Walla Walla Valley’s Westside District offers rolling vineyards and award-winning wineries just waiting to be discovered. Perfectly situated on your drive in from Portland, Seattle or Tri-Cities, you can think of these historic and scenic wineries as your gateway to Walla Walla wine country. And, what a beautiful gateway it is. Explore this Westside District itinerary virtually and use it as inspiration for your own actual visit!
A slight detour off of Highway 12 via Lower Dry Creek Road will land your thirsty soul in between two of Walla Walla’s most historic founding wineries: L’Ecole No 41 and Woodward Canyon. We recommend both of these icons in your Westside Wine District itinerary.
L’Ecole No 41
Start your day with a 10am tasting reservation (either inside or on the patio, weather permitting) at L’Ecole No 41. Located in an iconic and historic Frenchtown schoolhouse, homage is paid throughout the winery to its heritage, with a chalkboard bar top and schoolhouse references complimenting an educational and fun tasting experience.
Despite these playful touches, L’Ecole No 41 produces some of the most serious and acclaimed wines in Washington state. Over the years, their Estate Ferguson has become an international powerhouse that, in its first vintage, was awarded the Decanter World Wine Awards “Best Bordeaux Blend under over £15.”
Woodward Canyon
Second on the itinerary is the second winery founded in Walla Walla, Washington: Woodward Canyon. Notorious for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon that features beautiful artwork on the labels, a tasting at Woodward Canyon will also feature Bordeaux-style blends, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Their tasting space is also a lovely way to immerse yourself in the founding history of the Walla Walla Valley AVA, as the owners – Rick & Darcey Small – were instrumental in the process of obtaining federal approval of the Walla Walla Valley Appellation in 1984.
Waterbrook
As midday approaches, be sure to visit Waterbrook Winery and indulge in a classic burger, BLT, or seasonal flatbread featured on their full lunch menu. Pair your lunch with a flight of Waterbrook’s diverse selection of wines, share a bottle with your tasting companions, or even pace yourself by enjoying a glass of Waterbrook Winery Clean Alcohol Removed Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. All of this is savored while taking in panoramic views of the sprawling grounds, large ponds and picturesque Blue Mountains.
Reininger
Refreshed and refueled, continue your journey to Reininger Winery to experience another groundbreaking winery on the Westside. Chuck Reininger was the first to establish a winery using fruit exclusively from Walla Walla, and his adventurous spirit is reflected in every sip.
Chuck was captivated by the cataclysmic lava flows and floods that scoured Eastern Washington ages ago and they serve as inspiration for him to use only Walla Walla fruit to reflect the incredible local terroir. The inviting tasting room or shaded courtyard is the setting for a captivating journey through award-winning wines from their renowned Reininger, Helix, or CPR labels.
Long Shadows
As the sun begins its descent, you may be feeling adventurous enough to sneak in one more stop. Another notable Westside District winery that should claim space in your itinerary is Long Shadows Vintners. After all, Long Shadows received the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Award for Best Tasting Room in America in 2022 (and gets top placement year over year) for good reason. Their gorgeous interior space is adorned with Chihuly glass sculptures, their outdoor space features not one, but two Petanque courts for a little outdoor recreation and play, and their tasting menu represents Washington varietals crafted in consultation with the top winemakers in the world.
There are too many wineries to explore in a single day in Walla Walla’s Westside District, but your explorations can continue. A second day spent in the Westside District might feature stops at Smokey Rose Cellars, Foundry Vineyards (image 1 above), Gramercy Cellars, and The Walls Vineyards (images 2-4 above; another great lunch option, by the way). Three Rivers Winery and Cougar Crest Winery are iconic stops off the old highway that are destinations in and of themselves.
No matter how you craft your Westside Wine District itinerary, here are some tips to make the most of your explorations.
- Make reservations in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons.
- Consider arranging transportation to enjoy the tastings responsibly and hassle-free.
- Don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, water, and a camera to capture the memories of your wine-filled day.
So, how will you explore Walla Walla’s Westside District? Embark on your own Walla Walla wine adventure and share your experiences with us. No matter how you adventure, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time sipping exquisite wines in the heart of the Westside District!