Updated July 2026: This Walla Walla wine country guide has been refreshed for travelers planning a weekend of tasting rooms, restaurants, downtown wandering, and scenic vineyard drives in southeast Washington.
If you have landed here, there is a good chance you are either already a wine person or you have finally heard the not-so-secret news that Walla Walla is one of the best wine destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
We have visited Walla Walla more than once, and it is the kind of place that makes you understand why people keep building entire weekends around wine, food, and slow walks through downtown. On one trip, we came through while planning a bigger road trip toward Yellowstone and Glacier, and it did not take much convincing to reroute ourselves through Washington wine country. A few tasting rooms, one very full lunch, and a downtown dinner later, we remembered exactly why Walla Walla has such a loyal following.
This updated guide covers the best wineries in Walla Walla, plus where to eat, where to stay, what to do between tastings, and how to plan a realistic wine weekend without turning the whole thing into a rushed checklist. Walla Walla is not just one vineyard road or one downtown strip. It has walkable tasting rooms, vineyard estates, old airport buildings turned winery spaces, rural views, serious restaurants, historic sites, and enough good wine that your biggest problem will be narrowing things down.
Planning more Washington travel? You may also like our guides to the best small towns in Washington State, top things to see in Washington State, romantic getaways in Washington State, and things to do in Hood River Oregon.
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Quick Look: Best Walla Walla Wineries and Weekend Stops
| Stop | Best for | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Dusted Valley | Southside tasting, relaxed atmosphere, vineyard views | Southside |
| Tertulia Cellars | Estate wines, friendly tasting experience, vineyard setting | Southside / Oregon side |
| Dunham Cellars | Airport District character, historic hangar setting, trusted wines | Airport District |
| Kontos Cellars | Downtown tasting, local family story, easy walking route | Downtown |
| DAMA Wines | Downtown tasting, women-led winery, artful labels | Downtown |
| L’Ecole No 41 | Historic schoolhouse setting, classic Walla Walla wine history | Westside |
| Long Shadows Vintners | Polished tasting, serious reds, Westside wine route | Westside |
| Walla Walla Vintners | Estate tasting, Blue Mountain foothill views | Eastside |
| Downtown Walla Walla | Walkable tasting rooms, restaurants, shopping, hotels | Downtown |
| Pioneer Park | Easy walk, aviary, gardens, reset between meals and wine | In town |
On mobile, swipe sideways to view the full table.
Before You Plan a Walla Walla Wine Weekend
Walla Walla is easy to love, but it helps to understand the layout before you start booking tastings. The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance describes the area as having more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms, with downtown tasting rooms, Southside vineyard views, Westside classics, Eastside wineries, the Airport District, and the Oregon side all offering different styles of trips.
That is great news for variety, but it also means you should not try to do everything. If this is your first trip, pick one or two areas per day. Downtown is best if you want walkable tastings and dinner. Southside is best if you want open vineyard views. The Airport District is fun if you like the idea of tasting wine in repurposed military and industrial buildings. The Westside works well if you want some of the older, more established names in Walla Walla wine.
- Make reservations: Many tasting rooms accept walk-ins when space allows, but reservations are the safer choice on weekends, during events, and in busy seasons.
- Limit tastings: Two to four wineries in a day is usually plenty. More than that and everything starts to taste like “I should have eaten lunch.”
- Plan transportation: If you are leaving downtown, arrange a driver, tour, rideshare, or designated driver. Walla Walla looks small on a map until you are trying to responsibly connect vineyard tasting rooms.
- Check hours: Some tasting rooms close earlier than you expect, and weekday hours can be limited.
- Eat real food: Wine country without food is not a personality trait. Book lunch and dinner with as much care as you book tastings.
- Use official planning tools: Visit Walla Walla, the Wine Alliance winery directory, and the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation are all worth checking before your trip.
Best Wineries in Walla Walla
There are far more Walla Walla wineries than anyone can fairly cover in one article, so think of this as a practical starting list. Some are places we visited during our earlier Walla Walla trips, while others are strong current options to consider based on location, reputation, and how well they fit a weekend itinerary.
1. Dusted Valley
Area: Southside
Dusted Valley is a good first Southside stop if you want that classic Walla Walla mix of open space, good wine, and a tasting room that does not feel too stiff. On our visit, this was one of those places that reminded us how much personality Walla Walla wineries can have.
