Washington is the second largest wine-producing region in the U.S. The Walla Walla Valley AVA has the highest concentration of wineries in Washington State. Walla Walla is one of the country’s top wine destinations, home to more than 120 wineries and more than 2,800 acres of grapes. Located on latitude 46 °, the Valley straddles the line between the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France and is widely recognized for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Merlot varietals. Anyone who goes to the walla walla valley wants to visit the best wineries. Undoubtedly, it is not easy to choose the best among 120 good wineries.
We are making a start by choosing 10 wineries. Believing that they can enter the top ten, wineries can add their businesses to this list.
Until December 31, 2021, the wineries on the list can be voted. One person can only cast one vote a day. On the 31st of December, 2021, we will have chosen the best 10 walla walla wineries of 2021 with your votes.
1. L’Ecole No. 41
One of Walla Walla's most prestigious and leading winehouses is L'Ecole. L'Ecole was established in 1983 as the third winery in the region. The Schoolhouse image, the cornerstone of the L'Ecole brand, has been the most important part of wine brands since the founding of the winery in 1983. THE SCHOOLHOUSE is located in historic Frenchtown, a small community just west of Walla Walla, Washington. Tasting is done in a class of this school. ADDRESS: L’Ecole N° 41 Winery 41 Lowden School Road Lowden, WA 99360 Phone (509)525.0940 Fax (509)525.2775 Email info@lecole.com
2. Walla Walla Vintners
OWNERS SCOTT AND NICI HALADAY
With a dream to bring their young family to Walla Walla, Scott and Nici Haladay were first introduced to Walla Walla Vintners in 2017. Already familiar with the historic winery, they were excited to get the chance to be the new stewards of the iconic red barn and Cut Bank Estate vineyard.
Longtime wine lovers, Scott comes from a technology background and Nici is a licensed nurse. While owning a winery is a departure from their previous lives, they have embraced the Walla Walla way of life. They have brought new, pioneering spirit to the legacy of the winery. Looking towards the future, they are excited to share the Walla Walla Vintners experience with all our guests.
3. Saviah Cellars
Saviah Cellars, formed in 2000 in the Walla Walla Valley ofsoutheastern Washington, is committed to craftingextraordinary wines that combine viticultural excellence withtraditional winemaking techniques. The winery strives toproduce rich, artfully balanced wines showcasing varietalcharacteristics that reflect the unique soils and climate of theWalla Walla and Columbia Valleys.Saviah Cellars' first commercial vintage was just 300 cases. Since then, the winery has grownsignificantly and in 2009 was named One of the Top 100 Wineries by Wine & Spirits Magazine, in 2010Saviah Cellars was called One of the Rising Stars in Washington by Wine Spectator and in 2013 The Jackbrand was name one of the Top Value Brands of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine.Winemaker Richard Funk and his wife, Anita, both natives of Montana, moved to Walla Walla in 1991.Saviah is a family name from Anita’s great-grandmother, a schoolteacher, artist and author, who settledin western Montana in the early 1900s. The family’s heritage is also reflected in their Star Meadowswhite wine, the location of the original family homestead; the Une Vallée red wine inspired by thecurrent family homestead called “One Valley”; and the Big Sky Cuvée in honor of their Montana roots.THE JACK family of wines, named after Saviah's husband and Anita's great-grandfather, has quicklybecome an iconic brand that over-delivers quality at a friendly price.In 2001, the Funks formed a special relationship with the Brown family, who has farmed in the WallaWalla Valley for generations, to establish a world-class estate vineyard program. Anna Marie Vineyardwas planted in 2001 followed by McClellan Estate Vineyard in 2003, both of which are the primarysources for our Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Watermill Estate Vineyard wasplanted in 2005 and in 2007 we began cultivating the Funk Estate Vineyard. Both vineyards are locatedin the southern end of the Walla Walla Valley on the alluvial soils of the ancient Walla Walla River bed,commonly referred to as "The Rocks". These sites are planted to mostly Syrah with smaller blocks ofMourvedre, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. The most recent estate planting was the Dugger CreekVineyard in 2009 which includes Grenache, Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and CabernetFranc.Saviah Cellars, located on 10 acres of land bordering the Walla Walla River, is surrounded by beautifulvineyards and benefits from scenic views of the Blue Mountains. The winery is open daily from 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
1979 JB George Road
Walla Walla, WA
info@saviahcellars.com
509.522.2181
4. Northstar Winery
Northstar, located in Walla Walla, Washington, aims to make Merlots that are considered amongthe world’s best, using fruit sourced from one of the world’s best regions for the varietal: Washingtonstate. Winemaker David “Merf” Merfeld blends New World fruit with an Old World winemaking style,influenced by Bordeaux’s “Right Bank,” to create his highly acclaimed wines. Northstar produces threewines: our flagship Columbia Valley Merlot; the limited production Walla Walla Merlot, whichshowcases local vineyards; and Stella Maris, a Columbia Valley red blend.
