Get to know Walla Walla’s six wine regions, and where to taste during a visit.
BY HANA-LEE SEDGWICKIn recent years, the Walla Walla Valley AVA has emerged as one of the leading wine regions in the nation. Home to nearly 3,000 acres under vine and 135+ wineries, this burgeoning area along the Washington-Oregon border offers everything you want in a wine destination: great wine, beautiful scenery, delectable cuisine, and plenty of activities. For those of you yet to explore Walla Walla wine country, now is the perfect time to discover its charm, especially since it’s located less than a three-hour drive from Spokane.
Before diving into your travel plans, it’s good to understand that the Walla Walla Valley is divided into six wine districts, each with its own character and offerings. Luckily, the region's small size makes it possible to experience multiple districts over a few days, so let’s get to know what makes each special.
A Guide to Walla Walla’s Wine Districts
The aptly named Eastside District is positioned on the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley, along the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Here, you’ll find several iconic wineries (including Walla Walla’s first commercial winery—Leonetti) nestled within the scenic, sprawling hills near Mill Creek, an area predominantly planted to Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet and Merlot. The overall vibe of this bucolic region is tranquil, inviting you to slow down and savor each moment. Pack a picnic and head to the family-owned Walla Walla Vintners or Aluvé, then pay a visit to nearby Abeja Winery to sample acclaimed wines amidst the relaxed setting of the century-old farmstead.
The Eastside
Close to Walla Walla’s regional airport just east of downtown, the Airport District is one of the area’s most unique wine destinations, offering the perfect blend of history and innovation. A former World War II army airfield, it’s now home to several wineries, breweries, and distilleries that have creatively repurposed old hangars and industrial mess halls into inviting tasting rooms and production facilities. Fueling the area's innovative spirit is the Port of Walla Walla’s Winery Incubator Program, which champions the growth of the wine industry by providing essential production spaces and tasting rooms to five start-up winery ventures. Don’t miss rising stars Hoquetus Wine Co., SMAK, Itä Wines, and Prospice, as well as more established names such as Dunham Cellars and SYZYGY. A beer at nearby Quirk Brewing is a refreshing way to cleanse the palate in between tastings.
The Airport
The Westside spans the area along Old Highway 12, just a few minutes west of town. Here, you can discover some of Walla Walla’s oldest wineries and vineyards, such as Woodward Canyon (established in 1981) and L’Ecole No 41 (founded in 1983)—the latter of which is located inside a 1915 schoolhouse. Taste through Walla Walla’s grape growing history as you sample the range of Bordeaux, Rhone, and Italian varietal wines. In contrast to its pioneering wineries, the Westside also encompasses a small grouping of noteworthy urban wineries, including Gramercy Cellars, The Walls, and Foundry Vineyards, infusing a modern, artsy vibe to this diverse district.
The Westside
Walla Walla’s historic downtown features more than 30 tasting rooms within a few short blocks. So, while you may not get to enjoy vineyard views from impressive estates, it’s hard to compete with the convenience of being able to walk everywhere. From chic tasting rooms to simple, more intimate spaces, Bordeaux and Burgundian wines to Rhone and Spanish varietals, there’s truly something for everyone. Plus, you’ll have easy access to delicious food and shopping in between tasting rooms. Don’t miss Dossier, Echolands, Pursued by Bear, Time and Direction, and Dama Wines, and be sure to check out The Thief for an impressive selection of wine, spirits, and beer.
Downtown
The picturesque Southside District, just ten minutes south of downtown, features quiet two-lane roads surrounded by vineyards and wheat fields, along with glimpses of the Blue Mountains at every turn. While its many wineries are within close proximity to each other, the best way to experience the Southside is to enjoy a leisurely pace (meaning, don’t try to fit in too many tastings). From small, family-owned wineries to larger, more grandiose properties and modern estates, you’ll find a bit of everything, and the wines on offer are just as varied. Check out one or two newer producers, such as Valdemar, Alton Wines, and Grosgrain, then visit a couple of the longer-standing wineries, like Sleight of Hand, Pepper Bridge, Gifford Hirlinger, and Balboa.
The Southside
Furthest south is the Oregon District, home to a surprising 43% of Walla Walla’s plantings. Renowned for its Syrah, this region encompasses the famed Rocks District of Milton-Freewater—a sub-AVA characterized by its cobblestones from an ancient river. Though the majority of wineries here aren’t open to the public, the few that do welcome visitors—like Rötie Cellars, Ducleaux Cellars, and Zerba—are worth the short drive across the border.