The winery has roots in a family move from Wisconsin to Walla Walla, and the tasting experience has the relaxed confidence of a place that knows what it is doing without making the guest feel like they need a wine dictionary. If you are building a Southside tasting day, Dusted Valley fits neatly with other vineyard-view stops.
- Best for: Southside wine tasting, vineyard views, relaxed groups
- Our old trip note: Nathan leaned Chardonnay and Sarah leaned Syrah here.
- Planning tip: Reserve ahead if you want a specific tasting time on a busy weekend.
2. Tertulia Cellars
Area: Southside / Walla Walla Valley
Tertulia Cellars is one of the tasting experiences that stuck with us because it felt genuinely social. The name refers to a gathering of friends, and on our visit that idea did not feel like marketing copy. We were welcomed, poured wine, and somehow ended up outside learning about pétanque with wine in hand, which is exactly the kind of travel memory that makes a place stand out.
Tertulia focuses on estate-grown Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines from the Walla Walla Valley. If you like the idea of a tasting that feels personal rather than transactional, put it on your list.
- Best for: Friendly tasting experiences, estate wines, vineyard setting
- Our old trip note: Cabernet Sauvignon was the wine we agreed on.
3. Dunham Cellars
Area: Airport District
Dunham Cellars is one of the best Walla Walla wineries to visit if you want to understand why the Airport District is such a fun part of the wine scene. The winery is housed in a renovated World War II-era airplane hangar, which gives the tasting room character before you even start talking about the wine.
On our visit, we loved how the space balanced size, warmth, and personality. It is polished, but not sterile. If you are visiting the Airport District, this is an easy anchor stop.
- Best for: Airport District tasting, historic building character, Washington reds
- Our old trip note: Nathan picked Cabernet Sauvignon XXI, while Sarah picked Three Legged Red partly because of the dog on the label. This is valid wine logic.
4. Kontos Cellars
Area: Downtown Walla Walla
Kontos Cellars is a great downtown tasting room if you want to stay walkable before dinner. The Kontos family has deep Walla Walla roots, and the tasting room works especially well as a final stop before moving into the restaurant part of the evening.
Downtown tasting rooms are one of Walla Walla’s biggest advantages. You can sample several producers, walk to dinner, and avoid turning the afternoon into a driving route. Kontos fits that kind of trip beautifully.
- Best for: Downtown tasting, easy walking itineraries, groups that want dinner nearby
- Our old trip note: Malbec was the winner for us here.
5. DAMA Wines
Area: Downtown Walla Walla
DAMA Wines is another downtown tasting room worth considering, especially if you like wineries with a creative side. DAMA is known for its women-led story, strong labels, and downtown location, which makes it easy to pair with shopping, dinner, or other Main Street tasting rooms.
This is the kind of stop I would add to a walkable downtown afternoon rather than trying to cram it into a vineyard route.
- Best for: Downtown wine tasting, artful branding, an easy no-driving tasting route
6. L’Ecole No 41
Area: Westside
L’Ecole No 41 is one of those Walla Walla names that comes up over and over, and for good reason. The winery is housed in a historic Frenchtown schoolhouse, which immediately gives it a sense of place. If you like wine with a little architectural and regional history attached, this belongs on the shortlist.
This is a strong Westside stop and pairs well with other classic names in that part of the valley.
- Best for: Classic Walla Walla wine history, Westside route, historic setting
7. Long Shadows Vintners
Area: Westside
Long Shadows Vintners is a polished Westside winery that makes sense if you want a more elevated tasting experience. It is a good fit for wine travelers who want to slow down, book ahead, and give the tasting room enough time to breathe rather than rushing to the next appointment.
Pair this with L’Ecole No 41, Woodward Canyon, Waterbrook, or other Westside stops if you are building a route outside downtown.
- Best for: Serious wine tasting, polished experiences, Westside itinerary
8. Walla Walla Vintners
Area: Eastside
Walla Walla Vintners is a good Eastside option if you want views toward the Blue Mountain foothills and a more estate-style tasting room experience. It helps round out a trip that otherwise might lean too downtown-heavy.
The Eastside can feel a little quieter and more spread out, so plan this as part of a half-day route rather than a quick walk-in between downtown reservations.
