Ever wondered what life is like in the orchards, vineyards and growing fields of Walla Walla? Then you’ll want to make hay and get a ticket for a two-day, self-guided adventure down on the farms.
Tour D’Farm makes its debut September 20-21, 2025. The weekend event offers a new spin on traditional tours: Register online to purchase tickets, pick up a map of participating farms the day of your trek and choose your own adventure, meeting the makers behind locally grown and raised food and drinks.
Immerse in tastings, demonstrations, exploration and pettings among 14 farms, vineyards, orchards and animal-focused spots, many of which are not traditionally open to the public. Some farms will also offer activities for children.
Coordinated by the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce, Tour D’Farm is intended to educate and entertain while building connections between consumers and growers in the process.
Even better, says Chamber President and CEO Arlene Alen, is for those connections to sustain well beyond the weekend. Buying from local farms is a way to save money and have a better understanding of what goes into producing the crops from the people who grow them.
“Agriculture is the keystone of this community — past, present and future,” she says.
Walla Walla has long been one of the state’s most significant agricultural communities. Ag production in Walla Walla County was valued at nearly $780 million, according to calculations in 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture data, which is collected every five years. That places Walla Walla fifth among Washington’s 39 counties in ag sales, Walla Walla Trends reports.
The community’s standing as an agricultural powerhouse is due, in part, to its mix of crops and products. The county’s wheat output in 2022 was 17.4 million bushels — the third highest in the state. Meanwhile, fruit has grown as a contributor to the ag economy. Orchard acreage approached 14,000 acres, the sixth highest in the state, during the census period. Grapes occupied nearly 1,700 acres, the fifth highest amount among the state’s counties.
Meanwhile, the community remains the exclusive home of Walla Walla Sweet Onions.
As a share of the labor force, agriculture is the fourth-highest sector, with an employment share of 12.9%, according to Walla Walla Trends.
While some of Walla Walla’s farm operations, such as Chesed Farms’ mushroom production, are newer, others date back more than six generations, Alen says.
Those making a trip to learn more about the farm community firsthand should plan to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that may get dirty. Bring water but no pets. Also be sure to stay on designated paths or in guided areas only.
Participants can register for both days or just one. Some properties may be open for the whole tour or on a particular day. Some will have designated times for guided tours, while others will welcome guests to pop in throughout the duration of the tour.
The cost for adults for the weekend is $25. A one-day ticket is $20. Students pay $15 for the weekend, while children 10 and younger get in free.
Tickets can be picked up at the Chamber office, 29 E. Sumach St., the day of participation, starting at 8:30 a.m. A map will then be provided with directions and instructions for each farm. “Passports” will also be distributed. Have your passport initialed at each stop along the way, then return it to the Chamber at the end to be entered into a drawing for a community gift basket.
“We hope to raise awareness and amplify the knowledge of this culture,” Alen says.
“I feel really strongly that this piece showcases the amazing culture of this community that people are really unaware of.”
Click here to purchase tickets.