Family Friendly Wine Country
An itinerary with recommendations from Tim & Jen Armstrong, Winemaker & Owners at Armstrong Family Winery
This itinerary was a part of WWander Walla Walla Valley Wine in the fall of 2018.
Tim & Jen Armstrong, Winemaker & Owners, Armstrong Family Winery
The Walla Walla Valley is a great place for families. Family life runs parallel to the wine community, and you can often find winemaker’s children in the vineyards or running the wineries as the second-generation proprietors. Beautiful memories and moments can be created here.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out the Armstrong Vineyard Cottage located on our farm. Located a bit outside of town, at the Vineyard Cottage, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out, slow down and relax. You can wake up early and enjoy the colors and wildlife at sunrise. If you prefer to stay downtown, we recommend the Marcus Whitman Hotel.
Photo courtesy of Maple Counter Café
8:30am
Start your day at Coffee Perk with a cup of locally roasted coffee. Then head out to Bennington Lake for an early morning hike and a chance to spend some quiet time in nature.
10:15am
After some morning exercise, grab a table for brunch at the Maple Counter Café for hand-crafted comfort cuisine. We love the quiche which changes seasonally.
12:00pm
Drive out to the Southside Wineries of the Walla Walla Valley and make an appointment at Pepper Bridge Winery for sweeping views of the Blue Mountains and classically-styled wines.
1:00pm
Take the short trip over to Brook & Bull Cellars for a tasting appointment. Winemaker Ashley Trout is doing great things with Cab Franc along with her second label, Vital Wines, which was created as a not-for-profit winery to support healthcare for local farm workers. Talk to her and the team about the program and response from Walla Walla Valley winemakers to support this cause.
Photo courtesy of Ice Burg Drive In
2:15pm
For a well-deserved afternoon treat, indulge with a classic chocolate milkshake from the Ice-Burg Drive-In. Not much has changed since the 1950’s at this cornerstone of the Walla Walla community and we love that. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for one of their crazy mash-ups like Bacon Raspberry. If you’re hungrier, grab a made-to-order cheeseburger with the works.
2:45pm
Stroll along Walla Walla’s tree-lined Main St., milkshake in hand for a little shopping at some of our favorites, Trove Home and Vintage Goods, Bright’s Candies and Book & Game Co.
4:00pm
Make an appointment at Armstrong Family Winery at our historic downtown tasting room. Enjoy tasting our current releases, hearing our stories and seeing pictures of the people and places that have been part of our story.
Armstrong Family Winery, Downtown Walla Walla
7:00pm
A day in Walla Walla would not be complete without a delicious dinner, we recommend finding a seat on the patio at Sweet Basil Pizzeria, a short walk from our tasting room. Cap off the evening back at the Vineyard Cottage or Marcus Whitman with a bite of Bright’s chocolate and a glass of wine.
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.