Walla Walla is widely recognized as one of the most important wine-producing regions in the US. Not only does the valley have a reputation for excellent wine, but also boasts a record number of wineries: more than 130 farms covering 3000 acres in Washington and northeastern Oregon.
Walla Walla wineries have been at the forefront of the nation’s wine production for more than 100 years. Wine tourism is on the increase after two years of decline, and the Walla Walla Valley is sure to be on many travellers’ bucket lists.
The valley is divided into six regions:
- Westside
- Eastside
- Southside
- Downtown
- Airport
- Oregon Side (extending into Oregon State)
Each of these has its own specialities and promises a unique experience to visitors. Ranking the best wineries in Walla Walla is a tough task, but we’ve put together a shortlist of those that wine industry experts say just shouldn’t be missed.
Westside
Reininger Winery
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Chuck Reininger is the mastermind behind Reininger Winery, which lies just off Old Highway 12 slap bang in the middle of the Walla Walla Valley. Founded in 1997, it was originally located at the Walla Walla Regional airport, but moved to a roomier plot just west of Walla Walla in 2004. It currently boasts a 15000 square foot winery which includes a tasting room. In 2005 and 2006 Reininger was ranked in the 100 best wineries by Wine & Spirits Magazine Buying Guide. It offers at least 24 different wines from 16 varieties of grape, including Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec and Petit Verdot. These are sourced from various Walla Walla vineyards.
Opening hours
- April – October from 11am – 6pm daily
- November – March from 11am – 5pm daily
- Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day
Wine tasting
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Reservations advisable
- VIP Experience available: catered tasting, tour of working winery and barrel room, wine tasting straight from the barrel
Don’t miss out
- Red Wine Clubs: get first notice of new releases, annual quarterly shipments, invitations to wine club events and complimentary wine tastings and tours
L’Ecole No 41
This business is family-owned and one of the best wineries in Walla Walla. L’Ecole No 41 is situated in what used to be the Frenchtown School just beside Woodward Canyon and is renowned for its excellent artisan wines, including their Estate Merlot and Ferguson Bordeaux blend. The latter earned the title of Best Bordeaux Blend in the World in the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards. Grapes are sourced from several vineyards: Estate Ferguson, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Columbia Valley.
Opening hours
1915 Schoolhouse:
- Daily from 10am – 5pm
- Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
Heritage by L’Ecole Wine Bar:
- Thursday – Sunday from 12pm – 7pm
- Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Wine tasting
- Indoor tasting at 1915 Schoolhouse: do make reservations
- Book seated tastings online
- Indoor tasting at L’Ecole Wine Bar: no reservations necessary
Eastside
Abeja Inn & Winery
Abeja Inn & Winery is situated in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, just to the east of Walla Walla. Just like many other fine wineries, its setting is in an old and elegantly restored farmstead which was acquired by Ken and Ginger Harrison in 2000. Their goal? To grow the most exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon – which they certainly did. The current winemakers are Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler, who produce some of the best wines in Walla Walla.
Opening hours
- Open daily from 11am – 3:30pm, by appointment only.
Wine tasting
- By prepaid reservation only.
Traditional Abeja Tasting
- $30 per person (no charge for members of The Abeja List and guests of the Abeja Inn)
- Seated indoor tasting including a selection of wines from Beekeeper and Columbia Valley collections
- Outdoor tasting, weather permitting
Abeja Estate Experience
- April to October only
- $65 per person (discounted price: $45 for members of The Abeja List and Inn guests)
- Includes a walking tour around the farmstead and Mill Creek Estate Vineyards, seated tasting of specially selected wines, along with charcuterie boards and artisan cheeses
- Duration: approx. 90 minutes
Don’t miss out
- Put your name down for The Abeja List: full access to the estate (including private events), discounts on purchases, and complimentary tastings
Southside
Saviah Cellars
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Saviah Cellars was founded in 2000 and has blossomed from humble beginnings into an award-winning winery. Their Classic Collection includes a 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (1179 cases produced), 2018 Cabernet Franc (244 cases) and 2020 Chardonnay (205 cases), while visitors can also look forward to an assortment of wines from Saviah’s Estate Collection, their Reserve Collection and the Jack Collection. The Reserve Collection in particular shouldn’t be missed: only the best of the best make the cut.
