Walla Walla is home to a wide selection of spectacular wineries who are committed to making high-quality, luxurious wines. The region’s wine industry dates back to the 1860s when immigrants first started planting grapes. It now contains nearly 3,000 acres of vineyards.
What Wine Is Walla Walla Known For?
Walla Walla first became recognized as an AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 1984, at which point there were only around 60 acres of vineyards. There are currently nearly 3,000 acres of vineyards and over 120 wineries, so the region has grown drastically over the last few decades.
It’s now one of the leading AVAs in the United States and produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. Although Cabernet Sauvignon is Walla Walla’s most renowned wine, the region is also popular for its Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo, and Petit Verdot.
Walla Walla has a warm climate and long growing season, which allows these grapes to ripen fully to make balanced, rich wines.
Best Walla Walla Wineries
Without further ado, here’s the 10 best wineries in Walla Walla you need to visit.
Dunham Cellars
- Address: 150 E Boeing Ave, Walla Walla
- Website: https://www.dunhamcellars.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-529-4685
Located in a remodeled World War II era airplane hangar is the delightful Dunham Cellars, a world-class winery that has over 25 years of experience in winemaking.
They source their fruits from various high-quality estate vineyards across the Walla Walla and Columbia Valley appellations to ensure their excellence. Dunham Cellars specialize in a wide variety of wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and many more.
The winery’s rustic tasting room is open daily for tastings, which currently cost $20 per person (waived with a $40 purchase). Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
Dunham Cellars is available to hire for private events such as birthday parties and anniversary dinners, but they also host a range of public events. These include harvest winemaker dinners, seasonal release weekends, and club member exclusive parties.
Harvest winemaker dinners offer locally and seasonally sourced dishes made from top chefs, paired with the winery’s spectacular wines. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the estate and a peek at their grape harvest!
Seven Hills Winery
- Address: 212 N 3rd Ave, Walla Walla
- Website: https://www.sevenhillswinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-529-7198
Established in 1988, Seven Hills Winery is one of the founding wineries in Walla Walla and the only working winery in downtown Walla Walla. The tasting room boasts a welcoming atmosphere and rustic decor, complete with exposed red brick walls.
The building was originally a wood mill that was built in 1904 but was restored in 2000 to preserve its framework and foundations. The winery offers a couple of seated tasting options: reserve tastings and signature tastings.
Signature tastings cost $30 per person (waived with a $50 purchase) and showcase an assortment of their current release and limited production wines. Reserve tastings typically cost around $50 per person and often include a sample of their fan-favorite wine, Pentad, which is a delicious Bordeaux blend.
Seven Hills Winery hosts a selection of events throughout the year like wine release dinners, virtual events, and exclusive club member nights, so drop by their website to see what they have in store for you on your visit.
Foundry Vineyards
- Address: 1111 Abadie St, Walla Walla
- Website: https://www.foundryvineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-529-0736
Next up is Foundry Vineyards, boasting a state-of-the-art tasting room in Walla Walla and high-quality wines. They host art exhibitions on a regular basis, allowing you to browse the works of various local artists while you sip.
The winery offers tastings typically costing $20 per person. After you’re done sampling the winery’s award-winning wines, why not explore their gorgeous sculpture gardens? It features a collection of stunning large-scale sculptures, all of which rotate regularly.
Foundry Vineyards can accommodate private events at their stylish venue, ensuring you and your guests have a memorable time. They also host public events frequently, from yoga classes in the garden to facility tours paired with their popular “Pét Project” natural sparkling wines.
Gramercy Cellars
- Address: 635 N 13th Ave, Walla Walla
- Website: https://gramercycellars.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-876-2427
Featuring a stunning estate and a passion for making high-quality wines, Gramercy Cellars is a must-visit when you’re in Walla Walla. Founded by Master Sommelier Greg Harrington, the winery is nestled in a location that offers a beautiful and tranquil ambiance.
Gramercy Cellars produces excellent Rhône and Bordeaux blends. The dry climate paired with the rocky soils allows for healthy roots of their grapes, which helps make delicious and balanced wines with an Old World elegance.
The winery has a stunning tasting room with rustic wooden beams. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday for tastings by appointment. Tastings typically cost $25 (waived with a $50 purchase) per guest and include a flight of 5 to 6 wines. You’ll also discover more about each wine and the unique terroir of Washington from one of their knowledgeable wine associates.
Kontos Cellars
- Address: JONES BLDG, 10 N 2nd Ave, Walla Walla
- Website: https://kontoscellars.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-204-2141
Situated in downtown Walla Walla, Kontos Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery that crafts an array of remarkable wines. They’re open for tastings on a daily basis at their delightful tasting room and outdoor patio.
Standard tasting flights cost $15 per person and reserve tastings cost $25 per person, both of which are typically refundable with a minimum purchase. You can also book a private tasting if you want a more intimate experience.
