With every season comes a curated selection of wine events in Walla Walla. From spring releases to holiday barrel tasting, check out what will be going on during your next visit and get excited to start sipping.
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 6th Annual Walla Walla Valley Wine Month during Spring Kickoff Weekend April 3-5, 2026.
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:
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.
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).
Spring Release Weekend is one of the most popular wine-tasting weekends in Walla Walla, and with very good reason. As the name implies, this weekend is one where virtually all wineries “release” new vintages so you can be among the first to sample and own the latest Walla Walla wines! The excitement of the new vintages spills over into the community with just about anything you might enjoy doing – both inside and outside – available to explore. Held annually the first full weekend in May (for 2026 that’s May 1-3), it’s a wine enthusiast’s perfect excuse to get away to Walla Walla. Here are a few highlights to add to your Spring Release Weekend plans with virtually all special winery-focused events listed here.
Attend a winemaker dinner
One of the things that makes Walla Walla unique is the direct access you gain to the “celebrities” behind the scenes. Winemakers regularly stroll through the tasting rooms. Chefs might just visit your table to ask about your first few bites. These encounters are a happy accident in some cases – but with a winemaker dinner, you can make them a certainty. Check your favorite winery’s events pages to see what they have planned, or get on their email lists to ensure you get an invitation.
Book a tee time at Wine Valley Golf Club
Snag an early tee time and enjoy 18 holes of golf at Wine Valley Golf Club, the No. 3 public course in Washington (and No. 34 public course in the country) according to Golfweek magazine. This course makes Walla Walla a golf destination in and of itself, and adding some outdoor activities to your Spring Release Weekend is just one more way to get the most out of your getaway. Looking for a stay & play package? Be sure to check out this post.
Head to the Airport…
…but not to leave, to drink wine! Spring Release Weekend is a great time to explore our Airport District wineries. Get in on the ground floor of one of the rising stars in the Washington wine world by visiting the Airport District “Incubator” to meet a few recent graduates from the Walla Walla Community College Enology & Viticulture program.
Beyond the incubator wineries and within the Airport District, there are mainstays, newcomers, and everything in between. A day or two would be well spent in this sweet pocket of Walla Walla Wine Country, as you’ll see from this in-depth profile on our blog.
A reservation at Leonetti Cellar – Walla Walla’s first commercial winery founded in 1977 – may be a tall order, but other founding wineries are more open to the public and should absolutely be part of your Spring Release Weekend plans. Don’t miss a tasting at Woodward Canyon,L’Ecole No. 41, or Pepper Bridge (to name a few).
Explore Walla Walla by bike!
Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Mountains, with plenty of gorgeous pathways and trails to explore, Walla Walla is truly a cyclist’s dream. Whether you choose to simply pedal your way around town or are looking for a more physical challenge, Walla Walla has a ride for you… and you don’t even need to bring along your bike!
You can even wine taste by electric bike, like our contributing writer Steph Forrer did while profiling local tour company, Kickstand Tours. Check out the blog post here.
Remember Walla Walla with more than just wine
Walla Walla wine ages beautifully in your cellar, but your memories of Spring Release Weekend can last a lot longer with a few special mementos. Luckily, an easy stroll downtown will give you ample shopping opportunities, from clothing and apparel to children’s toys and Walla Walla-branded souvenirs. Don’t miss a stop into Hot Poop, Washington’s oldest independent record store. You’ll discover vinyl, memorabilia, CDs, and stereos in what is fittingly described as “Walla Walla’s only bing bang music and stereo shop.”
Plan ahead. Spring Release Weekend is BUSY!
For the best selection and room rates, you’ll want to make your hotel reservations well in advance for the first weekend in May. Don’t miss out on getting a gorgeous room like this one at The FINCH (see image right).
Get those reservations made!
Planning ahead is vital if you really want that table for six at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen on Friday night of Spring Release Weekend. Many of Walla Walla’s wineries and restaurants offer easy online reservation systems to make booking your perfect trip a breeze.