Northstar Winery is owned and operated by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
1736 JB George Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362
5. Long Shadows
Long Shadows offers a variety of tasting experiences in both Walla Wallaand Woodinville. Walla Walla guests are invited to visit the winery andtaste wines in the Chihuly Tasting Room, a beautifully appointed settingfeaturing glass works from internationally acclaimed artist Dale Chihuly.Guests are also welcomed in Woodinville. Reservations at both locationsare strongly encouraged. Drop-ins are welcome if the schedule allows,however, appointments are limited.
1604 Frenchtown Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362
6. Woodward Canyon Winery
Founded in 1981 by Rick Small and Darcey Fugman-Small, Woodard Canyon is the second oldest winery in the Walla Walla Valley. A pioneering Washington State winery, Woodward Canyon is known for producing consistent, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. An independent, multigenerational, family owned and operated winery, Woodward Canyon sustainably farms 41 acres of Estate Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley and sources grapes from some of the state’s most celebrated vineyards. Woodward Canyon’s tasting room is open daily, and wines are distributed both nationally and internationally.
Woodward Canyon Winery is named after Woodward Canyon, a small canyonapproximately 3 ½ miles northwest of Lowden, WA. The canyon was settled by A.P. Woodward and was named after him. Woodward Canyon is where Rick Small’s family had their home and farm, and it is now home to the Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard. Nelms Road intersects Woodward Canyon Road at the Estate Vineyard.
Owners: Rick Small, Darcey Fugman-Small, Jordan Dunn-Small, Sager Small and Kevin Mott
Winemaker: Kevin Mott
11920 W. Highway 12
Lowden, WA, 99360
7. Browne
Browne Family Vineyards is a family-owned winery committed to world-class wine production in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington. Inspired by the greatness of one man, William Bitner Browne, late grandfather of proprietor Andrew Browne, the winery is a dream that has been many years in the making.
31 E. Main Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509.522.1261
ww-tastingroom@brownefamilyvineyards.com
8. College Cellars
College Cellars of Walla Walla is a teaching winery located at the Walla Walla Institute for Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. Our wines are produced by our student winemakers. With access to cutting edge technology and training in time-honored techniques, they craft wines that express the vibrancy of the Walla Walla Valley AVA and its winemaking community.
3020 E Isaacs Ave
Walla Walla, WA. 99362
9. Dunham Cellars
Family owned and operated for 25 years, Dunham Cellars has become one of Walla Walla's most trusted and celebrated wineries. Two estate vineyards, Kenny Hill and Lewis, provide the foundation for acclaimed wines.
150 E. Boeing Ave.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
10. Eternal Wines
The Eternal Wines and Drink Washington State tasting room and winery are located at the airport incubators. These are 5 units owned by the Port of Walla Walla designed for newer wineries. We are located at 602 Piper Ave Walla Walla, WA 99362. Please call for hours as restrictions are changing on a daily basis.
602 Piper Ave,
Walla Walla, WA 99362
