April is a fantastic time to visit Walla Walla: the changing seasons bring the Blue Mountains alive in shades of vibrant green, mild temperatures set the stage for enjoyable outdoor recreation, and the area wineries are celebrating Walla Walla Wine Month. Plan your visit to coincide with the 5th Annual Walla Walla Valley Wine Month during Spring Kickoff Weekend April 4-7, 2024.
Restock your wine collection.
If you’re anything like us, your cellar was likely depleted during the busy holiday entertaining seasons – especially those white wines and rosés.
During Spring Kickoff Weekend, you’ll be among the first to taste newly released rosés and white wines (as well as Walla Walla Valley red wines). These are often limited-production and heavily allocated to wine club members, so a visit during this early spring celebration gets you to the front of the line to snatch up those warm-weather sippers.
Heart to heart with winemakers.
Many local wineries also take this opportunity to plan winemaker dinners, bring in food trucks and live music, and generally pull out the stops to show visiting wine enthusiasts a marvelous time.
Spring Kickoff Weekend serves as a sort of dress rehearsal for the next big wine release, Spring Release Weekend held the first weekend of May. If you crave a lot of activity and desire a place in the heat of the action, Spring Kickoff Weekend could be the ultimate time for your visit.
New Wineries to Explore
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back to revisit some favorites, make sure to add something new to your itinerary. Here are a few newer winery “faces” in downtown Walla Walla to check out during your stay Spring Kickoff Weekend:
- Avennia at Walawàla Plaza (used to be 1st Street).
- Rasa Vineyards just around the corner from the Plaza on Main Street by Book & Game.
- Dossier Wine Collective by The Beer Parlor.
- Guardian Cellars next door to Allegro Cyclery.
Longer Days to Stay & Play
April temperatures hover in the 60s, ideal for a variety of outdoor activities. Go for a morning trail run around Bennington Lake before your afternoon wine tasting reservations. Reserve one afternoon for 18 holes of golf at Wine Valley Golf Club, a standout course in not just the state of Washington but in the nation. Many Walla Walla hotels offer a stay-and-play package with Wine Valley Golf Club so be sure to check out this post to learn more about ways to save on your round when you plan your Spring Kickoff Weekend visit.
Take it easy with a leisurely stroll in our charming downtown to shop for a new outfit or a few delightful souvenirs to bring home. Inland Octopus is a wonderland of children’s toys and gadgets, while 35th + Butter offers home decor, quirky Walla Walla-branded apparel and gifts, and much more. Did you take “pack light” too literally? Let the stylists at Forward Boutique create a head-to-toe look for you, complete with hand-made accessories by the owner Dana Parson.
A grand ol’ time with food and wine.
Spring’s farm-to-table bounty is on full display when you visit during April for Spring Kickoff Weekend. Asparagus is coming into season, and you’ll notice local farmstand names like Locati Farms, Hayshaker Farms, and Welcome Table Farms on menus throughout the valley. In the springtime there’s simply more FARM to bring your TABLE. Make your reservations for fine dining or pop in to visit one of the area’s emerging food truck superstars. There’s always something fresh on the menu, and everyone knows it’s best to go wine tasting on a full stomach.
Book early. Room reservations go fast.
While Spring Kickoff Weekend heralds the beginning of the busy season, the busy season comes on fast! Rooms for the first weekend in April book up well in advance. Make your plans and your room reservations early for the best selection and rates.
This post is just a taste of the fanfare that awaits you when you visit Walla Walla during Spring Kickoff Weekend. Check out our events calendar for a sneak peek at what wineries will be offering, or visit our friends at Walla Walla Valley Wine to explore even further (and to choose which wineries you want to visit).