Walla Walla is easy to underestimate from the outside. It’s small, it’s landlocked, and it takes some effort to get to. That’s exactly why the people who make it out here tend to love it — there’s no casual stumble-through tourism. Everyone you meet at a tasting room chose to be there. It’s what makes a wine tasting weekend here so rewarding.
This wine tasting weekend itinerary is built around two days of wine, food, and an unhurried pace that’s increasingly hard to find. We’ve included some of our favorite producers, restaurants, and spots to stay — with the obvious caveat that we’re one of the wineries on this list and we think you should visit us.
Day 1: Explore the Vineyards of the Southside and Eastside
The wineries outside of downtown Walla Walla are where you find the big estate experiences — vineyard views, seated tastings, and enough space to exhale. Plan two to three stops and don’t rush them.
Morning: Eastside
The Eastside sits in the rolling foothills east of downtown, where the valley floor starts climbing toward the Blue Mountains. It’s quieter out here, and the views earn their reputation.
Walla Walla Vintners — that’s us — is the 8th bonded winery in the valley, and we’ve been farming this Eastside estate since 1995. Our patio looks out over estate vineyard rows to the Blue Mountains, and we think it’s one of the better places to spend a morning in wine country. We pour Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Italian-inspired Super Tuscan blends — wines that reflect where they come from without requiring a glossary to enjoy. Estate tastings are $35 per person and run 90 minutes, with the fee waived on a $70 purchase.
From late May through September, add La Dolce Picnic to your tasting: a fully stocked picnic basket built around local Walla Walla producers — Walla Walla Cheese Co., D’Olivo, Bright’s Candies, and Klickers Farm among them. It’s $50 retail, feeds two to four people, and turns a tasting into an afternoon. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome as space allows.
Abeja is by appointment only, and worth planning around. The setting is a restored early 1900s farmstead with estate vineyards, gardens, and a creek running through it — and the tasting includes a winery tour. If you’re the kind of person who wants to understand how a wine gets made before you drink it, start here.
Morning tip: Book ahead for both. Eastside wineries fill up on weekends, especially in summer.
Afternoon: Southside
The Southside is home to some of the valley’s most established producers, with a different landscape — wider, more open, with views that stretch toward Oregon.
Pepper Bridge Winery does estate tastings and winery tours with an emphasis on their Walla Walla Valley Cabernet and Merlot. The team is knowledgeable and the wines are built to age — worth picking up a bottle or two to open in a few years.
Va Piano Vineyards leans into a Tuscan aesthetic that actually makes sense given their Italian-varietal focus. The hospitality is relaxed and the patio is a good place to land for an afternoon glass.
Caprio Cellars rounds out the Southside well — sweeping views, food pairings, and winery dogs who take their ambassadorial role seriously.
Day 2: Wine Tasting Weekend Downtown
Downtown Walla Walla is walkable, charming, and dense with tasting rooms. The vibe is different from the estate experience — more urban, more varied, easier to be spontaneous. Park once and wander.
Most downtown tasting rooms welcome walk-ins, so this is the day to follow your instincts. If a sign looks interesting, go in. The range of styles and producers in a few city blocks is genuinely impressive for a town this size.
A note on pacing: Two full days of wine tasting adds up fast. Three to four stops per day with food in between is a sustainable pace. More than that and the wines start blending together — and not in a good way.
Where to Eat
Walla Walla’s restaurant scene is better than it has any right to be for a city of 35,000 people.
Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen is the one to book ahead for. Bold flavors, thoughtful wine list, intimate room. It gets full.
Passatempo Taverna is the right call for handmade pasta and a lively room. Good wine program, rustic without being precious about it.
Brasserie Four handles French bistro classics without pretension. Reliable and consistent.
TMACS is a Walla Walla institution — straightforward, dependable, and always busy for good reason.
Yamas Greek Eatery is a solid option when you want something lighter after a day of tasting.
Maple Counter is where you go for breakfast. They serve it all day, the portions are generous, and it’s the kind of place that sets the right tone for a morning of wine tasting.
Cleveland Commons at Whitman College is technically open to the public, and if you have kids in tow or want an absurdly affordable lunch break, the campus grounds alone are worth a walk-through.
Where to Stay for Your Wine Tasting Weekend in Walla Walla
Whether you’re looking for luxury, family-friendly lodging, or something in between, Walla Walla accommodations have you covered for your wine tasting weekend!
- The Marcus Whitman Hotel – A historic hotel in downtown Walla Walla with all the modern comforts. Bonus: Walla Walla Vintners club members save 15% on their stay—just give us a call if you’d like help booking.
- The FINCH – A boutique, design-forward hotel perfect for families and younger travelers who want to stay close to the action.
- The Inn at Abeja – Upscale and tranquil, located on a working winery just outside of town.
Tips for a Memorable Wine Tasting Weekend
- Book ahead. Wineries fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Pace yourself. Plan no more than 3–4 tastings per day and include time for food and breaks.
- Mix it up. Try both large and small producers, old-school and modern.
- Leave room for discovery. Some of your favorite finds will be unexpected.
Final Thoughts
Book tasting reservations before you leave home, especially for Eastside and Southside estates on weekends. One thing people don’t anticipate: food options are sparse once you’re out in the valley. Downtown has plenty, but if you’re spending your morning on the Eastside, plan accordingly. Our La Dolce Picnic is a good solve for this — it’s a fully stocked basket from local Walla Walla producers that works as a proper lunch for two or a generous snack for four, and it pairs well with the fact that you’re already sitting on a patio with a glass of wine in front of you. Add it to your Estate Tasting reservation when you book.
And if you’re flying in, the Walla Walla Airport (ALW) has direct service from Seattle and Portland, which makes the logistics easier than most people expect.
The valley has over 120 wineries. This itinerary covers maybe a dozen. The best finds are often the ones nobody put on a list.
