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Walla Walla Wine Country, Many Waters, Many Grapes!Walla Walla wine country is a bit off the beaten path, but absolutely worth taking the time to get there. Though Yakima Valley grows a lot of the grapes that makeit into Washington wines, Walla Walla's wine tradition goes back to the mid 1800's. Climate and Prohibition almost did the industry in, but wine was reborn in the 1970's and it hasn't looked back. Walla Walla Valley has soil with good drainage, but the rains are sparse. It enjoys warm days and cool nights, and it benefits from a long growing season, about 200 days! The name Walla Walla has often been translated from the the language of the original dwellers as "Many Waters" or "Place of Many Waters". It is part of the Columbia River Valley AVA, and it extends into Oregon's wine country. The area is well known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. Walla Walla is about 270 miles from Seattle, 180 miles from Spokane, 250 miles from Portland, Oregon, and about 250 miles from Boise, Idaho. Much of the action is in the city of Walla Walla (wow, I love saying those words!). You will find many tasting rooms in the Downtown area, where you can go from high sophistication to down-home atmosphere in a matter of minutes. And one great advantage is that you can walk to the various tasting rooms without having to worry about driving. There are also some pretty fantastic restaurants nearby. Another area to visit is the Walla Walla Airport Wineries. Nestled around old hangars you will find several wineries, a few vines; but most importantly, Walla Walla Community College's teaching vineyards. The College also runs the College Cellars, a non-profit teaching winery located nearby. You can visit on Friday, or take a look at their website and order some wine. On the southern part of Walla Walla Valley you are near the Oregon border, Oregon border, and you can drive through beautiful vineyards gracing the slopes of the nearby rolling hills. Though there aren't many wineries here, you can visit them and then cross the state line to check out the other side! Walla Walla Wine Country is dedicated to sharing its bounty and its wine, and also to promoting wine education. Walla Walla Wine Country, Sharing Wine And Knowledge!
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