The Best Washington Wineries Near Walla Walla

Though Napa Valley and even Oregon's Willamette Valley are likely more at the forefront of your mind regarding wine-tasting destinations, Washington wineries have been steadily growing in popularity in recent years. Most of Washington's wine country is located in the eastern portion of the state, though some Washington wineries are scattered throughout the western side, too.

In eastern Washington, however, you'll find more than 240 Washington wineries spread throughout 8 unique AVA's: Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, Rattlesnake Hills, Horse Heaven Hills, Snipes Mountain, and Naches Heights. Washington's wine country is considered one of the most exciting developing wine regions in the country, with a charming, laid-back atmosphere that can't be beaten. 

On the far eastern edge of Washington, and even dipping ever so slightly south into Oregon, you'll find the Walla Walla wine region. Walla Walla has long played a significant role in Washington's agricultural legacy and is now leading the wine industry. In fact, in 2020, the Walla Walla Valley was named the Best Wine Region in the country. Walla Walla also made USA Today’s Top 10 list in 2021, 2022 and 2023. For the first time, Hospice du Rhône, a gathering of growers, winemakers, collectors, wine writers, and aficionados of Rhône-style wine from around the world are meeting in Walla Walla in April 2024

Beyond just being a great wine-tasting destination, Walla Walla is also a historically charming small town worth exploring. It's about 4 hours from both Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR., making it an accessible getaway destination, too.

While visiting Washington Wine Country, enjoy an unparalleled getaway at our Select Registry member property near Walla Walla. As with all Select Registry branded properties, you'll find uncompromising authenticity, comfortable accommodations, a broad range of amenities, high standards for cleanliness, and an unbeatable dedication to hospitality.  

10 Spectacular Washington Wineries

The Walla Walla Valley AVA, a relatively young wine-growing region, is best known for its bold red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot. The warm, arid temperatures here were once used to grow fields of golden wheat and apple orchards, famed sweet onions, and asparagus as far as the eye can see. Today, the environment is perfectly suited to wine grapes with many 100-point wines being produced in its boutique wineries.  

The Walla Walla Valley is home to 130+ Washington wineries; each spread out amongst 6 distinct districts around the city. Though the red wines from the Walla Walla Valley are spectacular, Washington wineries in the area produce a broad range of wines, both red, white, rosé, and sparkling. It makes for a truly distinct and delicious wine-tasting experience. 

With more than 130 great Washington wineries to choose from, in just this one AVA, planning a wine-tasting adventure can be a little daunting.  To help you narrow it down, we've compiled a list of some of the best Washington wineries in the Walla Walla Valley for you to start with:

1. Woodward Canyon is considered another of the founding wineries of the Walla Walla Valley and produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. 

2. Pepper Bridge Winery is nothing if not elegant, a quality perfectly reflected in their prestigious collection of wines in a beautiful setting overlooking their vineyard.  

3. RASA Vineyards has been producing premium terroir-specific wine for several decades. Their winemaker is a Master of Wine – there are only a couple of dozen MW in the country! They now have a tasting room in downtown. 

4. Dossier Wine Collective, a relative newcomer, is producing outstanding wine – also in downtown in a beautiful new tasting room.
5. Echolands has just opened one of the most stunning tasting rooms in Walla Walla with gorgeous views of the Blue Mountains and vineyards. Its founder/owner is one of only three Masters of Wine + Master Sommelier....in the world!!
6. If you love Bordeaux-style reds, don't miss the tasting experience at Browne Family Vineyards!  

7. Saviah Cellars makes delicious wines, many from their own Funk estate in the Rocks District and their partner vineyards. 

8. The Walls is the slang name for the state penitentiary. Delicious wines are on offer here. They also have a nice outdoor area for an al fresco lunch to accompany your wines.  

9. The owners of Spring Valley Vineyards have deep farming ties to this land and have now moved into the growing wine industry. They've done it with style, too, producing some of the best wines in the valley.  

10. Northstar Winery is renowned for its Merlots. In fact, their Merlot ranks among the world's best! If you love deep, full-bodied reds, you won't want to miss this stop.  

11. Mark Ryan Winery sources grapes from some of the most sought-after vineyards to produce a delightful range of single-origin varietals.  

12. If you love Bordeaux-style reds, don't miss the tasting experience at Browne Family Vineyards! 

13. 7 incredible winemakers have come together to produce the wines at Long Shadow's Vintners. The result has been some of the most prestigious wines in the state. It was voted the best tasting room in the country in 2023 and displays a gorgeous Chihuly glass sculpture. 

