Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance Announces WWander Walla Walla Valley Wine Itinerary Series

WALLA WALLA, WA (September 18, 2017) — The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance (WWVWA) today announced “WWander Walla Walla Valley Wine”, a curated winemaker itinerary series available every Saturday from October 14 through December 16, 2017. The WWVWA is collaborating with some of the best Walla Walla winemakers to create custom itineraries focused on experiencing Walla Walla as they do: through the things they love to drink, eat and enjoy in and around this celebrated wine region.

Walla Walla is home to more than 100 rich and diverse wineries and close to 3,000 acres of vineyards along with a robust arts and culture scene, diverse restaurant and dining options, outdoor adventure, scenic beauty and small-town charm. The Walla Walla Valley has grown in the past fifteen years and has the highest concentration of wineries in Washington, creating a dynamic visitor experience for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

“We are excited to offer these itineraries to visitors and highlight some of the hidden gems of the region through the eyes of the great winemakers that call Walla Walla home,” said Heather Unwin, executive director of the WWVWA. “A different itinerary will be available every Saturday, and each is unique to the winemaker who curated it, leading participants through Walla Walla’s award-wining wineries, restaurants and under-the-radar experiences. Walla Walla tends to settle down in the fall and winter season, offering a fantastic opportunity for a more personalized visit.”

Woodward Canyon Winery —Itinerary created by Rick Small and Jordan Dunn-Small, first- and second-generation owners

• Exclusive tasting at Woodward Canyon’s tasting room, a restored 1870s farmhouse
• Lunch at a local favorite, Brasserie Four — Rick and Jordan always enjoy a glass of something foreign with lunch
• A tasting of the lineup at Long Shadows Vintners — the Feather and Chester Kidder are some of Rick and Jordan’s favorites

Sleight of Hand Cellars —Itinerary created by Trey Busch, winemaker

• Taste the current lineup at Sleight of Hand and a few usually reserved for wine club members
• Trey invites visitors to enjoy Sleight of Hand Wine Club privileges for the day
• The evening’s frivolity starts at Passatempo Tavern for hand-crafted cocktails — Trey loves a Hot Italian (an Aperol spritz with a dash of OJ and muddled jalapeño)

Dusted Valley —Itinerary created by Corey Braunel, owner and winegrower

• Start the day at The Colville Street Patisserie — Corey’s favorites are a double tall latte and a palmier
• Visitors will get their hands dirty helping Corey out with the harvest, followed by a tasting of Dusted Valley’s fall-release wines
• Grab a taco for lunch at Dora’s Deli — Corey recommends the veggie taco

Gramercy Cellars —Itinerary created by Brandon Moss, winemaker

• Exclusive tasting at Gramercy Cellars
• Brandon says the black label wines are not to be missed at Va Piano Vineyards
• Dinner at Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen — Brandon’s rule is to get anything with lamb

Aluvé —Itinerary created by JJ and Kelly Menozzi, owners and winemakers

• JJ and Kelly recommend spending the weekend at The Marcus Whitman Hotel and attending a Chef’s Table dinner
• Pick up a picnic lunch at Cugini’s Italian Imports and Deli to enjoy on the patio at Aluvé before savoring sophisticated estate-grown wine — JJ and Kelly love the panini
• Stop at Tranche Cellars for stunning views of the foothills — JJ and Kelly suggest meeting the resident babydoll sheep

“We get asked by out-of-town friends and guests that stop into our tasting room where they should go tasting next or what restaurant they should check out,” said Rick Small, first-generation owner of Woodward Canyon Winery. “Everyone seems to want to do what the locals do, and we love to get a new up-and-coming winery on their radar or tell them about where to get a great cocktail in town when they’re done with wine for the day. We hope that visitors to the Walla Walla Valley enjoy some of our favorite places in town, and continue to come back and visit us, year-round.”

Visitors can register for the Saturday of their choice at WallaWallaWine.com/WWander beginning September 25. Registrants gain access to the full itinerary and receive exclusive perks such as winemaker talks, property tours, wine club member benefits for the day or complimentary tastings included in the itinerary. Registration is free, and the itinerary is a same-day, pay-as-you-go experience.

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The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a nonprofit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is the marketing of the Walla Walla Valley’s American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and members of the trade interested in learning more about the valley’s wine industry.