Of course you could spend all of Spring Release Weekend wine tasting and barely scratch the surface of the fun and fine wine that await you in Walla Walla. Be sure to bookmark our events calendar for easy reference as local hospitality partners, wineries, and event venues add their special events to the calendar. If you love hanging out on the socials, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep up on all the happenings, Spring Release Weekend or not. To be in the know about lodging partner offers and special events in Walla Walla, add your name to our email list by clicking the “Stay in Touch” icon in the bottom right corner of this page.
We hope to welcome you for Spring Release Weekend, or mid-week, or really, any time you choose.
As the air crisps and the leaves begin to turn, Autumn inches closer. And with that is one of the most wonderful times to visit Walla Walla, Washington: Fall Release Weekend!
During the first weekend of November each year (November 6-8, 2026), wineries showcase their newest releases – often wines that are exclusively available at the tasting room or winery – and host a myriad of events.
Opportunities to meet with winemakers offer wine connoisseurs and casual imbibers alike insight into what made this vintage unique. And each Walla Walla Wine District (Downtown, Westside, Airport, Eastside, Southside, and across the border in Oregon) offer visitors a different ambiance and distinctive experience. No matter how you pour it, Fall Release proves to be an action-packed weekend throughout the community.
Walla Walla Wine – Fall Release Weekend
Our friends at Walla Walla Valley Wine have created a great directory for you to peruse individual wineries and to help you in planning the “wine” portion of your Fall Release Weekend in Walla Walla itinerary.
Stay tuned for details on specific new releases and events that will be offered this weekend!
From charming vacation rentals to luxurious resorts, Walla Walla offers a variety of accommodations to explore on your Fall Release getaway. Many of the boutique lodging properties book up quickly, so it pays to research and plan your stay well in advance. For example, The Inn at Abeja is allows reservations as far as 12 months in advance. While Fall Release Weekend is certainly a marquee reason to visit Walla Walla, you could plan your visit for the week before or after the bigger event. Mid-week stays tend to accommodate a broader selection of lodging availability AND most everything you enjoy doing on a weekend is also open mid-week. If you’re curious about mid-week getaways, be sure to check out our post all about why now is the best time to stay in Walla Walla mid-week.
Insider Tip: Our Plan Your Stay tool allows you to conveniently search for lodging properties and pricing for the dates of your visit.
Like lodging properties, some of the most coveted spots (and time-slots) for dinner are reserved well in advance for Fall Release Weekend. Research your must-stops ahead of time, call ahead, and take advantage of tools like Resy’s “notify me” to get on a waitlist if your favorite restaurant happens to be booked for the time and date you desire. If you’re flexible on reservation times, earlier or later reservations tend to be more easily accessible as the event draws closer. Most of your favorite fine dining establishments in Walla Walla boast a robust local wine list so you don’t need to cut your Walla Walla wine tasting experiences too short by booking that 5pm dinner reservation!
Don’t want to pinpoint a meal time? Experience some of Walla Walla’s reservation-free dining establishments. Marcy’s, Public House 124, Tucannon Tavern, Wingman and Yamas Greek Eatery are just a few places in downtown where you can enjoy a satisfying meal.
A host of community events, activities, and outdoor recreation tend to coincide with Fall Release Weekend as well, so your Fall Release Weekend in Walla Walla needn’t be relegated to simply wine tasting! Take in a show at the Gesa Power House Theatre, or enjoy a fall round of golf at Wine Valley Golf Club or Veteran’s Memorial Golf Course. If the weather isn’t cooperative for 18 holes outside, check out Divots and play some of the top courses in the world, virtually! Take a self-guided tour of the Whitman Art Sculptures or visit a variety of art galleries downtown.
Fall Release Weekend is a Wonderful Time to Get Away to Walla Walla Wine Country
As you can see, a world of Walla Walla wine, food, recreation and more is waiting for you. If you’re looking to plan your getaway to Walla Walla, Washington as a respite for all things wine, Fall Release Weekend is a terrific time to do it.
What do you get when a homespun holiday kickoff in a picturesque town pairs with a celebration of world-class wine and food? A packed weekend with something for everyone.