14. Caprio Cellars 

15. Walla Walla Vintners is another well-established winery in the area, having been around since 1995. Their historic estate is a great place to learn about the history of wine in the valley and sample their estate wines. They have recently expanded onto a deck with great views of the vineyards and hills around. 

16. Caprio Cellars offers a unique food and wine pairing learning experience followed by a delicious multi-course lunch in their modern tasting room. 

17. Dunham Cellars in a unique, beautifully converted WW II Air Force hangar, taste a wonderful selection of wines!  

18. For the first time in Walla Walla, an international 5th generation winemaker from Rioja in Spain has set up a beautiful winery-tasting room: Valdemar Estates. You can enjoy their delicious tapas with your wines from Spain and Walla Walla. 

19. As great as the wines are at Sleight of Hand Cellars, they are made better by the stunning label art found on the bottles.  Enjoy the entire experience at this unique winery, including the winemaker’s collection of 1,000s of LP records! 

The Rocks District

There are only two wine areas in the world that are named after their terroir – this is one of them. The other is in New Zealand. The Rocks District is in Oregon and is a Sub-AVA of the Walla Walla AVA. It has a unique soil made up of large river rocks that go down 15 feet so the vine roots have to work extra hard to grow and the terroir imparts a unique flavor to the wines of this area. These are some of the superb wineries of this district: 

Force Majeure – produces exquisite wines to be sipped in their beautiful wine studio in a converted old schoolhouse. 

Rôtie Cellars has been making wonderful Rhône style wines for many years. Their beautiful tasting room is modern with views of their estate vineyard. They have two more excellent labels in their downtown wine studio: House of Bones and Proper. 

More Things To Do in Walla Walla

Though wine tasting at any of these incredible Washington wineries should be at the top of your itinerary, there's a lot more to love about Walla Walla.  If you're looking for more activities to round out your getaway, here are some of our favorite things to do in the Walla Walla area: 

1. Though it's a bit of a drive, visiting Palouse Falls State Park, pictured above, is absolutely worth it. 
2. Learn more about the area's history at Whitman Mission National Historic Site.
3. Dine out at some of Washingon Wine Country's top restaurants. There are plenty of great nearby restaurants to choose from, including The Vine Fine Dining at Cameo Heights Mansion. 
4. History buffs won't want to miss the Fort Walla Walla Museum.
5. Tee up a round of golf at the top courses in the Walla Walla area. 
6. Enjoy a beautiful hot air balloon ride over beautiful Washington wineries and vineyards below.
7. Visit the Walla Walla Foundry, an incredible art experience. Many of the art pieces that start here are eventually displayed at top galleries and museums around the country.  
8. Enjoy a bit of hiking in the nearby Blue Mountains or one of the many nature preserves along the Columbia River, such as the McNary Wildlife Refuge. 
9. Bright’s Candies was named best candy store in the US by USA Today in 2023
10. Browse the shops of Walla Walla's historic downtown. 
11. Relax and unwind at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast in the area, where you'll be treated to unparalleled luxury. 

Whenever you visit Walla Walla, know you'll have a wonderful time. That's especially true if you couple it with a stay at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast, featured below. 

Walla Walla Bed and Breakfasts

The Barn B&B Walla Walla

Just 10 minutes to award-winning downtown Walla Walla and nestled among the westside wineries is this hidden gem in Washington wine country. 

The owners of this boutique country inn bring 40 years in hospitality in 8 countries. Guests enjoy warm, elegant luxury with globally inspired breakfasts and decor, an outdoor pool, hot tub, beautiful views, and a private Zen garden with hot water shower.

Make the most of their exclusive winery partnerships that include complimentary tastings, discounted wine purchases and more. This property is just five minutes from the Wine Valley Golf Club. Walk to the Whitman Mission - a national historic site and westside wineries.

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Cameo Heights Mansion

Cameo Heights Mansion is a luxury destination Touchet Hotel with bed and breakfast style amenities half an hour from the wine country of Walla Walla, Washington.

Perched on a scenic orchard setting by a river, it features seven spacious suites with private baths, air-jetted tubs, gas fireplaces, sumptuous fine dining, hiking in the adjacent orchard/vineyard, and an outside swimming pool/hot tub/fire pit.

The common areas include a living room, a hospitality area with bottomless snacks, ping pong, games, and a theatre room. Star-gazing from the hot tub, swimming or sun tanning in the desert heat, roasting s’mores, tetherball, horseshoes, hiking, and veranda dining at sunset are just some of the assorted pleasures of The Mansion.

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