The Ultimate Walla Walla Travel Guide

The Ultimate Walla Walla Travel Guide

Today, I want to share my thoughts on a wine region that has been on my radar for years—a place with an ideal climate for grape growing, where numerous varietals thrive, and where you’ll find a close-knit winemaking community. Oh, and it’s also home to some of the best sweet onions in the world.

Where is this idyllic place that I’m speaking of? It’s none other than Walla Walla, Washington. And yes, my D.C. friends, I mean the state of Washington, not the District of Columbia. Exploring the Pacific Northwest has been a goal of mine ever since I moved to the West Coast, and Walla Walla was at the top of my list. Spoiler alert: it exceeded my high expectations, and I can honestly see myself returning there once a year.

Walla Walla is easily one of the most charming towns I’ve ever visited. The people here are incredibly kind and passionate about what they do. Despite being a small town, it boasts an impressive culinary scene and some of the best boutique shopping I’ve encountered in a while (seriously—this town is full of delightful surprises!).

If you’re a wine enthusiast like me or interested in agro-tourism (and want to taste all the sweet onions and strawberries this region has to offer!), here’s the ultimate travel guide you’ll need for your visit to Walla Walla.

How To Get To Walla Walla

Walla Walla is located in southeast Washington, near the Oregon border. If you’re planning a road trip, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Seattle, a 4-hour drive from Portland, a 4-hour journey from Boise, ID, and 2.5 hours from Spokane, WA.

If you prefer flying, you can fly into their regional airport, which is served by Alaska Airlines. To reach Walla Walla, you’ll need to fly to Seattle first, then take a quick 40-minute flight to Walla Walla. The airport is only three miles from downtown, making it convenient to get in and out.

However, please note that if you like to arrive early at the airport, there are no restaurants or bars at the Walla Walla Regional Airport. Fortunately, there are several wineries within less than a mile of the airport, allowing you to enjoy a quick tasting before your flight. Also, wine flies free on Alaska Airlines, so you can easily bring a case of wine back home! Just make sure to check your bags 60 to 90 minutes before your flight; you can exit the airport after checking your bags to visit the wineries.

Another airport option is the Tri-Cities Airport (PSC), which is a 45-minute drive from Walla Walla. This airport offers more flight options, including nonstop routes to and from Burbank, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Phoenix-Mesa, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. Keep in mind that some of these nonstop flights are seasonal, so be sure to plan accordingly!

How to Get Around Walla Walla

One thing I love about Walla Walla is how easy it is to get around. We stayed in Downtown Walla Walla, which is very walkable. When we used a car, we never spent more than 15 minutes traveling from winery to winery, so renting a car and having a designated driver is a great option for wine tasting.

If you prefer, you can hire a driver to take you to the wineries. I had a wonderful experience with Bacchus and Barley, Walla Walla’s premier wine tour and transportation service. Greg, the tour curator, is excellent and can create a fantastic custom itinerary for your group, featuring some of the best wineries and restaurants in the area.

Uber and Lyft are also available, but we didn’t use them during our visit. If I had needed to, I would have felt comfortable using those services in downtown Walla Walla. However, I did notice that my phone signal was a bit weak outside the downtown area, so I recommend hiring a driver or having your own transportation if you plan to venture out to the wineries or farms.

Top Things To Do In Walla Walla

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Vineyards

During our visit in October, we caught a glimpse of the annual Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, a family-friendly hot air balloon festival featuring dozens of beautiful balloons taking flight. The combination of hot air balloons, the Blue Mountains, and rolling vineyards creates a stunning sight that is definitely worth planning a trip around!

f you’re not in town for the Balloon Stampede, don’t worry. You can still book a private or shared hot air balloon at sunrise or sunset during your visit.

Visit Cordiner Glen (Narnia)

Nestled within Whitman College, Cordiner Glen—often referred to by locals as “Narnia”—is a serene oasis in the heart of Walla Walla. Although it’s a small park, its beauty and tranquility make it a perfect spot for writing or meditating during the day.

Go Shopping in Downtown Walla Walla

I was surprised at how many incredible, locally-owned boutiques there were to shop at in Walla Walla, so definitely carve out some time to go shopping and support a fantastic local business. Some shops that I loved included:

• Walla Walla Clothing Company
• Book and Game
• 35th and Butter
• The Showroom On Colville
• Studio Opal
• Shift Boutique

Stop By Local Farms & Farm Shops

Walla Walla is famous for its sweet onions, strawberries, and asparagus. It was a joy to visit local farms, pick up some snacks, and explore small petting zoos. If you enjoy agrotourism, be sure to stop by Frog Hollow Farm and Klicker Strawberry Acres during your visit. 

Catch Live Music or a Show at a Theatre

During our visit, we didn’t have the opportunity to catch any shows. However, Walla Walla is home to several theatres and boasts the longest-running symphony orchestra west of the Mississippi River. The Gesa Power House Theatre, modeled after the Blackfriars Theatre used by William Shakespeare in London, hosts a variety of comedy acts and live music concerts. It’s at the top of my list for my next visit.

