Exploring Walla Walla Wineries and Wine Tours: A Veteran-Owned Twist
Nestled in the southeastern region of Washington State, Walla Walla is known not only for its historic roots and charming small-town vibe but also for its world-renowned wine. With over 120 wineries, this picturesque valley has become a premier destination for wine lovers from across the globe. Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or a casual enthusiast, Walla Walla offers a wide variety of wine experiences, including tastings, tours, and vineyard visits. Among these, a growing number of veteran-owned wineries are making their mark, crafting exceptional wines with a story of service and dedication behind each bottle.
This article will guide you through some of the best wineries and wine tours in Walla Walla, WA, while shining a spotlight on three veteran-owned wineries—Smoky Rose Cellars, Aluve, and Los Rocosos Vineyards—that add a special touch of history and character to the valley's vibrant wine scene.
Wine Tasting in Walla Walla: A Journey for the Senses
The rolling hills and fertile soil of Walla Walla make it an ideal region for producing a wide variety of grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Syrah, Merlot, and more. Many wineries in the area offer immersive wine tasting experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy the distinct flavors and profiles of locally produced wines while soaking in the breathtaking views of vineyards stretching across the horizon.
Most wineries in Walla Walla offer a combination of tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and special events, including food pairings, winemaker dinners, and even behind-the-scenes production tours. For the ultimate wine experience, consider booking a guided wine tour that takes you to several of the area's top wineries, complete with transportation and expert guidance on the local wine culture.
Veteran-Owned Wineries: Honoring Service Through Exceptional Wines
Several wineries in Walla Walla are veteran-owned, bringing a unique perspective to the region’s wine scene. Veterans in winemaking often carry the discipline, dedication, and precision learned during their military careers into the art of viticulture, creating wines that reflect their personal journeys and commitment to excellence.
Here are four outstanding veteran-owned wineries you won’t want to miss:
Smoky Rose Cellars
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Smoky Rose Cellars offers a refined and elegant selection of wines that have quickly gained attention from both locals and visitors alike. The winery produces small-batch, hand-crafted wines that focus on capturing the essence of the Walla Walla terroir. Founded by a team that includes a military veteran, Smoky Rose Cellars exemplifies the craftsmanship and dedication that come from a life of service.
The tasting room provides an intimate setting to sample their bold reds and balanced whites, making it a must-stop for anyone looking to experience boutique, high-quality wines. Be sure to ask the team about the story behind the winery’s name and their commitment to blending tradition with innovation in each bottle.
Aluve
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Aluve is a veteran-owned and operated winery that takes pride in the handcrafted wines they produce. Co-owned by a former Air Force pilot and his wife, the winery’s mission is to bring precision, care, and creativity to every bottle. Their unique name, Aluve, is a combination of the word "Alouette," which refers to a military helicopter, and "Vino," representing their passion for wine.
Visitors to Aluve can enjoy a curated tasting of their wines in an intimate setting, often with the opportunity to hear personal stories from the owners about their time in the service and how it influenced their winemaking journey. Their award-winning wines have earned rave reviews for their bold flavors and exquisite craftsmanship.
Deux Soldats Estate Vineyard
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When we retired from the Army, we started our next adventure with a family owned, sustainably farmed wine estate. With vines imported from France that we lovingly tended, small lots were selected for this premier wine. Eric and Ruthann Haider met while serving in the US Army. Shortly after meeting, Ruthann was stationed in Washington D.C. while Eric was attending post-graduate studies in Monterey, California. Long distance dating ensued and each time Ruthann flew out to visit Eric, they would head north to Napa Valley. An oft remembered discussion while sipping wine and walking through the vineyards was…”wouldn’t it be great if”…
Los Rocosos Vineyards
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Los Rocosos Vineyards, across the Washington border in Oregon, owned by veteran Roger Lemstrom, is another hidden gem in the Walla Walla Valley. After serving in the military, Lemstrom transitioned into winemaking, where he now channels the same dedication and attention to detail into crafting some of the region’s most unique wines.
During the week, visitors can meet Roger himself at the vineyard, located just outside of Walla Walla, where he offers personal tastings and insights into his winemaking process. If you're visiting on the weekend, you can find him at his tasting room in downtown Milton-Freewater, a short drive from Walla Walla. Los Rocosos is known for its rich reds and flavorful blends that perfectly encapsulate the unique climate and soil of the area.
SPECIAL NOTE: Veterans Memorial Golf Course
If you travel to Walla Walla, you may want to also take advantage of the sunshine and get a round or two of golf in. Set within the breathtaking tranquility of the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Veterans Memorial Golf Course captures the true essence of Southeastern Washington Golf more than any other. From the first tee, Veterans Memorial Golf Course serves up a visual and dynamic feast. Players are treated to an ever-changing landscape of 18 different golf holes, each with its own individual character and spectacular view.
Each hole has been carefully designed to challenge the strategy of the expert golfer, at the same time with 3 tees to choose from it keeps from intimidating the beginner.
The course is part of the Veterans Memorial Park, Walla Walla’s living memorial to the Veteran’s of all wars. Course open for play in 1948.
NearWallaWalla.com
A newcomer to the Walla Walla Valley, www.NearWallaWalla.com launches soon and will be a premier location that you can find all of the wineries, wine tours and attractions in the area. Each will be featured with a listing detailing the business. An events section will highlight events in the valley. Built by Veteran owned agency Discover Maestro, the premier directory website builder nationwide for cities, counties, military bases and shopping plazas, this platform will be a defining online location featuring the Walla Walla Valley.
Wine Tours in and Around Walla Walla
To fully immerse yourself in the Walla Walla wine scene, consider booking a guided wine tour. Local tour companies offer packages that range from half-day excursions to multi-day experiences. These tours often include transportation, making it easy for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride between wineries. Some companies also offer customizable tours based on your preferences, whether you're interested in exploring veteran-owned wineries, discovering hidden gems, or sampling specific types of wine.
For those who prefer to explore on their own, many wineries in Walla Walla also welcome self-guided visitors. It's a good idea to call ahead, as smaller wineries may require reservations or have specific hours for tastings.
Walla Walla, WA, is a premier destination for wine enthusiasts, offering a blend of tradition, innovation, and personal stories that make each winery visit special. Veteran-owned wineries like Smoky Rose Cellars, Aluve, and Los Rocosos Vineyards not only contribute to the exceptional quality of Walla Walla wines but also provide a meaningful connection to the military community.
Whether you're a seasoned wine aficionado or a casual sipper, exploring the wineries of Walla Walla is an unforgettable experience, rich with flavor, history, and hospitality. So the next time you’re planning a wine getaway, make sure to include these veteran-owned gems on your itinerary.