Kontos Cellars offers light bites to go with your wine, as well as local events from time to time like live music and community gatherings. Make sure you check what they have planned for your arrival.
House of Smith Wines – Walla Walla Tasting Room
- Address: 35 S Spokane St, Walla Walla
- Website: https://houseofsmith.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-526-5230
House of Smith Wines’ Walla Walla tasting room is located in a converted auto-repair warehouse, boasting a modern and stylish atmosphere. The building also has a couple of large crank-operated steel swing windows that can even be opened onto sidewalk seating!
They offer an assortment of flights featuring labels like K Vintners, Sixto, and Substance. A variety of wines by the glass can be enjoyed inside or outside. Indoor seating is highly encouraged to be booked via appointment to guarantee a spot.
Browne Family Vineyards
- Address: 31 E. Main Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362
- Website: https://brownefamilyvineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-522-1261
Another fantastic winery in Walla Walla is Browne Family Vineyards, a family-owned company who produce top-notch Bordeaux reds and full-bodied whites. All of their wines are sourced from the Browne Estate Vineyard in the Spring Valley District of Walla Walla, as well as across the Columbia Valley AVA.
The winery’s Walla Walla tasting room oozes charm and comfort, featuring ample seating in the form of tufted leather sofas and wingback chairs. There is also an outdoor patio with views of the historic downtown neighborhood.
You can purchase wine by the flight, glass, and bottle. Flights typically include 3-ounce pours of 4 wines and are served tableside. Although the winery is available for walk-ins, it’s best if you make a reservation as they tend to get quite busy.
Va Piano Vineyards
- Address: 1793 J B George Rd, Walla Walla
- Website: https://www.vapianovineyards.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-529-0900
Va Piano Vineyards is a stylish and sophisticated winery that focuses on producing small-lot Cabernet Sauvignons, Syrahs, and red blends. They have tasting rooms located on their main estate as well as downtown, both of which are comfortable and welcoming.
All of their wines are sourced from their estate vineyards, with their Octave Estate Vineyard being a primary source for Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Tuscan-inspired main estate has sweeping views of vineyards, comfortable seating, and friendly wine associates. Reservations are necessary for tastings at all their locations, so make sure you book before you visit.
Tranche Cellars
- Address: 705 Berney Dr, Walla Walla
- Website: https://www.tranche.wine/home
- Contact Number: +1 509-526-3500
With panoramic views of vineyards and open fields, Tranche Cellars offers a lively and enchanting atmosphere for sipping wine. Their Blue Mountain Estate features their flagship wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.
They also produce unique varietals like Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Picpoul. Tranche Cellars is located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, boasting gorgeous views of the Walla Walla Valley.
The winery offers flights of their wines at their covered patio, but you can purchase wine by the glass and bottle. They have a picturesque lawn with picnic tables and blankets for you to relax at. From April to October, Tranche Cellars hosts live music on Fridays and Saturdays so you can enjoy your wine while listening to talented local musicians.
Bledsoe Family Winery
- Address: 229 E Main St, Walla Walla
- Website: https://shop.bledsoefamilywinery.com/
- Contact Number: +1 509-792-3510
Last but not least is Bledsoe Family Winery who craft highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Founded by former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, their luxurious and sophisticated tasting room in Walla Walla boasts a peaceful, elegant atmosphere.
Tastings typically cost $25 per person (waived with a 2-bottle purchase) and include a guided explanation of the story behind each wine and how they’re made.
Other Things to Do in Walla Walla
Alongside its fantastic wine tasting experiences, there are plenty of other activities and things to do in Walla Walla, including museums, art galleries, theaters, golf, hiking, and spas.
The region’s stunning scenery and landscape is just waiting for you to explore via various hiking and biking trails like the Fort Walla Walla Recreation Trail and Bennington Lake. Be sure to stop by the gorgeous Pioneer Park for a day of tranquility and relaxation.
Walla Walla boasts a variety of unique shops selling one-of-a-kind items that are perfect for gifts or for simply treating yourself. If you want to experience beautiful art, head on down to the Whitman College Outdoor Sculpture Walk. It’s a self-guided tour that goes through the Whitman College campus with over 20 majestic sculptures.
You also need to check out the fascinating Fort Walla Walla Museum, a walking museum that takes place over 17 acres. They have over 50,000 things on display, all of which provide an intriguing glimpse into the region’s heritage of pioneer settlement, horse-era agriculture, and military establishment.
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Final Thoughts
Walla Walla has plenty to offer for wine lovers, being home to over 120 wineries, many of which produce some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting. The region also has stunning scenery and landscapes, ensuring you have a relaxing and peaceful retreat.
All of the wineries above are a great option if you’re after a luxurious and refined experience, while also getting the chance to indulge in sumptuous wines.