- Best for: Foothill views, estate tasting, getting beyond downtown
9. The Walls Vineyards
Area: Westside / near downtown
The Walls Vineyards is a good choice if you like wineries with a modern tasting room, bold labels, and a little personality. It is one of those stops that feels very Walla Walla in the current era: serious about wine, but not trying to make the guest experience feel stuffy.
- Best for: Modern tasting room energy, design-forward labels, red wine fans
10. Waterbrook Winery
Area: Westside
Waterbrook Winery is one of the older names in the area and a useful stop if you want a larger, approachable tasting room with views and food options depending on the season and current offerings. It can be a good fit for groups or travelers who want something easy and scenic.
- Best for: Groups, scenic tasting, a classic Walla Walla name
How to Choose a Walla Walla Wine Route
The big mistake in Walla Walla is trying to sample every district in one day. The better approach is to match the tasting route to the style of trip you want.
For a first-time, no-stress trip
Stay downtown and build a walking route. Start with lunch, do two or three downtown tasting rooms, browse shops, then walk to dinner. This is the easiest version of Walla Walla and a smart choice if nobody wants to drive.
For vineyard views
Plan a Southside or Eastside day. This is where Walla Walla feels more like wide-open wine country, with rolling land, Blue Mountain views, and more breathing room between stops.
For classic Walla Walla history
Go Westside. L’Ecole No 41, Woodward Canyon, Waterbrook, and Long Shadows all fit a route that feels tied to the longer wine story of the valley.
For something different
Spend time in the Airport District. The tasting rooms here make use of old buildings and hangars, which gives the area a personality you do not get in more traditional vineyard settings.
A Sample One-Day Walla Walla Wine Tasting Itinerary
This is based loosely on one of our earlier Walla Walla days, updated so it still makes sense now. Adjust the times, book reservations, and do not be heroic about how many tastings you can fit into one day.
9:00 am: Breakfast Downtown
Start with real food. Bacon & Eggs is a popular breakfast and brunch stop downtown, while Colville Street Patisserie is a good choice if you want French pastries, coffee, and something lighter before tastings.
10:30 am: Walk Pioneer Park
Before the wine starts, take a walk at Pioneer Park. It is Walla Walla’s oldest park, established in 1902, and has gardens, paths, a historic cannon, and a free outdoor aviary. It is not a big hike, but it is a good reset before sitting in tasting rooms.
12:00 pm: Lunch at AK’s Mercado
Our original article raved about Andrae’s Kitchen back when it operated out of a gas station, which remains one of the more memorable food stops we have ever had on a wine trip. That original location closed, but Andrae’s food continues through AK’s Mercado and related food truck/catering operations.
This is exactly the kind of Walla Walla meal I like before wine tasting: flavorful, filling, casual enough that you do not need to overthink it, and a much better decision than pretending a few crackers on a tasting room counter count as lunch.
1:30 pm: Southside Tasting
Choose one or two Southside wineries such as Dusted Valley, Tertulia Cellars, or another vineyard-view stop. This gives you the open landscape side of Walla Walla rather than staying downtown the whole day.
3:30 pm: Airport District or Downtown Tasting
If you have a driver, head to the Airport District for Dunham Cellars or another tasting room in that area. If you do not, return downtown and do a walkable tasting at Kontos, DAMA, or another downtown stop.
5:00 pm: Wander Downtown Walla Walla
Do not rush straight from tasting to dinner. Downtown Walla Walla is part of the experience. Walk Main Street, browse shops, look for public art, stop at The Thief Fine Wine & Beer, or just enjoy the fact that you are in a wine town where dinner is probably only a few blocks away.
6:30 pm: Dinner Downtown
On one of our Walla Walla trips, we had dinner at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, which remains a strong downtown dinner choice if you want something intimate and more elevated. Other dinner options to consider include Passatempo Taverna, Hattaway’s on Alder, Brasserie Four, and TMACS.
Make reservations, especially on weekends. Walla Walla might feel laid-back, but the good dinner spots can fill up quickly.
Best Restaurants in Walla Walla
Walla Walla is not a big city, but it eats extremely well for its size. The biggest tip is to plan your meals before you plan every tasting. Otherwise, you end up in the danger zone of hungry, wine-warm, and suddenly very passionate about finding fries.
