I really enjoyed my visit to Walla Walla and was impressed by most of what I saw during my time there. The downtown has been beautifully restored with a lot of cool little retail shops, the have an impressively diverse restaurant scene, and at least a dozen tasting rooms located within walking distance of each other.

The gem of the downtown district is the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, which is home to a restuaurant, lounge and tasting rooms for several local wineries. Most of the downtown action is a direct result of wine tourism and business travel by those associated with the wine industry.

I'll be writing a more detailed review of my time in Wala Walla in an upcoming print edition of The Vindicator. Here's a look at five of the wineries I visited during my time there:

1. Spring Valley Winery - Downtown Tasting Room

2012 Uriah Red Blend

2011 Nina Lee Syrah

2012 Frederick Corkrum Cabernet

2. Seven Hills Winery - Downtown Tasting Room

2014 Dry Rose'

2012 Petite Verdot

2012 Ciel Cu Cheval Vineyard Red Blend

3. Amavi Cellars Winery

2012 Cabernet

2011 Syrah

2013 Cabernet Franc Rose'

4. Pepper Bridge Winery - Tour and Tasting with Managing Partner Norm McKibben

2012 Cabernet

2012 Merlot

2011 "Trine" Bordeaux Style Red Blend

5. Tamarack Cellars - Lunch with Winemaker Danny Gordon and Marketing Director Katie Sadler

1. 2012 Cabernet

2. 2011 Syrah

3. 2013 Viognier

It was a special privilege to spend time with Mr. Norm Mckibben who started Pepper Bridge as Washington's fourth winery two decades ago. McKibben is considered a pioneer and key leader in the evolution of the Washington wine industry. You can hear more from my extensive interview with Mr. McKibbenn in print soon!