MikeL's Guide to WA Wineries

> Subject: Washington Wineries
> Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1998 18:06:39 +0200
>
> Hi Mike.
>
> I will be travelling from Spokane through Walla Walla and Yakima in
> June/July.
> Do you have any tips and tricks regarding visiting wineries in these
> districts?
>
> Thank you in advance.
>
> Ole Soholm Jensen
> Denmark

The problem with Walla Walla wineries, is that many of them are only open two weekends per year. If you're already going to be in that area, then that's the way it is, just go see those that are open. If you're going to be going out of your way to go to that area for wineries, I'd recommend you rethink your trip -- you might want to stick with the Yakima Valley. This is also true of Spokane -- though most of them are open, there's not that many, and their ain't much else there!

In Walla Walla, you'll have Woodward Canyon, L'Ecole No. 41, Waterbrook, Canoe Ridge, and Patrick M. Paul. (Leonetti is not open -- I've never been there.) While at L'Ecole, if the fellow you're talking to is Eric Dunham, he's the cellarmaster, and is starting his own winery named "Dunham" -- be sure to talk to him about it. Patrick M. Paul is a tiny outfit, open weekends only. Waterbrook used to be an excellent winery for value -- very good wines at a great price, but their prices have gone up lately. You should be able to visit all these in one day.

You can try sending email to the folks at Glen Fiona, Walla Walla Vintners, and Seven Hills Cellars and ask for appts. All three make excellent wines, and are worthwhile if they can make time for you.

In Spokane, you can visit Arbor Crest, Latah Creek, Caterina, Knipprath, and Wordens. Latah Creek is easy to get to, and the more expensive wines are worthwhile. Arbor Crest is worthwhile just for the view and building grounds alone! Caterina makes lovely wines, and Knipprath has a fabulous selection. I didn't make it to Wordens this trip, and it's been many years since I've been there, but I recall their wines being a bit simple. You can visit all of these in a day.

Lastly, you can try sending email to the folks at Mt. Dome for an appt. It's an incredible family run winery, with wonderful charcater and they specialize in champagnes. Don't get your hopes up though, they're really busy...

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