- Bacon & Eggs: A popular downtown breakfast and brunch stop with a name that gets straight to the point.
- Colville Street Patisserie: French pastries, cakes, coffee, and a good lighter breakfast or afternoon sweet stop.
- AK’s Mercado: The updated path for Andrae’s Kitchen fans, with the spirit of the original gas-station food stop living on downtown.
- Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen: A downtown dinner pick for Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a more intimate meal.
- Passatempo Taverna: Handmade pasta, cocktails, Italian comfort, and one of those places you should reserve rather than assume.
- Hattaway’s on Alder: Pacific Northwest ingredients with Southern and rural American influence, good for a more memorable dinner or cocktail stop.
- Brasserie Four: French cuisine and local wine in the heart of downtown.
- TMACS: A downtown restaurant and lounge that works for dinner, cocktails, or a more polished night out.
Things to Do in Walla Walla Besides Wine
Wine is the headline, but Walla Walla is better when you mix in a few non-wine stops. This also gives your palate and your body a much-needed break.
Walk Downtown Walla Walla
Downtown Walla Walla is one of the best parts of the trip. You get tasting rooms, restaurants, boutiques, public art, historic buildings, cafés, and a walkable Main Street that makes the town feel like more than just a wine destination.
Check the Downtown Walla Walla business directory before you go if you want to build a shopping, dining, or tasting route.
Visit Pioneer Park
Pioneer Park is an easy in-town stop for a walk, especially in the morning before tastings or after a heavier meal. The park includes gardens, ponds, sports areas, a historic cannon, and a free outdoor aviary.
Explore Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Whitman Mission National Historic Site is about eight miles west of Walla Walla and adds an important historical layer to the region. The National Park Service site includes a visitor center, museum, park film, walking grounds, and Monument Hill views over the Walla Walla Valley.
This is worth doing thoughtfully, not just as a quick photo stop. The site interprets a difficult and consequential history involving the Cayuse people, missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, and the wider impacts of westward expansion.
Walk or Bike Near Bennington Lake
Bennington Lake is close to town and works as an easy outdoor break, especially if you want a walk before dinner or a low-key nature stop between wineries. It is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is a practical add-on rather than a major wilderness excursion.
Check the Farmers Market or Events Calendar
If your trip lines up with a market or festival, build it in. The Downtown Farmers Market is a good Saturday morning stop in season, and Visit Walla Walla’s events calendar is the best place to check for wine weekends, food events, car shows, festivals, and seasonal happenings.
Where to Stay in Walla Walla
Where you stay changes the whole feel of a Walla Walla trip. For a first visit, I would strongly consider staying downtown so you can walk to tasting rooms, restaurants, coffee, and shops. If you want a quieter wine-country escape, look at vineyard inns, resorts, or B&Bs outside the center.
- The Barn B&B Walla Walla: This is where we stayed on one earlier visit, and it still stands out as one of the most memorable B&B experiences we have had. It is outside downtown, so it is best if you want a quieter stay and have transportation.
- The FINCH: A downtown hotel that makes sense if walkability is the priority.
- Marcus Whitman Hotel: Historic downtown lodging with a classic Walla Walla feel.
- The Inn at Abeja: Vineyard-adjacent lodging on a restored farmstead east of town.
- Eritage Resort: A quieter resort-style option north of town with open countryside surroundings.
The buttons below are broad hotel searches, not guaranteed direct links to one specific property. Always confirm location, cancellation policy, parking, and whether you want downtown walkability or a quieter wine-country setting before booking.
How Many Days Do You Need in Walla Walla?
One day: You can get a taste of Walla Walla with a downtown lunch, one or two tasting rooms, a walk through Main Street, and dinner. It works best if you are already nearby.
Two days: This is the minimum I would recommend for a wine weekend. Spend one day downtown and one day in the vineyards or Airport District.
Three days: This is the sweet spot. You can do downtown, Southside, Westside or Eastside, plus a few non-wine stops without feeling rushed.
Four or more days: Add deeper winery appointments, Whitman Mission, more slow meals, Bennington Lake, nearby towns, or a more relaxed pace where you are not trying to maximize every hour.
A Simple 3-Day Walla Walla Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Explore Downtown
Check in, walk downtown, do one easy tasting room, browse shops, and have dinner downtown. Keep the first night simple, especially if you drove in from Seattle, Portland, Spokane, or Boise.
