Spring Release in Walla Walla

Hello Wine Lovers!

Its been much to long since I’ve written a WOW (Word on Wine) story.  Life has a way of throwing things at you and before you realize it, a lot of time has gone by.  Patti and I just returned from our annual trip to Walla Walla for Spring Release and I wanted to give a shout out to all the wine makers, wineries, staff and volunteers who worked very hard to make this year’s event another tremendous success.

We started our journey visiting wineries in Prosser, then traveled to Walla Walla.  In Prosser, the kind folks at Mercer gave us a tour of their facility.  They have a well designed production, storage and tasting room facility.  On top of that, they have wonderful wines.  We favored their riesling and reserve cabernet.  Both show nice flavors and aromas and provide a lasting finish.  We also visited Gamache, Milbrant and Alexandria Nicole while in Prosser.  All worth a visit if you are in the area.

In Walla Walla, we have our favorite “must-visit” wineries, Abeja, Garrison Creek, Grantwood, Northstar, Saviah and Tamarack.  The people are friendly, the wines amazing and they often offer food and entertainment.  We also like to explore new places and found Si Lei and Henry Earl.  Given their friendly atmosphere and yummy wines, these two are going to be on our “must-visit” list.  We love the luscious, fruit forward, well balanced wines that can be found in Walla Walla.

So whether you visit during spring release or another time of year, there are plenty of wineries to visit, good restaurants and lots of friendly people.

Mike

Spring Release in Walla Walla

Hello Wine Lovers,

For several years we have traveled to Walla Walla for our annual Discovery Wine tour.  While most often this is for Spring Release, we have visited other times of the year.  Over the years we have developed a list of “must-return-to” wineries, revisited wineries and sought to always find a new winery to try.

Walla Walla is a unique American Viticulture Area (AVA) as it extends across two states, ranges in elevation from 400 to 2000 feet above sea level, has rain fall ranging from seven to 22 inches and four soil types.  (Go to http://www.wallawallawine.com for detailed information on the area.)  Winemakers use the rich diversity for varietals grown to produce some of the best wines available.  Spring Release is a chance to taste new vintages, enjoy local events and catch up with as well as make new friends.

        

Our short list of “must-return-to” wineries includes Abeja, Garrison Creek Grantwood, Northstar, and Saviah.  These wineries consistently produce beautiful wines, offer a selection of wines that pairs well with a wide variety of foods, can be drunk now or laid down and offer great hospitality.  Other favorites for regular visits include g. Cuneo, Pepperbridge, Tamarack, and Corvus.

In addition to tasting wonderful wines, the views are marvelous and sometimes you get to listen to music while you taste.

        

This year we enjoyed a special treat; a winemaker’s tour of his vineyards where we learned in visual detail about the various soil types, how the hills, sunlight, wind soil and run-off of water effects bud growth, pruning and harvesting of various varietals.

        

Be sure to put Walla Walla on your list of wine regions to visit.

Mike

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