This Hidden Washington City Is Actually A Mecca For Wine Lovers

When you think of spots to sample great American wine, you probably imagine Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley. If you’re in the know, you might even conjure up mental images of the Hermiston-Columbia Valley in Oregon or the Middle Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. But you probably wouldn’t ever think to look for great vintages in…Walla Walla, Washington. Here’s why you’d be wrong.

Getty/ Lynn Suckow Photography

Walla Walla is a city of about 30,000 people in Walla Walla County, Washington. It’s about four hours from both Seattle and Portland, and until about a decade ago, no one paid it much attention. Now, Walla Walla is one of the best up-and-coming wine spots in America.

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Getty/Inti St. Clair

The area has always been an agriculture one, with wheat and apples being the traditional crops. The Walla Walla Valley was declared an America Viticulture Area in the 1980s, but fully-fledged vineyards and wine-tasting rooms have only really begun to spring up in Walla Walla and in the past decade or so. Now, the area is positively bursting with places to enjoy a smooth glass of Merlot or a crisp Pinot Grigio.

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Getty/Inti St. Clair

If you’re looking for the best spots to enjoy a bottle in Walla Walla, we can definitely recommend a few. Head to the tasting rooms of Spring Valley Vineyard, Seven Hills Winery, Woodward Canyon Winery, or Doubleback for locally-grown vintages that won’t disappoint. You can also be sure of finding some great sips in downtown restaurants such as Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen or the Walla Walla Steak Co.

Walla Walla is an amazing destination for wine lovers. To learn more about visiting the town, click here. For more of the best food and wine in America, check out some of our favorite budget-friendly foodie cities here.