Discover Mill Creek & the Eastside District
An itinerary with recommendations from Kelly & JJ Menozzi, Winemakers & Owners at ALUVÉ.
This itinerary was a part of WWander Walla Walla Valley Wine in the fall of 2017.
JJ & Kelly Menozzi, Owners & Winemakers, ALUVÉ
On the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley, you will find Mill Creek – a tributary to the Walla Walla River, which eventually flows into the Columbia River. Waters from the near by Blue Mountains flow down into Walla Walla via this waterway and rain is more common on this side of the Valley, which allows vineyards to be dry farmed. Around Mill Creek, you will find the wineries of the Eastside district of the Walla Walla Valley. At these wineries, you can enjoy wines, and vineyard and mountain views at once.
Spend your weekend getaway in Walla Walla at The Barn B&B—reservations include an amazing breakfast and be sure to check out their Thursday night dinner service!
Bennington Lake
Morning
Get an early start to your morning with an invigorating run, walk or bike at Bennington Lake to enjoy the fall colors before your delicious breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast, take a stroll downtown to visit some of the local tasting rooms and shop at the many unique stores. Trove Home and Vintage Goods is one of our favorite local stores on Main Street. And you might want to walk west to explore the Downtown Walla Walla Farmer’s Market bounty—after all, October is the last month that the farmers market is open!
Afternoon
Drive west to Cugini Italian Imports and Deli to pick-up a picnic lunch to enjoy during your afternoon wine-tasting adventure (the paninis are out of this world!).
Photo courtesy of Cuigini Italian Imports
Walla Walla Vintners
Visit several of the Eastside wineries on Mill Creek Road, nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Mountains, with over 100 combined acres of spectacular vineyards. Savor sophisticated estate-grown wine, and enjoy your picnic lunch on the patio at ALUVÉ with a tasting. Afterwards, make a visit to neighboring winery Walla Walla Vintners and enjoy great wines in the midst of vineyards. Be sure to make tasting appointments before setting out!
On your way back into town, be sure to stop for a tasting appointment at College Cellars, a working winery that trains the next generation of winemakers and viticulturists from the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture Program. Taste one of the most diverse, award-winning and affordable wine lineups in town, and leave knowing your purchase supports the future of the Walla Walla Valley wine industry.
Prospice Wines tasting room
For your last stop, make an appointment with Prospice Wines, located in the Airport District. They are one of the best new wineries in town!
Evening
Return to your room at The Barn B&B for a bit of rest before going to dinner at Brasserie Four or Hattaway’s on Alder—both offer amazing cuisine!
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.