There’s something magnetic about Walla Walla. Maybe it’s the golden wheat fields that stretch for miles, the way the Blue Mountains catch the light at dusk, or the 120+ wineries crafting some of the country’s best Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. But more than anything, Walla Walla is about reinvention.
In Walla Walla, reinvention is a bit of a throughline, alongside more traditional wine careers. Former attorneys, architects, Air Force pilots, and corporate professionals have taken their expertise and passion and poured it into winemaking, creating bottles that are as intentional as they are expressive. Even Hollywood has a seat at the table, with actor Kyle MacLachlan balancing his on-screen career with his off-screen love for wine, pouring his Pursued by Bear wines at his own tasting room.
For those looking for a weekend filled with world-class wine, thoughtful cuisine and unexpected discoveries, this is your perfect getaway.
Where to Stay
A Vineyard Retreat at Abeja
Nestled in a century-old farmstead, Abeja Winery & Inn is an experience. The inn offers elegantly restored cottages and suites set amid vineyards and lavender fields, each with its own cozy yet refined aesthetic. Wake up to the scent of fresh-baked pastries and sip coffee on your private patio before heading out for a day of tastings.
Dinner is an occasion in itself at The Kitchen at Abeja, now helmed by celebrated Seattle chef Mike Easton (of Il Corvo and Il Nido fame). Easton’s menu is hyper-seasonal, featuring dishes like housemade pasta with foraged mushrooms or wood-grilled local lamb. Pair your meal with Abeja’s impeccably structured Cabernet Sauvignon, a benchmark for the Walla Walla Valley.
Where to Sip
Few names carry as much weight in Walla Walla’s wine world as Figgins. Winemaker Chris Figgins, son of the legendary Gary Figgins (who founded Leonetti Cellar, Walla Walla’s first commercial winery), has carved his own path with a meticulous focus on estate-grown wines. At Figgins, the philosophy is simple: control everything from vineyard to bottle to produce wines of unmatched precision. The Figgins Estate Red, a Bordeaux-style blend sourced from high-elevation vineyards, showcases the intensity and structure that have become hallmarks of the brand. Allocation is tight, demand is high, and every bottle is built to last.
Kyle MacLachlan may be best known for Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet, but in Walla Walla, he’s pouring something even more intriguing. His Pursued by Bear label, named after Shakespeare’s most infamous stage direction (Exit, pursued by a bear) is a collaboration with Dan Wampfler of Abeja, bringing serious winemaking chops to MacLachlan’s longtime love for Washington wine. The lineup — Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and the vibrant Blushing Bear rosé — is polished, expressive and deeply tied to the region.
Matt Reilly and Jay Krutulis traded architecture and law for wine, diving headfirst into enology and viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. Before launching their own label, they worked at some of the region’s most esteemed wineries — Reilly at Mark Ryan and Gramercy Cellars, Krutulis at Corliss and Tranche. Their approach to winemaking is one of precision and restraint. Think elegant Syrah, finely tuned Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon that’s structured but never overpowering. Their Viognier, a bit of a rarity in the valley, is a must-try for white wine lovers.
When Air Force pilots JJ and Kelly Menozzi decided to land somewhere permanent, they chose Walla Walla’s Mill Creek region. Their boutique winery, Aluvé, produces just a few hundred cases a year. Their Cabernet Franc is particularly compelling: lush, aromatic and a perfect snapshot of the valley’s unique terroir.
Joe and Ashley Woodworth left their corporate careers to create Alton, a place that’s as much about gathering as it is about wine. Their tasting room south of town has an easygoing, community-focused vibe, making it one of the best places to linger over a flight. The wines, especially the Merlot and Cabernet-based blends, showcase the power and finesse that Walla Walla reds are known for.
Few wineries embody the spirit of Walla Walla quite like Spring Valley Vineyard. A tasting here is a glimpse into the rich, agricultural roots that define this region. This multi-generational family estate, helmed by winemaker Kate Derby, tells its history through its wines with each bottle named after a family member or an ancestor who once worked the land. Their Frederick Red Blend (Cabernet Sauvignon dominant) and Uriah Red Blend (Merlot based) have deep, structured flavors and a finish that lingers.
Master Sommelier Doug Frost and entrepreneur Brad Bergman are shaping Walla Walla’s future with Echolands. Their focus: site-driven, restrained wines that capture the valley’s evolving identity. With a sleek tasting room with stellar views, and the ambitious Echolands Estate Facility in development, their Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon are setting the tone for what’s next.
A Taste of Walla Walla’s Culinary Scene
Chef Andrae Bopp made his mark in Walla Walla with one of the valley’s first gourmet food trucks, and AK’s Mercado expands on that concept in a lively, open-kitchen setting. Expect bold offerings like smoked brisket tacos, spicy pork belly sandwiches, and mezcal-based cocktails that pack a punch.
Pastry lovers, rejoice. Colville Patisserie brings a slice of Paris to downtown Walla Walla, with delicate croissants, éclairs and fruit tarts that pair beautifully with an espresso. Their housemade gelato is the perfect refresher between wine tastings.
A short drive to Waitsburg lands you at American 35, where owners Tom and Judy Bennett turn out perfectly blistered pizzas from their wood-fired oven. The restaurant also offers pizza-making classes, a fun and interactive way to dive into the region’s food culture.
Play, Explore, and Unwind
This fifth-generation beekeeper just across the Oregon border offers a honey tasting flight that is an interesting parallel to a wine tasting experience. Explore the nuances between different floral sources and discover just how much terroir influences honey.
Meet the cutest locals at Old Homestead Alpacas, where former military officer Elaine Vandiver and her husband have built an alpaca farm and fiber business. Get up close with the animals, shop for ultra-soft alpaca knitwear, or simply enjoy the tranquil setting.
A 45-minute drive from downtown, this new 13-mile trail system offers sweeping views of the Blue Mountains, rare bird sightings and a chance to stretch your legs between tastings.
Housed in a converted 19th-century gas plant, Gesa Power House Theater brings a surprising dose of culture to Walla Walla. Catch a play, concert or independent film, and soak in the city’s vibrant arts scene.
