Walla Walla and the Airport Wine Incubator
Come Explore the Many Tastes of Walla Walla
If you enjoy discovering the tastes of Washington, head over to Walla Walla in the southeastern part of the state. This American Viticultural Area (AVA) is distinct from the other wine-growing regions of Eastern Washington because it is cooler and wetter. Its many terroirs help make it possible. From down in the rocks where Syrah and Grenache vineyards show off their high-level personalities or under the blue mountains where Cab Franc vineyards sing sweet, sweet beautiful music. There is no other region that is this diverse at this high altitude.
Over 50 Wineries, Vineyards, and Tasting Rooms!
Come savor the flavors of the region. If you would like to sample wines by some of the state’s newest winemakers, check out the Incubator in the Airport District. This project, established in 2000 with the help of Washington State and Port of Walla Walla grants, was originally conceived of as a way to provide opportunities for graduates of the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture program. It provides five start-up wineries, stand-alone production facilities, and tasting rooms where they develop and grow their business for up to six years. Currently (July 2022), the incubator is home to Smak Wines, Hoquetus Wine Company, itä wines, Golden Ridge Cellars, and Eternal Wines. The Incubator offers more than just wine tasting. Stop by Eternal Wine Thursday nights all summer to enjoy their Thursday Night Lights Concert & Food Truck Series.
A Time to Stretch and Relax
Walla Walla is home to more than just great wines and beers. If you want to enjoy the outdoors after you are done tasting wine, cross the highway to the Bennington Lake Recreation Area/Rook Park. This large oasis on the edge of town has a stocked lake, paths, picnic tables and shelters, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and open fields where you can play ball.
If you want to learn something about the region, check out the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, just west of town. This history park, site of the 1847 Whitman “Massacre” that horrified Americans and impacted the lives of the peoples of the Columbia Plateau for decades afterwards, provides different perspectives on the event.
And There’s More…!
Near the Airport Incubator, there are two great breweries that offer outdoor seating. Quirk Brewing has an eclectic and always changing tap list, and Burwood Brewing offers live music and is home to the Agapa's Mexican Cravings food truck, so you can get a bite with your brew. If spirits are more your thing, check out the Walla Walla Distilling Company that uses all local ingredients (tastings by appointment only).
If you want to taste some of the local produce and browse arts and crafts, Walla Walla is home to two farmers markets. The Downtown Farmers Market takes place Saturday from 9am-1pm, and Lions Park is home to the College Place Farmers & Artisan Market 4-7pm on Thursday. You can also stop off at the Kicker’s Berries and Antiques, a local favorite farm stand that is particularly famous for its strawberries.
