Walla Walla & Willamette Valley Wine Itinerary: A Tale of Two Wine Regions

Day 1: Arrival in Walla Walla, Washington

• Stay: Check-in at The Barn B&B Walla Walla for a two-night stay. This luxurious bed and breakfast offers modern comfort in a serene setting, surrounded by vineyards.


• Afternoon: Start your wine adventure with a visit to Pepper Bridge Winery for a lunch and wine pairing experience. Enjoy stunning vineyard views while savoring local cuisine paired with exceptional wines.
• Evening: Relax back at The Barn B&B or explore downtown Walla Walla, taking in the charming local shops and galleries.
• Dinner: Dine at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen (4.6 stars), known for its farm-to-table dishes with a Mediterranean twist. The lamb shank and flatbread are highly recommended.

The Barn B&B Walla Walla

Day 2: Wine Blending and Tasting in Walla Walla

• Morning: Participate in the Northstar Blending Experience, where you can learn about the art of winemaking and create your own custom blend to take home.
• Afternoon: Visit Caprio Cellars for the Perfect Pair Experience. This wine tasting is paired with small bites, designed to enhance the flavors of Caprio’s wines.
• Alternate Day 2: use Curated Experiences Transportation with Bacchus and Barley Walla Walla to visit a few more top wineries or simply enjoy a scenic drive through wine country.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at The Marc Restaurant (4.5 stars) located in the Marcus Whitman Hotel, offering a fine dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Day 3: Travel to Oregon’s Willamette Valley

A’Tuscan Estate Bed and Breakfast

• Morning: Depart from The Barn B&B and drive to McMinnville, Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The drive is approximately 4.5 hours, so plan to start early. Anand and Naina will pack you a beautiful picnic lunch to enjoy on the road. A great way to break up the drive from Walla Walla to McMinnville is by stopping for a short hike at Catherine Creek in the Columbia River Gorge. Catherine Creek Trail
• Location: Near White Salmon, Washington, approximately halfway between Walla Walla and McMinnville. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Walla Walla.
• Hike Details: Catherine Creek offers a variety of trail options, ranging from easy, wheelchair-accessible paths to moderate hikes. The trails provide stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, wildflower meadows, and unique geological formations. One of the popular routes is the Catherine Creek Arch Loop, which is around 1.5 miles long and provides scenic views with minimal elevation gain.
• Why It's Worth a Stop: This area is known for its stunning wildflower displays, especially in spring and early summer, but it's beautiful year-round with its mix of oak woodlands and grasslands. The views of the Columbia River Gorge are breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for a nature break during your drive.
• Stay: Check-in at A’Tuscan Estate Bed and Breakfast for a three-night stay. This charming B&B offers elegant rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of wine tasting.


• Afternoon: Unwind with a walk through downtown McMinnville, known for its boutique shops, galleries, and tasting rooms.
• Dinner: Dine at Thistle (4.5 stars), a farm-to-table restaurant known for its seasonal and locally sourced menu. The chef’s tasting menu offers a unique dining experience.

Day 4: Wine Tasting and Scenic Adventures

• Morning: Start with a Tour De Vine Helicopter Tour and Tasting Experience. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the vineyards followed by tastings at select wineries.
• Later afternoon: Explore the Mac Market.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Hayward, a 2024 James Beard Awards finalist.

Day 5: Outdoor Exploration and Wine Tours

• Morning: Private Wine Tasting Experience at Youngberg Hill
• Lunch: Head to Soter Vineyards for their Mineral Springs Provisions Tasting
• Dinner: Visit Pinch in McMinnville for a fine dining experience. This upscale restaurant offers a multi-course tasting menu showcasing local ingredients and wines

Day 6: Waterfalls and Wine

• Morning: Pack a picnic and Take a day trip to Silver Falls State Park and hike the Trail of Ten Falls. This scenic trail allows you to see ten beautiful waterfalls and is a perfect way to experience Oregon’s natural beauty.
• Afternoon: Stop at Brooks Wines and enjoy the Wine Tasting 101 Experience
• Evening: Return to A’Tuscan Estate for a relaxing evening.
• Dinner: For your last evening dine at Humble Spirit, named one of the top ten best farm-to-table restaurants in the country by Newsweek.

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at A’Tuscan Estate before checking out.
• Departure: Head back home or to your next destination, with wonderful memories of your wine country adventure.
• Restaurant Recommendations 1. Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen (Walla Walla) - 4.6 stars 2. The Marc Restaurant (Walla Walla) - 4.5 stars 3. Thistle (McMinnville) - 4.5 stars 4. Red Hills Market (Dundee) - 4.6 stars 5. Nick’s Italian Café (McMinnville) - 4.5 stars 6. The Painted Lady (Newberg) - 4.7 stars 7. Dundee Bistro (Dundee) - 4.5 stars 8. Word of Mouth Bistro (Salem) - 4.6 stars This itinerary blends luxurious accommodations, exceptional wine experiences, and culinary delights with outdoor adventures, ensuring a memorable journey through Walla Walla and Willamette Valley's renowned wine regions. Enjoy your trip!