Walla Walla, Washington is a wine lover's vacation spot that is easily overlooked. Is it really worth the trip?

What makes Walla Walla worthy of a long drive from the big cities of Seattle or Portland is magnificent red wine, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Many other varietals do well here, but it is chocolaty, silky reds that have wine lovers enthralled. According to the Washington Wine Commission, the state is the second largest producer of wine in the USA.

Foodie Delights

Weekends are busy so dinner reservations are highly recommended.

Creek Town Café

Bistro. Northwest cuisine. Home made desserts. Lunch and Dinner.

Whitehouse-Crawford

Fine-dining. Northwest cuisine. Historic downtown building. Dinner only.

Saffron

Mediterranean bistro. Lively atmosphere. Downtown. Lunch and Dinner.

Luscious by Nature

Renovated downtown gas station. Open all day or get it to go.

Sleep it Off

Make downtown your base of operations. There are a variety of lodging options but the best-known is the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Restored in 1999, the Whitman was built in 1928. The brick facade and lobby retain the charm of a bygone era, however modern rooms and amenities are available.

Divide and Conquer

Including downtown, there are five major wine-tasting areas. Don’t try to visit them all. Pick up a free map produced by the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance and plan your tour.

West of Walla Walla

On Highway 12 wineries dot both sides of the road including:

Woodward Canyon Winery

Along with Leonetti Cellars, owner Rick Small at Woodward Canyon is one of Walla Walla’s wine pioneers. Bordeaux-style wines in a renovated farmhouse tasting room.

L’Ecole No. 41

A 1915 schoolhouse, beautifully restored. Busy tasting room can get crowded, but chalk is provided to doodle on the tasting bar while you wait.

Three Rivers Winery

Modern, with a well-stocked gift shop. Broad range of wines. Not thirsty? Play the three-hole golf course or have a picnic on the deck.

Downtown Walla Walla

Enjoy the outlying areas first, return to downtown and park the car. Walk the broad, tree-lined streets and take your pick of interesting shops, tasting rooms, wine bars and cafes.

East of Walla Walla

Head east along Mill Creek Road.

Á Maurice Cellars and Walla Walla Vintners – Gordy Venneri at Walla Walla Vintners makes juicy Cabernet and Merlot at moderate prices. Directly across the lane, newcomer Á Maurice Cellars has a more French-style focus.

K Vintners

Big, teeth-staining Syrahs. Owner-winemaker Charles Smith was a rock-n-roll band manager in his previous life. An interesting visit right down to the restroom decor.

Walla Walla Municipal Airport

Wineries at the airport? Within a few blocks are no less than a dozen small wineries, housed in funky WWII-era buildings.

Dunham Cellars

Winemaker-chef-artist Eric Dunham handcrafts opulent wines. Look for Port, the three-legged dog and namesake of Three Legged Red, a value-priced red blend.

Buty Winery

No, it is pronounced Beauty. Nina Buty-Foster and husband Caleb Foster are young, passionate and dedicated to making great wine.

South of Walla Walla

Driving south from Walla Walla you may suddenly find yourself in Oregon. Actually, the wine appellation designated as Walla Walla includes a swath of grapes grown in Oregon.

Pepper Bridge Winery

Larger winery with a focus on Cabernet and Merlot. Highly rated wines can be hard to get.

Rulo Winery and Isenhower Cellars – Next door to each other. Broad selection of affordable, enjoyable wines.