Vinea is a network of winegrowers united by environmentally friendly and socially responsible growing practices. This tour will highlight four vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley appellation.
At each stop we will be joined by Vinea members who will describe the growing techniques, grape varietals grown, and the terroir effect of wine made from the fruit on each of their vineyards. We’ll learn of Vinea’s dedication to sustainability and its project to develop a certification program tailored specifically to the Walla Walla Valley.
We’ll begin at the Walla Walla Community College Viticulture and Enology Center, with a focus on Mill Creek vineyards that are grown in deep loess soils with annual precipitation that minimizes the need for irrigation. We will also hear about the College’s Viticulture Program.
Next, we’ll go to Sevein where we will enjoy lunch with WWCC College Cellar wine at the gazebo in this vineyard complex, with a view from the most southern edge of the Walla Walla Valley. Here we find variable thicknesses of loess soils on basalt, with the basalt sub-layer providing intriguing terroir effects on the wine.
After, we will visit the Rocks of Milton-Freewater: the new appellation within the Walla Walla Valley appellation, where we will hear of how a new appellation is established and why it is called “The Rocks.” And learn about the growing techniques and grape varietals specific to The Rocks.
The tour will end at Pepper Bridge, where we will learn about the mix of soil types in this Stateline area, and how the acreage support vineyards. We’ll learn about how climate affects this growing area, including potential winter damage.
Transportation and wine (3 glasses) are included. For more information about this event, please contact Lauren Platman at lauren@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
Photo by Greg Lehman
Suitability: Ages 21 and up, welcome.
Difficulty: Involves walking and standing for long periods of time.
What's included?
Transportation & Wine Tastings (3 glasses)
Things to Bring
Lunch, water, hat, and Camera.
This event is made possible by the generous support of the Inland Family Dentistry.