Opening hours
- Daily from 10am – 5pm
- Closed on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day
Wine tasting
- Reservations advisable/walk-ins accommodated when space allows
- $15 per person (two free tastings for Wine Club members)
- Indoor and outdoor options (weather permitting)
- Includes a variety of Saviah Cellars’ wines from their Classic, Estate and Reserve Collections
Northstar Winery
Northstar Winery is not only the producer of some of Walla Walla’s best wines, but is known to have one of the most exceptional Merlots worldwide. It was founded in the early 1990s and continues to flourish under the guidance of master wine-makers.
Opening hours
- Open daily from 10:30am – 5pm (last tasting reservation at 4pm)
Wine tasting
- Indoor and outdoor tasting experiences
- Reservations required (walk-ins may be accommodated based on availability)
- A range of unique tasting experiences
Don’t miss out
- Join the Northstar Wine Club to gain access to more tasting experiences, discounts and exclusive events
Downtown
Kontos Cellars
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This winery is another family-owned business that offers excellent wines, crafted mainly by Cameron Kontos, the owner and experienced vintner who grew up in the world of winemaking. They produce a flagship blend every year called Alatus, as well as a selection of white and red blends. Some highlights include Kontos’ 2018 “The Boss” red blend, named after Cliff Kontos (father of Cameron), and 2020 Gossamer White – a blend of 88% Chardonnay and 12% Viognier.
Opening hours
- Open Sunday to Thursday: 11am – 6pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am – 6:30pm
Wine tasting
- $15 tasting fee per person (free for those who purchase a bottle)
- Private tastings indoor, outdoor and in the winery’s beautiful loft
- Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins may be accommodated depending on availability
Airport
Itä Wines
Itä Wines, named after its founder Kelsey Albro Itämeri, currently has two vineyards, Les Collines and Breezy Slop Vineyard, which are situated beside Walla Walla’s Blue Mountains and just south of Washington’s border respectively. Wine highlights include Itä’s 2019 Semillon from Les Collines, 2019 Merlot (described by the business as “a wine that loves you back”) and a 2019 Pinot Noir from Breezy Slope Vineyard.
Opening hours
- Open Thursday – Sunday from 11am – 4pm
Wine tasting
- Reservations advisable
- Indoor and outdoor tasting options
- Up to 6 per group
- Tasting room closed for winter until March 2022
- Fee $10 per person
Don’t miss out
- Cut out the $10 tasting fee when you buy a bottle of Itä Winery’s best wines
- Memberships offered: 3 Bottle, 6 Bottle and Case Membership – gain access to discounts, free tastings, and more
Dunham Cellars
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Dunham Cellars released its first vintage in 1995 and since then has been known as one of the best wineries in Walla Walla. Situated in a remodelled aeroplane hangar – a relic of World War Two – the establishment offers visitors the opportunity to taste the best that Walla Walla has to offer.
Opening hours
- Daily from 11am – 4pm
Wine tasting
- Reservations required (prepaid)
- Discounts and more for Wine Club members
Oregon
Watermill Winery
Watermill Winery is another family-owned, family-run establishment that was founded in the early 2000s. Its Anna Marie Vineyard – the first planted on the land – boasts expansive views of wide open skies above gentle farmland and produces the highest quality Bordeaux grapes (as well as Syrah/Shiraz). More highlights include the beautiful Watermill Vineyard in the Rocks District (sub-appellation of the Walla Walla Valley AVA), and their formal dining room that caters for larger groups.
Opening hours
- Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday open from 11am – 5pm
- Fridays open from 11am – 6pm
Wine tasting
- Both reservations and walk-ins welcomed
- Situated in the historic Watermill Food CO. with 1940s art-deco furnishings
Don’t miss out
- The Watermill Winery Vault Club: three levels that offer members perks such as generous discounts, the first choice of limited releases, and access to barrel tastings and winemaker dinners
Walla Walla Wineries – Best of the Best
These nine wineries are some of the best in Walla Walla, but there are dozens more just begging to be explored.