Driving

  • Walla Walla is a 4.5 hour drive east of Seattle over the picturesque Snoqualmie Pass.

Flying

  • There are a number of daily flights from Seattle (SEA) to Walla Walla (ALW). It’s a short 55-minute flight and ALW is only minutes from downtown Walla Walla.

  • However, rental car options in Walla Walla are limited. The Tri-Cities airport in Richland (PSC) has additional flights and more rental car options. It is a 45-minute drive from the Richland airport to Walla Walla, and is another option for anyone who wants or needs a rental car.

  • The Finch

    A modern hotel located in the heart of Walla Walla offering a chic choice. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this charming boutique style hotel.

  • The Marcus Whitman

    The Marcus Whitman is a Walla Walla landmark, blending rich history, great service, and comfort.

  • Courtyard Marriott

    The Courtyard by Marriott is located just off historic Main Street in Walla Walla, within walking distance to multiple winery tasting rooms and restaurants. It’s where we typically stay when in town.

  • Casa Grograin

  • This modern, newly remodeled residence, has a full kitchen and outdoor patios with views of Grograin vineyards and the Blue Mountains. It’s a short drive to downtown, so best for those with a car.

  • Airbnb & Vrbo

  • For larger groups, Airbnb and Vrbo have a number of great homes in the area to rent for the weekend. We’d just recommend being near downtown Walla Walla as that is where transportation for wedding activities will be picking up/dropping off.

Brunch & Lunch

  • Graze (Good Sandwiches/Salads)

  • Bacon & Eggs (Classic Brunch)

  • Maple Counter Café (Classic Brunch - where the local go)

Dinner

  • Hattaway’s On Alder (Southern - also catering the welcome party)

  • Passatempo Taverna (Italian)

  • Brasserie Four (French)

  • TMACs (Italian-ish)

  • Saffron (Mediterranean)

  • Walla Walla Steak Company (Classic Steakhouse)

Now for the list that everyone is really here for. Walla Walla is recognized around the country as a premiere wine region with more than 130 wineries and nearly 3,000 acres of grapes. Below are wineries that we recommend grouped by area, highly recommend coming in early and snagging reservations at any of the below to get the full Walla Walla experience.

Note: Any suggestions you see with the bear icon come highly recommended from Alex’s dad, Jerry (who we lovingly refer to as Jerr Bear)

Southside Wineries

  • Alton - Wines are on the lighter side, stunning space (Restoration Hardware vibes), and is the location of the welcome party Friday night.

  • Amavi - Right across the street from Alton, this winery has incredible view of the mountains. from the patio.

  • Doubleback - This estate-focused winery is the brainchild of Drew Bledsoe. Yes, as in the former NFL Patriots quarterback and WSU legend, Drew Bledsoe. Following his retirement, he decided to “doubleback” to his hometown of Walla Walla. Gorgeous space, small and intimate tastings. (Jerry almost became best friends with Drew until Carol mentioned her sons attending Oregon…)

  • Grosgrain – Boho space focusing on lighter wines and a lot of sparkling options.

  • Kinhaven – Small lot wines in a modern space.

  • Pepper Bridge - One of the Walla Walla OGs, big Cabs. If harvest is underway (which is around this time of year), this is great place to sit on the deck and observe.

  • Revelry – Bright and relaxed space with outdoor seating. Good wine, heavy pours (you’ve been warned).

  • Va Piano - Gonzaga alum, tasting room gives Tuscan villa vibes.

  • Valdemar – Situated right next to Amavi. They focus on Spanish wines and tapas. Beautiful large, modern space with a great view and terrace.

Eastside Wineries

  • Bledsoe McDaniels – Drew’s latest venture with long-time business partner and winemaker Josh McDaniels. Great pinots, intimate tasting experience. If John is your host, he is incredibly knowledgeable of the Walla Walla wine industry, so pick his brain.

  • Echolands - Brand new addition to the area, modern design, has stunning views of the mountains and wheat fields, but wine is just ok.

  • Figgins - From the Leonetti family (Walla Walla legends), wine is great, but unlike Leonetti’s you can actually get in for a tasting.

Downtown Wineries

  • Bledsoe Family - This is Drew Bledsoe’s entry level winery with a large variety of wines available.

  • Mark Ryan - Conveniently located downtown and open later than most tasting rooms.

Westside Wineries

  • Gramercy - Industrial space, great wine, especially known for their Rose.

  • Long Shadows - Cool concept winery where they bring in different winemakers to collaborate, so you never know exactly what you’re going to get.

  • The Walls - Everyone who works in the industry has this place high on their list.

Oregon Wineries (10-15 in from Walla Walla)

  • Force Majeure - Great wine, but limited tastings unless you’re on Jerry’s good side.