There are all types of ways to tour Walla Walla, and one of the newest is Kickstand Tours – where you can see the sites and taste wine by electric bike. (This may be the most scenic way to see our beautiful Valley, yet!) We were lucky enough to join owner Andy on a recent tour, and we couldn’t have had more fun!
We opted for the Walla Walla Southside tour, which starts downtown at 10 AM, where you’ll meet Andy and your group and get your electric bike and helmet. Each tour can be customized depending on group size, but the route is a big loop – starting at the winery where you’ll do your last tasting. For us, that winery was lovely Kontos Cellars in the heart of downtown. (Please note this is a sample itinerary, and the wineries you visit may be different from the ones we visited.) Won’t you join us on this adventure?
1st Stop: Valdemar Estates
3808 Rolling Hills Lane, Walla Walla, WA 99362
After getting your bike and joining your group, you’ll ride first to Graze to get a yummy lunch for your journey (they have a selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads). Then it’s off to your first stop, which for us, was Valdemar Estates. It was about a half an hour ride from downtown to Valdemar, and we were ready to taste when we arrived. Even for some of us who haven’t been on a bike in a while, the ride felt easy with the electric assist and Andy made us feel super safe and comfortable.
Valdemar Estates is stunning inside and out and this was the perfect place for our first tasting. This fifth-generation wine-making family from the Rioja region of Spain opened in 2019, and you can taste their Washington and Spanish wines here – it’s fun to sample them side by side if you’re with a friend).
Kickstand provides you with water bottles and these Field Books so you may keep notes on your wine tastings.
2nd Stop: Saviah Cellars (pictured above)
1979 J B George Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362
The next stop is Saviah Cellars which is only about a 10-minute ride from Valdemar Estates. Founded in 2000, Saviah employs traditional winemaking techniques to produce well-balanced wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Walla Walla Valley. You’ll find a beautiful outdoor seating area and very knowledgeable staff here at this local favorite. This is the stop where you’ll enjoy the lunch you picked up along the way from Graze.
After you finish your lunch, it’s back to downtown for your final tasting! There are lots of photo opportunities on your ride and Andy makes it easy to pull over for pics anytime! From apple orchards to vineyards, to the beautiful rolling hills of the Valley, there’s so much beauty on this tour!
3rd Stop: Kontos Cellars
10 N 2nd Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Our third and final stop was Kontos Cellars, where most of our tour group opted to end with a glass of their delicious Fysalides over a tasting (and we highly recommend you have at least a taste of this traditionally made sparkling wine).
The Kontos tasting room is beautifully designed with a delightful patio, and we sat outside to unwind after our adventure. Although we didn’t know everyone in our group beforehand, we had so much fun getting to know our fellow bikers and Andy. (Group sizes are limited to eight.)
While you’re savoring the last tasting of the day, Andy will pack up the bikes and if you bought wine at the other winery stops, Andy will retrieve your bottles so you’ll have them in hand when you end the day – it couldn’t be easier! Thank you for allowing us to be your guide on this wine tasting and cycling experience! You can book your tour on the Kickstand website here.
By: Stephanie Forrer
Read more of Stephanie’s Pacific Northwest adventures at www.eatdrinktravelyall.com!