Bundle up and book your visit to Walla Walla around Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend, held annually over the first full weekend in December. This year’s festivities will be held December 1-3, 2023. Don’t miss this three-day celebration of holiday wonder, art, fine dining, and wine, wine, wine!
It’s the most wonderful wine time of the year.
What makes Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend unique is that many participating wineries offer visitors the opportunity to sample future releases straight from the wine barrel.
Whether you’re a wine novice or expert, the special appeal of barrel tasting is that you get a firsthand look into how winemaking works. Most barrel tastings are held in the cellar, and are conducted by the winemaker or somebody else intimately involved in the winemaking process. It’s not simply about enjoying lovely views and good company… barrel tasting wine is an educational experience.
The chance to mingle with and pick the brain of the winemaker is a treat that isn’t unique to Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend, of course. Here in Walla Walla, this is the kind of delightful surprise that happens more often than not. And of course, wineries are pulling out all the stops to deliver on all your holiday wine needs, from entertaining essentials and large format bottles to wine gifts and merchandise to delight the wine lovers on your gift list.
Festivities abound, both wine-related and not!
In a small town like Walla Walla, more than just the wineries are getting in on the holiday fun! Our lodging partners, restaurants, and retail establishments all participate in making your Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend bright, whether you’re sipping from the wine thief or simply in town for a winter getaway. Festive decor, gift packages, and visits from Santa Claus are just a few highlights visitors can anticipate.
Perhaps an unsung hero of Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend is the Holiday Parade of Lights put on by the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation. This year’s community parade is sponsored by Nelson Construction and will be held downtown on Saturday, December 2 at 6 p.m. There’s nothing quite like the magic of a community parade, so bundle up with a warm coat and gloves, bring a chair or two with you downtown, and come early to buy a warm drink from one of our charming downtown coffee shops as we kick off the holiday season.
The holidays start in Walla Walla.
A visit to Walla Walla over Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend is more than an opportunity to taste wine out of the barrel and stock up on collectible wines to enjoy in the future. It’s also a way to launch into the holiday spirit and immerse yourself in all things merry and bright. From great holiday shopping to relaxing accommodations, educational wine experiences, and the magic of twinkle lights and a spirited community parade, Walla Walla’s Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend has everything (except perhaps sugar plums) you need to make your holiday getaway dreams come true.
