Washington State Wine Traveler

Washington State Wine Traveler - May, 2011

2011 Walla Walla Valley Spring Release

Walla Walla Valley’s annual Spring Release Weekend is coming up May 6th to 8th. This is one of the valley’s premier event weekends, with wineries showing off their latest and greatest and opening their doors to welcome the arrival of spring.

Over 80 valley wineries participate in this event. Of the many events taking place, Tranche Cellars will have a Spring Release concert and wine tasting Saturday from 5-10pm. Spring Valley Vineyard’s ranch location will be open – the only weekend each year this is the case.

L’Ecole No 41 will be featuring its first release with its new label – the 2010 Chenin Blanc (the salmon mousse at L’Ecole is worth the trip alone). At Sleight of Hand Cellars, which just opened a new tasting room south of town, Professor Pheylx will be on had to perform his magic tricks. Other wineries with new tasting rooms in the valley include K Vintners and Gramercy Cellars.

See the list of wineries, winery hours, and new releases here (Note: Opens .pdf).

Places to Eat & Drink

Vintage Cellars and the Vineyard Lounge at the Marcus Whitman Hotel are two popular places for winemakers and wine lovers alike to share a bottle of wine.

To eat, T Maccarone’s offers house-made pastas and Italian dishes. Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen offers an intimate atmosphere and expertly prepared dishes. For event weekends, reservations for these and other restaurants are essential.

How to Get There

Flights are available into Walla Walla, Tri-Cities (1 hour from Walla Walla), and Pendleton (1 hour from Walla Walla) regional airports.

By car, from the northwest, from I-90, take I-82 east toward Richland. Exit onto I-182 east which merges with US Hwy 12. Continue east to Walla Walla.

From the southeast, from I-84, take OR-11 in Pendleton, OR north through Milton-Freewater, OR. This becomes WA-125 north after crossing into Washington.

From the northeast, take US Hwy 395 south to the Tri-cities. Exit onto US Hwy 12 east.

Washington wine country awaits you!