Distance from downtown Seattle:
270 miles; 4 hours, 30 minutes

At the foot of the Blue Mountains in the southeastern corner of Washington lies Walla Walla Valley, one of our state’s most well known wine regions. Walla Walla (a Native American term for “many waters”) is nourished by waters streaming down from the mountains, which provide irrigation for the valley’s grapevines, fruit orchards, and farms. This lush valley is sprouting wineries and growing grapes so quickly that it’s hard to keep up, but the latest stats say there are close to 100 wineries and over 1,600 acres of vineyards. Walla Walla. Surprise, surprise.

Visit the Family Vineyards
Just 12 miles northeast of Walla Walla among the picturesque wheat fields of the Corkrum-Derby homestead lies Spring Valley Vineyard, a true Washington estate winery. The family’s wines are made right here, where they live and where they grow their own fruit, on land that has been in the family for five generations. Today, Spring Valley Vineyard is planted with 115 acres of varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The wines reflect the distinctive character of this land and are named in honor of the family’s ancestors. Perhaps the winery’s biggest honor, however, is that its flagship wine, Uriah, has been on Wine Spectator’s list of “Top 100 Wines in the World” four times in its eight-vintage history.

Follow the North Star of Merlot
Southeast of Walla Walla lies Northstar. The name says it all. This winery is a guiding light whose sole goal is producing “the best Merlot on the planet.” Northstar’s grapes are chosen from nearly two dozen vineyard blocks around the Columbia Valley, a majority of which are over 15 years old. Combining the art of old-world winemaking with new-world innovation, Northstar has helped put Washington on the map as one of the world’s most acclaimed Merlot-producing regions. “Washington is one of the most exciting wine regions in the world,” says winemaker David Merfeld, “and Washington Merlot is the purest expression of our unique terroir.” For an interesting comparison, try Northstar’s two flagship Merlots, Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley.

Get Schooled on Winemaking
On your way out of town, stop at L’Ecole N° 41 in the historic 1915 Frenchtown Schoolhouse. Founded in 1983, L’Ecole is one of Washington state’s pioneering artisan wineries. Ring the school bell then enter the charming tasting room with original chalkboards announcing new releases from their Walla Walla Valley Estate Seven Hills Vineyard. Taste award-winning wines and record your notes in chalk on the slate tasting bar. But it’s not all fun and games here—they take winemaking very seriously! L’Ecole was recognized by Wine & Spirits as Winery of the Year in its 2010 Annual Buying Guide. L’Ecole has won this award, given to only 100 wineries in the world, eight consecutive years, earning the winery a permanent place in Wine & Spirits’ Hall of Fame.

Treat your Taste Buds
Located just off the hotel’s historic lobby, The Marc Restaurant features creative and inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine. Executive chef Bear Ullman has built The Marc Restaurant’s excellent reputation by highlighting Walla Walla Valley’s profusion of locally grown and organic fruits, vegetables, and Certified Angus Beef, and wild Pacific seafood, paired with the awardwinning Washington wine list.

Relish in Classic Comfort
The Marcus Whitman Hotel opened in 1928—the most luxurious hotel for miles around. Located in the heart of historic downtown Walla Walla, this beautifully renovated hotel features modern conveniences and old-world elegance.