It’s not a stretch to say that mid-January is not the ideal time of year to drive over the mountain passes to Walla Walla for a weekend of wine tasting. But fortunately, you don’t have to cross the state to taste some Walla Walla wineries. Here’s an itinerary for a virtual visit to Walla Walla – right here in Woodinville.
You can start of in the Hollywood District at àMaurice Cellars, an intimate tasting room tucked in next door to Purple Cafe and Wine Bar. Family owned and operated, the àMaurice Estate vineyard is ideally situated on 20 acres in Walla Walla. Their wines pair well with food and consistently earn stellar reviews. Case in point: The 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon “Owl and Crown” earned 96 points from The Wine Advocate.
After àMaurice, head north to the Warehouse District and check out Five Star Cellars. Many of the wines they are pouring are aged a few years so they are quite drinkable right now. A fan favorite is their Sangiovese, a true example of this Italian classic.
Wrap up your tasting tour at Tertulia Cellars (named after the Spanish word meaning “a social gathering of friends”). Their Woodinville tasting room – which was built from the ground up just a few years ago – has a modern yet warm and welcoming vibe. One wine that is a must-try (and probably, a must-buy!) is their Carménère. This varietal is often associated with Chile but is popping up more and more in Washington, usually as a blending grape. Tertulia Cellars is one of the few places where you will find a 100% Carménère wine.
And why not turn your day into an overnight staycation? Book a room at the new Hampton Inn in Woodinville and you can just saunter across the Tertulia parking lot and check in for a relaxing stay close to home!