The Walla Walla valley is filled with world class wines and is becoming known as the new Napa Valley. This region of wineries is one of the most remote in all of Washington State nestled among the Walla Walla valley approximately five hours from Seattle located on the western side of the state. The Walla Walla wineries lie in both Washington and Oregon due to the proximity of the state line border. The winery region expands from the far southeast corner of Washington State to the northeaster tip of Oregon. When it comes to Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, the Walla Walla wineries are setting the standard for Northwest winemaking.
Geologists in the area have determined that approximately 15,000 years ago there were periodic failures of giant sized ice dams that caused glacier outbursts approximately every 35 to 55 years. As a result, large volumes of water escaped from behind the dams and burst through, creating channels and pot holes in the landscape. Immense flooding occurred and is documented as some of the largest floods in geological history. When the water resided, ponds of water remained and fine slack water sediments were left behind. This process set the stage for some of the most optimal winegrowing regions in the northwest if not the entire United States.
The wineries of Walla Walla continue to grow in number. In 1999, there were 800 vineyard acres and by 2001, the acreage had increased to 1,200. Today there are nearly 100 wineries that call Walla Walla Valley Appellation their home. Walking down the eclectic and unique Main Street of Walla Walla, visitors will see at least one winery nestled into shops on every block. Venture out of the city just a few miles and visitors will find a winery scattered among wheat field every mile or so.
One of the most popular Walla Walla area winery is L'Ecole No. 41, located at 41 Lowden School Road, approximately 15 minutes from Walla Walla along Highway 12. L'Ecole is French for the word school, and the winery began production in 1983 in the basement of an old 1915 schoolhouse. The winery's expansion over the years has been great, and today produces 35,000 cases annually. The winery is open to the public for touring and wine tasting seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on all major holidays. L'Ecole produces Semillon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Apogee & Perigee (red wine blends), Luminesce (white wine blends), and late harvest Semillon; all wines that grow optimally in the Walla Walla winery region.
The region caters to the wine tour circuit. As a result, visitors will find ample lodging and wine bars scattered throughout the Walla Walla region. Some of the area's wine bars and wine shops include The Bar @ 26brix located on Main Street, Vintage Cellars Wine Bar located on North Second Street, The Vineyard Lounge found at the Marcus Whitman Hotel on West Rose Street, and the Walla Walla Wine Depot found on Second Street.
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