Walla Walla Wine 101: A Beginner's Guide

Walla Walla has rapidly become one of America's premier wine destinations. Here's what makes it special:

World-Class Wines: The region produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot that rival Napa and international competitors.

Approachable Atmosphere: Unlike some wine regions, Walla Walla maintains a friendly, unpretentious vibe. Winemakers often pour their own wines.

Concentrated Excellence: With 120+ wineries within 30 miles, you can visit world-class producers without extensive travel.

Unique Terroir: The combination of volcanic soils, elevation, and climate creates distinctive wines you can't find elsewhere.

Walla Walla excels with several varieties. Here's what to look for:

Cabernet Sauvignon: The king of Walla Walla reds. Rich, full-bodied with dark fruit, firm tannins, and excellent aging potential. Great for collectors.

Syrah: The region's rising star. Produces both bold, peppery wines and elegant, Rhône-style expressions. Very food-friendly.

Merlot: Soft, approachable reds with plum and cherry notes. Often overlooked but excellent quality in Walla Walla.

Bordeaux Blends: Many wineries create proprietary blends combining Cabernet, Merlot, and other Bordeaux varieties.

White Wines: Though known for reds, excellent Chardonnay, Viognier, and white Rhône blends are available.

New to wine tasting? Here's what to expect:

Tasting Fees: Most wineries charge $15-30 for a flight of 4-6 wines. Fees are typically waived with purchase.

Reservations: Most wineries require reservations, especially on weekends. Check ahead.

What Happens: A staff member guides you through several wines, explaining each. Ask questions! That's what they're there for.

Spitting: It's perfectly acceptable (encouraged!) to use spit buckets. This lets you taste more wines safely.

Purchasing: No pressure to buy, but if you find something you love, take it home. Many wines sell out and aren't available elsewhere.

Time Per Winery: Depending on group size, plan 45-80 minutes per stop for a relaxed, complete experience.

Dress Code: Casual is fine. Comfortable shoes recommended.

Be a welcome guest with these simple guidelines:

Do: - Ask questions - staff love sharing knowledge - Take notes if you want to remember favorites - Tip if service is exceptional (not always expected) - Tell them what styles you typically enjoy

Don't: - Wear strong perfume or cologne - Talk loudly on phones - Rush - savor the experience - Feel obligated to finish every pour

This is the most common question from first-timers:

3 Wineries: Ideal for a relaxed, quality experience. You'll remember each stop.

4 Wineries: Possible but ambitious. Consider using a pour/spit strategy.

**More than 4 wineries** is not recommended, even if that's been done in other regions. Pours tend to be generous in the Walla Walla Valley and even at 4 wineries, the experience tends to decline before the day concludes.

Our Recommendation: Less is more. Three great wineries with time to enjoy a quality lunch makes for a fantastic day.

Pacing Tips: - Start around 11am when most wineries open (some open at 10am) - Take a lunch break mid-day - Save one special winery for late afternoon - Drink water between stops

Not sure what you like? Here's how to discover your preferences:

For Bold Wine Lovers: Start with Cabernet Sauvignon and rich Syrah. Ask for wineries known for "big" wines.

For Lighter Preferences: Explore Merlot, rosé, and white wines. Many Walla Walla whites are excellent.

For Adventurous Types: Try varietal wines like Tempranillo, Sangiovese, or unusual blends.

Tasting Tip: Tell your server "I usually like ___" and they'll guide you to similar wines or suggest something new to try.

Don't Like It?: It's okay! Wine is personal. A polite "this one isn't for me" is perfectly acceptable.