Wend your way through new vintages and savor a slew of family-friendly activities anchored in a dazzling downtown Walla Walla for Holiday Barrel Weekend, Dec. 4-6, 2026.
The weekend’s events include an annual auction and wine reception, barrel tasting and festive downtown merchants, wine tasting and local vendor gifts in Westside tasting rooms, and Saturday night’s community tree lighting and more than 100-entry strong holiday parade.
It’s a weekend not to be missed,” notes the Walla Walla Valley Wine team. “Whether you’re a local or visiting, we have a robust schedule of events for all ages.”
Friday night brings the Barrel Full of Money community event. Its festive atmosphere will enhance the auction and wine reception, creating opportunities for guests to connect, enjoy music, and make lasting memories, all while giving back to the community through a broad range of contribution levels.
On Saturday, Westside wineries pair with local vendors selling holiday wares. And in downtown, the Farmers Market takes place in the Showroom on Colville, where local vendors specialize in food and artisan goods.
In the heart of downtown at Walawàla Plaza, First Avenue and Main Street, the tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5 p.m. The plaza is a great spot to catch the annual Holiday Parade of Lights that the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation organizes. The parade features a wide variety of lighted entries and travels east on Alder to Spokane Street and then heads to Main Street where it ends at Sixth Avenue.
In the meantime, here’s what to expect for this year’s schedule:
Additional community events be found on Visit Walla Walla’s Event Calendar:
Friday, Dec. 5:
Barrel Full of Money auction and community event to support Blue Mountain Action Council Food Bank at The Motor Co., 64 E. Rose St., 6-9 p.m. Enjoy wines from Walla Walla Valley wineries and delicious menu items crafted by TMACS. Tickets are available here.
The Gesa Power House Theater, 111 N. 6th Ave., welcomes Rock the Holidays at 7 p.m. This lively concert features Concert Rock Violinist Aaron Meyer, along with his virtuosic rock band, bringing familiar holiday songs as well as classical pieces to audiences. Tickets are available at phtww.org.
Saturday, Dec. 6:
The Downtown Farmers Market offers local food, produce and artisan vendors, 70 N. Colville St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tree-lighting ceremony, Walawàla Plaza, First Avenue and Main Street, 5 p.m.
Holiday Parade of Lights, which draws 6,000 spectators and more than 100 participants, illuminaties the streets of downtown Walla Walla starting at 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7:
The Gesa Power House Theater brings two holiday focused performances. A performance of Little Watts: Holiday Reading, bringing the classic poem “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” to life in a lively reading perfect for all ages, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $8-$12 and are available at phtww.org.
The evening brings a Celtic Christmas back to the Valley, featuring much loved Celtic and Christmas classics, including songs by Enya, music from Riverdance, some unique Irish Christmas songs, magical movie songs, toe tapping jigs and reels, and their chart topping version of O Holy Night! The performance is at 7 p.m.
Walla Walla has a number of tasting districts that make it easy to organize a day of wine tasting without driving all over the valley. The Eastside is one of the most picturesque, and perhaps one of the most defining in the region. The vineyards in the area benefit from proximity to the Blue Mountains, … Read More
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 … Read More
By Vicki Hillhouse What do you get when a homespun holiday kickoff in a picturesque town pairs with a celebration of world-class wine and food? A packed weekend with something for everyone. Wend your way through new vintages and savor a slew of family-friendly activities anchored in a dazzling downtown Walla Walla for Holiday Barrel … Read More
Walla Walla has a number of tasting districts that make it easy to organize a day of wine tasting without driving all over the valley. The Eastside is one of the most picturesque, and perhaps one of the most defining in the region. The vineyards in the area benefit from proximity to the Blue Mountains, … Read More
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 … Read More
By Vicki Hillhouse What do you get when a homespun holiday kickoff in a picturesque town pairs with a celebration of world-class wine and food? A packed weekend with something for everyone. Wend your way through new vintages and savor a slew of family-friendly activities anchored in a dazzling downtown Walla Walla for Holiday Barrel … Read More