The Desert Ski & Snowboard Club Announces
Walla Walla Wine Weekend
July 1-2, 2023
$200 per person (double occupancy)
$275 (single occupancy)
20 People Maximum
Reach the point of extraordinary in Walla Walla, where wine, culture, and the beauty of the outdoors meet. Around every corner is a perfect restaurant, ideal tasting room, or must-have purchase. Recognized among the finest wine regions in the nation, Walla Walla features more than 130 wineries and nearly 3,000 acres of grapes that welcome you to taste. These robust, exceptional flavors come with a refreshingly relaxed come-as-you-are attitude.
Social Events:
- Wine tasting at four of Walla Walla’s premier wineries
- Gourmet lunch / charcuterie served with your first wine tasting
- Appetizers catered by Cedar Rain mid-afternoon at your third tasting
- Dinner on your own at one of Walla Walla’s many highly rated restaurants
Transportation:
Accomodations:
Wine Tasting (All fees and gratuity are included)
- Woodward Canyon, Lowden, WA
- House of Smith
- Dama Wines
- Proper Wines / House of Bones
Detailed Itinerary
The Desert Ski club is taking a trip to Walla Walla on July 1, 2023. We will be carpooling to Walla Walla, making a stop in Lowden, WA on our way, before continuing into downtown Walla Walla where we will park our cars and take a walking wine-tasting tour. All wineries will be providing a set tasting of 5-6 wines, including both white and red selections. Lunch and appetizers will be provided. Following the wine tour, members are free to explore the various restaurants, breweries, shops and bars of Walla Walla before walking back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. Following is a detailed itinerary for this trip:
Saturday, July 1, 2023
11:00 AM – Meet at Woodward Canyon, 11920 West Highway 12, Lowden, WA
11:00 AM - We will begin our tour at Woodward Canyon, in Lowden, WA at 11 AM. Woodward Canyon is one of the oldest wineries in Walla Walla, with the first vineyard planted in 1977. The winery has consistently produced premium, age-worthy cabernet sauvignons, Bordeaux-style blends and merlots as well as a few white wines. There we will taste five to six wines while enjoying gourmet charcutier, salad, and desert outdoor in the shady lawn behind the winery.
12:20 Depart for Best Western Plus, 7 E Oak Street, Walla Walla (Check-in in the evening following the wine tour)
12:45 Depart Best Western parking lot and walk ~.6 miles into downtown.
1:00 PM - First up on our walking tour will be House of Smith located in a converted old auto-repair warehouse where we’ll be poured a select tasting of six wines composed of a mix of white and red wines that we will enjoy in the comfort of their air-conditioned facility. Many of their wines – too many to list here -- have been rated over 90 points by Wine Advocate and other esteemed organizations.
2:20 PM – walk to next winery
2:30 PM – Dama Wines, which is proud to be a woman-owned winery, embodies the spirit of pioneering women who have inspired passion, creativity, and positive change. The perfect place to gather and celebrate, you will delight in the chic tasting room and the award-winning wines and enjoy a catered mid-afternoon appetizer.
4:00 PM - We will finish our wine tour with a private tasting at Proper/ House of Bones Tasting Lounge. Over ten years ago the founders of Proper Wines set out to produce wines that are Rhone in character while showcasing the uniqueness of the Walla Walla Valley and its 6-acre estate vineyard in the Rocks District. From day one they’ve aligned themselves with the land, farmers, and winemaking styles that are most in tune with this philosophy and approach. In 2018 Proper Wines merged with Rotie Cellars to become a strong force within The Rocks District of the Walla Walla Valley.
5:30 – Best Western Plus Hotel Check-in. Guests will be able to check-in at their leisure; room assignments will be made in advance. Best Western may require guests to provide a credit card to have on file for incidentals.
5:30 PM - Dinner on your own. There is a large variety of highly rated places to choose from, including Brasserie Four (French), Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, Walla Walla Steak Company, El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant, Walla Walla Indian Cuisine, and many others. Most are fairly small establishments and will be busy on the weekend. Advanced reservations recommended.
Sunday, July 2, 2023
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM – Continental breakfast included at the hotel. Alternatively, there are several good breakfast spots in Walla Walla. Again, they will be busy so make your reservations in advance.
Explore the many eateries, shops, and activities that Walla Walla has to offer on your own.
Trip includes:
- One night lodging in the heart of Walla Walla. All downtown wineries, restaurants, bars, and shopping within walking distance.
- Wine tasting fees for four of Walla Walla’s best wineries including gratuity and tax, each pouring 5 to 6 wines (all include white and red selections)
- Gourmet lunch
- Afternoon appetizers
- Club Express fees
** Contact the Trip Leader if you need help with carpooling arrangements