Go Hiking at a Nearby Trail

Walla Walla is situated in the Blue Mountains, with numerous trails available for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced hiker, there is a scenic trail for everyone here.

Learn at Walla Walla Museums

For our next trip, we plan to visit some museums in the area. Growing up on the East Coast, I’m not very familiar with the history of certain places on the West Coast, and I find it fascinating to learn more. For ideas on museums to visit, click here.

Best Restaurants in Walla Walla 

Breakfast

Bacon & Eggs

Bacon & Eggs is a great, laid-back, classic breakfast spot featuring locavore cuisine and breakfast cocktails. There were so many great options here, and I think this would be a great pick, even for the pickiest eaters in your group!

Maple Counter Cafe

I needed a crane to lift me out of the Maple Counter Cafe. Their breakfast menu was extensive, and I had to try a little bit of everything! This restaurant is known for their gourmet breakfasts made from scratch with local ingredients. 

Colville Street Patisserie

Colville Street Patisserie is your go-to if you’re looking for coffee or a sweet treat to grab before exploring the area. This restaurant was lively and busy, so plan on ordering your meal to-go or come early to grab a table to dine in.

Lunch & Dinner

Graze

Looking for a quick lunch? Graze is your spot, and it’s a local favorite sandwich and salad shop. They have four locations and a drive-thru option, just in case you’re in a hurry.

AK’S Mercado

In the mood for Latin American cuisine? AK’S Mercado is an eatery focused on smoked meats, tacos, and an eclectic mix of global street food items.

Walla Walla Cheese Co.

Located on the Southside, Walla Walla Cheese Co. is a true delight. You can enjoy delicious sandwiches or pick up some local cheese, all of which is produced from nearby farms. As an artisan cheesemaker, their products may vary slightly.

TMACS

Oh, we loved everything about TMACS. This restaurant has a sophisticated ambiance, and their dishes have an Italian influence and are prepared with the freshest local ingredients. This is a must!

Passatempo Taverna

If you’re a fan of handmade pasta (I mean, who isn’t?), then Passatempo Taverna is right up your alley. They have a fabulous patio for warmer days and incredible Italian dishes that everyone in your party will adore. 

The Marc Restaurant

The Marc is a gem located within The Marcus Whitman Hotel, offering one of the finest dining experiences. If you’re in the mood for farm-to-table dishes made with seasonal ingredients, this is the perfect spot for you. For adventurous foodies, be sure to book the Chef’s Table experience. It provides an immersive journey where you can learn extensively about the region from the chef while enjoying an exceptional culinary adventure.

Hattaway’s On Alder

When I told the locals that I was headed to Hattaway’s for dinner on the last night of our trip, every single person nodded with approval. I’m from the South, so I am a bit of a harsh critic when it comes to Southern cuisine, but Hattaway’s knocked it out of the park. This restaurant offers traditional Southern meals with local Northwest ingredients, and the result is delightful. Everything on the menu is incredible, but get the pimento cheese and the duck fried rice.

Best Walla Walla Wineries To Visit

How Many Wineries Are In Walla Walla?

Did you know that Walla Walla is home to over 120 wineries? This is one of the many reasons I want to come back — there are so many more wineries to try.

One thing I love about Walla Walla is that so many different varietals are grown here, so no matter who you’re traveling with, you’re bound to find a wine you’ll love. However, the top five varietals grown in the area are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Not into red wine? Don’t fret — we sampled dozens of incredible white wines at almost every winery we visited.

Southside & Oregon Wineries

Valdemar Estates

This winery was such a treat. For starters, the winemaker at Valdemar Estates, Devyani Isabel Gupta, is a talented woman of color, which you don’t find in the wine world every day. I had a chance to speak with her, and it was fantastic to hear how passionate she was about the industry and how approachable she is when she talks about wine.

The owner of this winery is from Spain, and his family’s winery was the first in Spain to accommodate all kinds of disabilities, which I thought was incredible. In Walla Walla, they’re working on developing more programs for folks with disabilities, which I admire.

The wines are exceptional here, and the food is incredible. They have a full-service restaurant offering tapas to snack on during wine tasting.

Grosgrain Vineyards

For starters: this was one of the most beautifully-designed wineries I’ve ever visited, so the ambiance is incredible. If you’re into softer wines, Grosgrain Vineyards is ideal for you.

One thing that I liked about this winery is that they’re not afraid to experiment with different varietals. They’re known for their sparkling wines, and if you can snag one of their Pet-Nats, do it — I’m currently trying to track down a bottle in LA since they were sold out at the winery. I also really enjoyed their Cabernet Sauvignon here as well, which is early ripening.

Rôtie Cellars

Rôtie Cellars is hyper-focused on Rhône varietals, and they’re exceptional at what they do. Their rosé was acidic and delightful, and their GSM and Syrah were also some favorites of mine. 

