Spring Kick-Off is an exciting time when Walla Walla wineries begin releasing their spring wines and there are many surrounding parties and events to celebrate the occasion. From exclusive wine-club-only member dinners to pop-up pizza party wine tastings – the Walla Walla Valley was abuzz with visitors from near and far (and lots of newly released rosé) this weekend. Join us for a look at a few of the special events and moments of Spring Kick-Off 2023 (and get inspired to join one of the many incredible wine clubs in the Walla Walla Valley)!
The Revelry Vintners Delta Bravo Release Party:
A grand time was had by all in attendance at Reverly Vintner’s Delta Bravo label release party this weekend. Guests dressed their best for this fabulous soiree and enjoyed delicious housemade bites, live music by the Whitman College Jazz Ensemble, and all three vintages of their Delta Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon (including the unveiling of the 2019 vintage).
Get information on the Revelry Vintners wine club here.
The Dossier + Moonlight Pizza Pop-Up at Kinglet:
A lovely pairing of wine and pizza took place this weekend at Kinglet; where Dossier hosted a pop-up tasting with a side of Moonlight Pizza, the mouthwatering new ‘za in town brought to you by Chef Maximilian Petty and his team at The Kinglet. Tastings were available throughout the day at The Kinglet with a special pizza menu, followed by a six-course collaboration dinner that evening.
Get information on the Dossier wine club here.
The House of Bones Wine Release of Inaugural Pinot Noir Vintage:
Winemaker Kevin Masterman released his (highly anticipated) first-ever vintage of a House of Bones Wine Pinot Noir this weekend. Wine club members gathered for new releases from House of Bones as well as sister brand, Proper Wines in their downtown Walla Walla tasting room. The 2021 Pinot Noir’s grapes were sourced from the prestigious Celilo Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA (and was met with rave reviews).
Get information on the House of Bones wine club here.
The Pét Project Happy Hour:
Pét-nat lovers kicked off the weekend with lots of bubbles at the Pét Project Happy Hour. This lively event hosted at their winemaking facility included sips of all the newly released pét-nats (natural sparkling wines), French-picnic-style small bites, and feel-good tunes.
Get information on the Pet Project wine club here.
The Balboa Winery Progressive Spring Pick-Up Dinner Party:
Balboa released their new wines in delicious fashion this weekend – alongside dishes from local restaurant favorites. Guests were greeted with the 2022 Balboa sparkling rosé and poured through the rest of the releases in a progressive style dinner. The meal included a mezze spread from Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, lamb meatballs and focaccia pizza from Passatempo Taverna, and a smokey brisket beef bourguignon by Hattaway’s on Alder.
Get more on the Balboa Winery wine club here.
The L’Ecole No 41 Winery Ferguson Release Weekend:
L’Ecole released five new wines this weekend including the 2020 Estate Ferguson Vineyard red blend. Guests enjoyed the new wines alongside cheese and charcuterie in their historic schoolhouse tasting room.
Get information on the L’Ecole wine club here.
The Rotie Cellars Weekend Pick-Up Party with Fiasco Pizza:
Rotie Cellars hosted members all weekend for tastings of their newly released wines and wood-fired pizza from the Fiasco Pizza truck. Spring tastings were complimentary (as was the pizza) for club members, with full seated tastings available upstairs to members and nonmembers.
Fiasco’s Pepperoni Pizza with House-Made Hot Honey Sauce
Rotie Cellars also hosted a Spring Pick-Up Crawfish Party for club members during the weekend. The wine (and beer) was flowing, and there were heaps of crawfish to go around.
Get information on the Rotie Cellars wine club here.
Long Shadows Vintners Club Pick-Up Weekend:
Long Shadows celebrated Spring Kick-Off by pouring their newly released wines alongside house-made small bites. Renowned winemaker Gilles Nicault was on-site to chat with guests, who were welcomed with glasses of the very bright 2022 Julia’s Dazzle rosé.
Get information on the Long Shadows wine club here.
Carmenère Weekend at Reininger Winery:
Carmenère lovers were able to celebrate Spring Kick-Off with the 2020 Reininger Carmenère from Seven Hills Vineyard – a wine that’s only available to the public three days a year. Additionally, barrel tastings from their upcoming 2021 Carmenère vintage were poured, as well as many new releases, including the new 2022 Royal Slope whites and Sangiovese Rosé. Wines were paired with flaky, Chilean empanadas made by Chef Jose of TMACS, and Carmenère chocolate truffles from Bright’s Candies.
Get information on the Reininger wine club here.
We hope you enjoyed Spring Kick-Off in Walla Walla!
Cheers!
By: Stephanie Forrer
Read more of Stephanie’s Pacific Northwest adventures at www.eatdrinktravelyall.com!