From Rhône to Bordeaux in the Walla Walla Valley

From Rhône to Bordeaux in the Walla Walla Valley

An itinerary with recommendations from Brandon Moss, Partner & Co-Winemaker at Gramercy Cellars

This itinerary was a part of WWander Walla Walla Valley Wine in the fall of 2017.

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Brandon Moss, Partner & Co-Winemaker, Gramercy Cellars

In the Walla Walla Valley, you will find a great variety of red wine varietals and styles. In the three most grown grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot – you can find traditional Rhône and Bordeaux varieties. These wine styles may find their roots in France, but in Washington and Oregon, talented winemakers and growers are making these varieties their own. Spend a laid-back day across the Valley experiencing these traditional wine styles the Walla Walla way.

 

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Photo courtesy of Bright’s Candies

8:30am
Start the day early to beat the crowds at Bacon & Eggs for breakfast. Huevos Rancheros or Eggs Benedict are amazing with several cups of Stumptown coffee to get your day started right.

 

9:30am
Grab a Starbucks coffee for the road. Wine tasting is all about balance. You can’t have enough coffee to keep you going during a day of tasting.

10:00am
Enjoy a stroll through downtown and into some of our fabulous shops, such as Bright’s Candies; if you are entertaining kids, take them to the Inland Octopus toy shop.

 

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Gramercy Cellars

11:00am
Make a reservation and come see us at Gramercy Cellars close to downtown before you head off on your wine-tasting day. We have fabulous Rhône and Bordeaux varietals that you shouldn’t miss.

 

12:00pm
Visit Andrae’s Kitchen, a short drive from the Gramercy Cellars tasting room, for lunch! They have everything from burgers to tacos. I recommend grabbing food to go and having a picnic lunch.

1:30pm
Head to the Southside and begin tasting at Sleight of Hand Cellars, which has great Syrahs and Bordeaux varietals, as well as a fun, laid-back vinyl-inspired tasting room.

3:00pm
Go to Pepper Bridge Winery for impressive estate-inspired wine from its solid lineup. You will surely leave with a couple bottles of the stunning Cab.

4:00pm
Head across the border to Oregon for a tasting appointment at Rôtie Cellars before closing. Their Mourvèdre and GSM are some of the best in the state.

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Rôtie Cellars Rocks Tasting Room

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Chicken Wings at Public House 124, photo courtesy of Public House 124

5:30pm
Relax and have a cold beer to refresh the palate. Public House 124 is a great option in downtown Walla Walla. If you’re hungry, order an appetizer or two to enjoy with your drink.

7:00pm
Dinner at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen is always a can’t miss. My rule for Saffron is get anything with lamb; you really can’t go wrong. The flatbreads are especially amazing, and if you want a tapas-style dinner, this is the place to do it. Reservations are highly recommended on the weekends.

 

 

Disclaimer: Please note that currently most Walla Walla Valley wineries are recommending that guests reservations to ensure social distancing and the best wine experience. Browse wineries and make reservations here.