This is easily one of the most stunning, unique vineyards I’ve ever visited. The views were immaculate, and I loved the modern design and the incredible playlists (because great music and wine are always a great pairing!) If you can do a tasting close to sunset, I’d highly recommend it.

P.S. this winery is technically across state lines in Oregon, but don’t worry — it’s not too far away from Valdemar & Grosgrain!

Caprio Cellars

Caprio Cellars offers a stunning food and wine experience, perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. With Italian owners who see wine as food, they focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients and sustainability. Their scratch-made dishes are also allergy-friendly, with thoughtful modifications like nut-free pesto, ensuring an inclusive dining experience.

Kinhaven Winery & Vineyard

If you’re searching for a winery that offers excellent wines, stunning views, and a patio where you can relax for hours, look no further than Kinhaven. Our group could have easily spent the entire day there, and it was evident that they truly value community. The wines are crafted in small batches, with a lot of love and attention.

Westside & Downtown Wineries 

The Walls Vineyards

Not far from Downtown, The Walls is dedicated to producing wines that tell the story of their roots. We loved the ample outdoor space here, considering it’s closer to Downtown: the patio here was gorgeous, and they even have a pizza oven in the back just in case you need a snack! Plus, this winery is open seven days a week, so you’re in luck if you’re in town for a mid-week wine tasting.

The Walls releases Rhône varietals in the fall and Bordeaux varietals in the spring (which I really want to try!)

Vital Wines

Did you know that in Walla Walla, you can go wine tasting and give back to the community at the same time? Pretty cool, huh? Vital Wines is a nonprofit winery whose mission is to support better healthcare for vineyard and winery workers in the Valley. 

How do they pull this off? Local wineries will donate either wines or grapes for Vital Wines to sell, and all of the proceeds from their wines go to the essential vineyard and winery workers. The bottle prices were super reasonable here, and I would highly recommend stopping by their downtown tasting room to support their mission!

Seven Hills Winery

Seven Hills Winery is an absolute must-visit if you’re in Walla Walla. It is the original working winery of Downtown and is one of the founding wineries in the region. Their focus is to craft Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines that authentically reflect their places of origin. 

The wines here were exquisite, and I loved the price ranges they had here. We brought back several bottles to enjoy at home, and I will definitely be keeping an eye out for new releases. Plus, if you’re a dog lover, sometimes the winemaker brings his sweet pups to the winery.

Lagana Cellars

If you’re looking for a downtown boutique winery, stop by Lagana Cellars for a tasting. Here, you can find timeless and unique wines from some of the best fruit available in the region. They strive to craft wines that are terroir-driven and expressive, and their wines are award-winning. 

Foundry Vineyards

Part art gallery, part winery, 100% a must-see in Walla Walla. Foundry Vineyards is boutique, fully organic winery that’s not afraid to think outside of the box. They are known for their low-intervention, small batch wines, and their deep roots in the art community. Where else can you sip on a delicious wine and view art from world-renowned artists at the same time?

Eastside

Abeja Winery & Inn

To say that Abeja Winery is breathtaking would be the understatement of the century. If you’re looking for a big winery with impressive views, this is the place. Oh, and also, the wines here are just as beautiful as the backdrop!

I don’t like to pick favorites, but the best Merlot I had in Walla Walla was from Abeja. They offer estate tastings from April-October, but you can set up a private tasting if you’re hoping to do an estate tasting in the off-season. This was an exquisite experience, and I would love to stay at their inn for my next visit.

P.S. — yes, they do host weddings here as well!

Tranche Estate

Want to enjoy the best Blue Mountain views with a great glass of wine? Tranche Estate is a stunning property offering one of the most unique wine-tasting experiences I’ve ever had: the ATV Vineyard Tour. With this experience, you can ride around the property in a luxury ATV, learn more about their growing techniques, and soak up some of the most incredible Blue Mountain views.

Where To Stay In Walla Walla

The Marcus Whitman Hotel

The Marcus Whitman Hotel is a cherished landmark that recently underwent a significant renovation. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here—the restaurant offers some of the finest farm-to-table cuisine, which allows you to truly experience the local flavor. The staff was exceptionally accommodating and friendly. There are plenty of activities within walking distance from the hotel, but if you prefer to stay in, you can access tasting rooms directly through the lobby. I would rate this hotel a 10/10 and would definitely stay here again!

Finch Hotel

This charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Walla Walla. While it may not have an extensive list of amenities, if you plan to fill your days with wine tastings and culinary experiences, you won’t mind. The hotel is also within walking distance of numerous restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops.

Why You Should Visit Walla Walla

Walla Walla was so charming, and I loved that it was such a laid-back yet elevated destination to go wine tasting and learn more about wine. I was blown away at how beautiful the area was, how many great dining options there were, and how many things there were to do in this seemingly small town. 

I will definitely be back, and let me know if I’ve inspired you to start planning your trip to one of the best wine regions in the U.S.

Thank you to Visit Walla Walla and Walla Walla Valley Wine for hosting me on a media trip! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Photos by Tom McGovern