When it comes to the finest wineries, Walla Walla in Washington State boasts some of the best in the world. With its rich soil and perfect weather conditions, the region has become synonymous with world-class wines that captivate the senses. Here are some of the top wineries to include on your next visit to this picturesque part of the United States.

The first winery to make the list is Dunham Cellars, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020. Dunham Cellars was one of the first to bring the focus on the Walla Walla Valley to the wine industry\’s attention. The winery\’s tasting room is located in a renovated World War II-era airplane hangar, featuring a broad portfolio of wines made from grapes grown in vineyards across the Walla Walla Valley.

Next up is L’Ecole No 41, a historic schoolhouse turned winery that has received international recognition for over three decades for producing iconic, expressive, and consistent wines every year. The winery is recognized among the pioneers of the Walla Walla Valley and provides a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.

Long Shadows Vintners is another winery that stands out for its exceptional quality wines. The winery has a team of international winemakers who collaborate with founder Allen Shoup to craft exemplary wines that speak of a unique Washington State place.

Also worth visiting is Seven Hills Winery, one of the oldest wineries in Walla Walla, founded in 1988. The winery has a reputation for producing some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the Walla Walla Valley. The tasting room offers impressive views of the Blue Mountains and is a great spot to sit and relax.

Another notable winery in the region is Charles Smith Wines, founded by former rock band manager, Charles Smith. The winery\’s K Vintners label named a Wine Spectator 2020 Top 100 Wine of the Year, and Charles Smith has been named \”Winemaker of the Year\” by FOOD & WINE magazine. The winery is committed to creating wines that showcase Washington\’s unique terroir.

Finally, The Walls Vineyards offer a unique experience that is sure to impress any wine lover. The winery\’s tasting room is located in a former auto-repair garage and showcases the winery\’s unique posters featuring inmates of Walla Walla State Penitentiary\’s past. The winery\’s name, The Walls, and its consistently bold and structured wines tell of the area\’s past and a new era for winemaking.

Winery Tours and Activities

Most wineries offer guided tours, where visitors can learn from the experts about the wine-making process, visit the vineyards or see the barrel rooms.

Winery Restaurants

Several wineries in Walla Walla have their restaurants where visitors can indulge in the perfect pairing of wine and food like Olive Market Place and Café at Woodward Canyon Winery or Harvest at Dusted Valley.

A Day in Walla Walla

Besides a visit to the wineries, there are many other engaging activities to do in Walla Walla, such as visiting Whitman College\’s Museum of Art or marveling at the city\’s stunning architecture, including the Marcus Whitman Hotel.

Annual Events in Walla Walla

Several events take place annually in Walla Walla, including the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, which takes place every May, The Walla Walla Wine Alliance’s Fall Release Weekend, and the September Crush Festival.