7 Outstanding Walla Walla Wines to Drink Now
Washington is the second largest wine-producing state in the country and can trace its earliest winemaking roots to 1860 when German and Italian immigrants planted grapes here. Fast forward to more recent times, the modern wine industry really started in the 1950s and has certainly ramped up speed since its inception.
The Walla Walla Valley is in Southeastern Washington and Northeastern Oregon. The name Walla Walla derives from the indigenous peoples’ description meaning “many waters,” because of the rivers and aquifers located here. It was also a busy crossroads for native peoples, Oregon Trail pioneers, and French fur trappers because it provided an oasis in the middle of the vast sagebrush desert.
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Columbia Valley is the state’s largest wine-producing region and Walla Walla Valley is probably its best-known subregion for quality, boutique style, and well-made wines. It is divided into distinct districts including the Westside Wine District, the Airport District, the far Eastside District including the Mill Creek growing area, and the Southside District where most of the wineries are located. Downtown Walla Walla is a great destination as well because there are over 30 wine tasting rooms that you can walk from one to the other and stop for a snack, meal, or a little shopping therapy along the way. Definitely put it on your travel list but if you can’t make it out there right now, here are seven great Walla Walla wines you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
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Doubleback 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley Columbia Valley Washington
The name for Doubleback winery originated when NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe retired in 2007 and “doubled back” to his hometown of Walla Walla to open a winery with his wife Maura. Their first releases quickly drew the attention of wine critics including ourselves, as well as collectors. Josh McDaniels was the inaugural winemaker and today he’s the CEO. Doubleback 2020 opens with aromas of black currant red raspberry, vanilla, and toasted almonds. It has rounded, plush tannins and flavors of plum, vanilla, cigar box, and black cherry that lead to a long lasting finish.
Leonetti 2022 Merlot Walla Walla Valley Columbia Valley Washington
Named for founder Gary Figgin’s grandparents Rosa and Francesco, Leonetti Cellar opened in 1977. Winemaker Chris Figgins continues in the family tradition and knows full well that Merlot plays second fiddle to Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, but he holds steadfast that Walla Walla Valley produces some of the world’s best Merlot wines. We couldn’t agree more; his 2022 is richly colored with aromas of cinnamon, ripe red cherry, and red raspberry preserves that open to flavors of vanilla, baking chocolate, and red currant sheathed in silky tannins.
Spring Valley 2018 Frederick Estate Red Walla Walla Valley Columbia Valley
Vineyard owner Shari Corkrum Derby’s grandfather Uriah Corkrum settled in Walla Walla Valley in 1910 and began farming the land that is now known as Spring Valley. Shari and Dean Derby planted grapes in 1993 and produced their first vintage in 1999. Their son Devin was the winemaker until he passed away in 2004 and his assistant and friend Serge Laville took over to continue his legacy. Spring Valley 2018 Frederick Estate is drinking perfectly right now and has aromas of violet petals, brown baking spices, and black raspberry. It is full in the mouth with soft, rounded tannins and flavors of tobacco leaf, cassis, and red plum.
Figgins 2020 Estate Red Wine Walla Walla Columbia Valley Washingon
Chris Figgins joined his parents Gary and Nancy Figgins at Leonetti Cellar and took over the position of head winemaker in 2001. Today he focuses on Figgins Family Wine Estates as the CEO and winemaking director. His Figgins label represents a single-vineyard estate that grows Bordeaux varieties; his 2020 Estate Red Wine has aromas of cherry, blackberry, and brown baking spices that transition to flavors of cassis, red currant, and crushed violet petals.
L’Ecole 41 2021 Ferguson Estate Red Walla Walla Valley Columbia Valley Washington
Founded in 1983 by Baker and Jean Ferguson, L’Ecole 41 is one of Washington’s oldest family-owned and family-run wineries. Their daughter Megan and her husband winemaker Marty Clubb joined the family business in 1989 and have been active in local wine associations as well as statewide Washington Wine Institute. Their estate red is a Bordeaux-style blend and has aromas of red raspberry, tobacco leaf, black currant, and plum with soft rounded tannins and flavors of crushed violet petals, blueberry, mocha, and cinnamon.
Rôtie Cellars 2018 Northern Rhone Blend Walla Walla Valley Columbia Valley Washington
Winemaker Sean Boyd makes traditional Rhône-style blends with grapes grown in Washington State and strives for wines that are less ripe, lower alcohol, and less oak, but very well balanced. Boyd grew up in Tacoma, Washington and studied geology in college, but worked his first harvest at Waters Winery in 2004 and got bit by the wine bug. His 2018 Northern Rhone Blend has aromas of black raspberry, red plum, and red currant with nicely balanced acidity and bright fruit flavors of cassis, red raspberry, and black plum.
K Vintners 2019 Roma Rock Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Columbia Valley Washington
Rock star winemaker Charles Smith opened K Vintners in December 2001 and sold 330 cases of his first vintage of 1999 K Syrah from the trunk of his car. As they say the rest is history and Smith quickly became a local hero and legend while making Rhône-style wines from Syrah and Grenache as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese. Well known for his iconic head of hair and his excellent winemaking skills, Smith’s Roma Rock Vineyard has aromas of purple flowers, blueberry, and plum with soft tannic structure in the mid palate and flavors of cassis, plum, and wild raspberry.
