We continue our exploration of places to tour and taste in Walla Walla’s picturesque Eastside. For part 1, click: Walla Walla’s Eastside District: A Guide to Touring and Tasting, Part 1
Figgins: Second generation winemaker Chris Figgins, son of Gary and Nancy Figgins and former head winemaker of their winery, Leonetti, is the namesake behind this brand. While Leonetti remains closed to the public, you can get a taste of the family legacy at this new, modern facility on Mill Creek Road. Tour a custom-built, underground cave system and cellar, and sample a flight of award-winning wines including Figgins’ Toil label, a line of pinot noir and chardonnay from Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
3917 Mill Creek Road | 509-522-7808 | 10–4pm, Thursday–Sunday, by reservation only. Cave tours offered Saturdays, May–October. Seasonal closing in December, with limited winter hours in the new year
Jett: Jackson Family Wines owns this brand, the west coast-based wine portfolio’s first foray in Washington state. After excellent reviews of one of its first exploratory wines, a 2021 Walla Walla cabernet, the company bought the vineyard, Skysill, where it came from. This small tasting studio, in a commercial strip just on the edge of the tasting district, is formerly home to Figgins, and someday soon, Jett, too—the winery will eventually host tastings at a soon-to-be-built facility near their estate vineyard up the road.
2900 Melrose St. | 509-202-4300 | By appointment, 1 and 3pm, Thursday and Friday; 10:30, 1, and 3pm Saturday
K Vintners: While the most reliable way to try Charles Smith and K Vintners wine is at the downtown House of Smith tasting room, this charming farmhouse is where the Washington wine baron’s story began. Its hours vary so it’s best to call first, but when open, count on something fun—a winemaker’s dinner or a bespoke tasting experience with large format or library wines, and other special offerings on release weekends, often with Smith himself holding court.
820 Mill Creek Road | 509-526-5230 | 12–5pm, Friday and Saturday during the high season, limited off-season hours, call for most current hours
Tranche: Tranche offers an idyllic way to spend a summer evening, with a sprawling green lawn that invites kids to run and play, a serene pasture full of donkeys and sheep, and live music and food trucks for all to enjoy. But no matter the season, this winery, tucked into its rolling, Blue Mountain estate vineyard, comes with a great view and Rhône varietal-focused wines to match.
705 Berney Dr. | 509-526-3500 | 12–5pm Sunday–Thursday, 11–5pm (tastings) and live music (no tastings) 5–8pm Friday–Saturday. Hours subject to seasonal changes. Reservations preferred, walk-ins welcome
Walla Walla Vintners: One of Walla Walla’s founding wineries—and one of the last remaining brands in the appellation with the words “Walla Walla” grandfathered into its name—Walla Walla Vintners is not to be missed. The charm of its postcard perfect setting, with an iconic red roof farmhouse surrounded by lavender fields and high profile neighbors including Echolands and Bledsoe/McDaniels, is as easy to take in as a leisurely flight of its high-scoring wines.
225 Vineyard Lane | 509-525-4724 | Daily, 10–5pm. Hours subject to seasonal changes. Reservations preferred, walk-ins welcome