Day 2: Vineyard Tasting Route
Choose Southside, Westside, Eastside, or the Oregon side and commit to that general area. Book two or three tastings, plan lunch, and leave time for the views. Finish with dinner downtown.
Day 3: Airport District, Brunch, and a Slow Exit
Have brunch, visit the Airport District or one last downtown tasting room, then take a walk at Pioneer Park or Whitman Mission before heading home. This gives the trip a softer landing instead of ending with a rushed hotel checkout and a sad gas station coffee.
Best Time to Visit Walla Walla
Spring is excellent for release events, green hills, patio season starting up, and comfortable travel weather.
Summer brings warm weather, long evenings, events, and peak weekend energy. It can also get hot, so plan tastings carefully and drink water like a responsible adult.
Fall is one of the best seasons for wine country. Harvest energy, cooler temperatures, and golden vineyard scenery make it a strong time to visit, but lodging and tasting reservations matter.
Winter is quieter and can be a good time for cozy restaurants, downtown tasting rooms, and lower-pressure travel. Some hours may be limited, so check before you go.
What to Pack for a Walla Walla Wine Weekend
- Comfortable shoes for downtown walking
- Layers, especially in spring and fall
- Sun protection for vineyard patios
- A water bottle you will actually use
- Reservation confirmations for wineries and restaurants
- A designated driver or tour plan
- Wine carriers, bottle sleeves, or shipping plan
- A small notebook or phone note for wine names you liked
- Patience if your group starts debating Syrah like a Supreme Court case
Best Wineries in Walla Walla FAQ
Is Walla Walla worth visiting for wine?
Yes. Walla Walla is one of the strongest wine destinations in the Pacific Northwest, with more than 130 wineries and tasting rooms in the broader valley, excellent restaurants, walkable downtown tasting rooms, and scenic vineyard areas around town.
What wine is Walla Walla known for?
Walla Walla is especially known for red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and red blends. You can also find Chardonnay, rosé, sparkling wines, and other varieties depending on the producer.
Can you walk between wineries in Walla Walla?
You can walk between many downtown Walla Walla tasting rooms, which is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the area without driving. Vineyard tasting rooms outside downtown require a car, driver, tour, or rideshare plan.
How many wineries should you visit in a day?
Two to four wineries is usually the right range for most visitors. Two gives you a relaxed day with room for meals and wandering. Three is a solid tasting day. Four is doable if you plan well, but anything beyond that can start feeling rushed.
Do you need reservations for Walla Walla wine tasting?
Reservations are strongly recommended for popular wineries, weekends, groups, and special event periods. Some tasting rooms allow walk-ins when space is available, but booking ahead makes the trip smoother.
Where should I stay for a first Walla Walla trip?
For a first trip, downtown Walla Walla is the easiest base because you can walk to tasting rooms, restaurants, shops, and hotels. If you want a quieter romantic or wine-country feel, look outside town at inns, B&Bs, or resorts near vineyards.
Is Walla Walla good if you do not drink wine?
Yes, but wine is a big part of the destination. Non-wine options include downtown shops, restaurants, Pioneer Park, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Bennington Lake, the farmers market, public art, bakeries, coffee shops, and seasonal events.
Final Thoughts on the Best Wineries in Walla Walla
Walla Walla works because it feels like a real place, not just a wine tasting backdrop. Yes, the wine is the reason many people come, and there are more than enough wineries to fill several trips. But the town itself is part of the appeal: walkable streets, good food, friendly tasting rooms, historic buildings, nearby parks, and a pace that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
For a first visit, stay downtown if you can, pick one vineyard area for a full tasting day, reserve dinner, and do not overstuff the schedule. Walla Walla is not at its best when you are chasing the next appointment. It is better when you leave time for the patio, the conversation, the walk after lunch, and the bottle you decide to bring home because apparently you are now a person with “house Syrah.”
That is how it gets you. And honestly, it is not a bad way to be gotten.
Read next: Best Small Towns in Washington State • Romantic Getaways in Washington State • Top Things to See in Washington State
A long-time resident of Bristish Columbia, Sarah is a writer, traveler, wine & food lover and co-owner of Discover the Pacific Northwest and Live Dream Discover.
