. The vividly colored floral garden is in bloom year round.
The greater Seattle area offers more than 170 nearby tasting rooms. That includes Woodinville Wine Country, about 40 minutes from Seattle. In the city itself, there is a burgeoning urban wine scene that is not to be missed!
3901 First Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98134
Hours for businesses in this enclave vary by day and season.
Just a few miles south of downtown Seattle, go to experience top wines from some of Washington State’s acclaimed producers in an industrial setting.
Check hours in advance. As of this writing nine businesses offer wine tasting. There is also a brewery and a pizzeria.
Popular Walla Walla based wineries such as Rôtie Cellars have set up shop in this cluster of tasting rooms. In fact, Kerloo Cellars now calls this location home. Even Woodinville based Patterson Cellars has an outpost here with chocolate and wine pairings on offer.
Nine Hats Tasting RoomStart at Nine Hats for satisfying value wines in a playful setting (seriously, the place is decorated with vintage toys!). This brand is the entry level offshoot of ultra- premium Long Shadows Vintners. Afterwards, head to their neighboring pizza joint, Nine Pies for a bite to eat.
307 Occidental Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
Open Daily, 12pm – 6pm
Go to experience your choice of tasting menu highlighting three different Pacific Northwest wineries.
Wine lovers seeking a moment of luxury in Seattle must visit The Estates Wine Room in historic Pioneer Square. With three wineries represented in one tasting room, there is something for everyone. Walla Walla based Seven Hills Winery, Horse Heaven Hills based Double Canyon, and Willamette Valley based Archery Summit offer a range from bold and classic Bordeaux varieties, to polished Pinot Noir. Gourmet nibbles are typically available as an add-on. They use appropriate glassware, too!
4pm-midnight M-S
Go to truly feel like you’re on vacation and enjoy wine by the glass or bottle, and have a bite to eat.
Case boxes create nooks of privacy at Le CavisteThis intimate space with its cane bistro chairs and chalk board menus conveys the ambience of a neighborhood French bistro. With the majority of wines available by the glass, I usually begin with Crémant, and then move onto Chablis or Cru Beaujolais. For dinner order the always perfectly cooked Poisson en Papillote (fish baked in parchment on a bed of thinly sliced potatoes), and a selection of French cheese. Alternatively, indulge in one of their signature charcuterie plates.
March is the perfect month for wine lovers to visit Seattle! After all, it’s Taste Washington Wine Month with a variety of promotions, including winemaker dinners, discounts at local wineries and restaurants, special tasting events and more. It all leads up to Taste Washington, the nation’s largest single-region wine and food festival, March 28-31 in Seattle. The 22nd annual Taste Washington features more than 235 wineries, 65 restaurants, and some of the nation’s most-talented chefs at a series of events throughout the weekend.
Over 235 Wineries Pour at the Taste Washington Grand TastingBe sure to check my Hashtag Guide to Washington Wine Month to join the conversation, and share your favorite experiences and wine!
