WINE TASTING IN WALLA WALLA

We headed south to Walla Walla after, yet another great breakfast at our B&B, but then, isn't that why we stay at these places? From Newport it was a 3 1/2 hour drive, with nothing much for scenery. Craig & I have driven this road many times going to our company Yard in Spokane. It wasn't until we took Highway 12 into Walla Walla that you really began to see the vineyards and agricultural areas of this valley.

We found the Abeja Winery and Inn which is our home for two nights. The picture on the right shows our view from the living room of our cottage we are staying in. The Locust suite is an 840 square foot cottage which was named for the fragrant trees that grow just outside the front door. The main living area retrains its original paneling, where upon close examination, we found the mechanical repair history of the farm's early machinery. This cottage has a kitchen, slate floors throughout, and reflects a den-like atmosphere. Perfect for Craig and I.

The winery name, Abeja, is Spanish for for bee. Their main focus of production is Cabernet Sauvignon. We were fortunate enough to meet up with the winemaker for some wine tasting Tuesday afternoon. To hear the winemaker himself explain about the growing of the grapes, and the process to get it to our wine glasses was quite a treat. You could tell from the way he talked that he loved what he did. Might I add that the wines were very tasty.

Monday afternoon we met up with a realtor who showed Mike and Cori some homes with property that were for sale in the area. After a few hours the last one he showed was a parcel of 10 acres on a bluff overlooking the valley. If I was a betting person, but wait, I am, I would say this particular piece of land caught their eye. Plus it gives them an opportunity to build a home perfect for their family on it. Time will tell if I am right or not.


Monday evening we ventured into the downtown which has begun to develop again into a thriving area with quaint stores and restaurants. I think we had our most decadent meal to date at 26 Brix. The food, service, and atmosphere were fantastic. Definitely a place I would return to enjoy an evening out.


Tuesday we spent the day driving around Walla Walla and going to a couple of wineries. We found out that Walla Walla still retains its small town atmosphere, as the server in the tasting room knew everyone from the realtor to the innkeeper at the Inn we were staying at. We then decided we would buy some cheese, bread, and take and bake pizza to enjoy in our cottage. It also was nice being able to relax and enjoy our accommodations. Since the Inn's satellite TV received an East coast feed, we enjoyed watching American Idol and a few other shows 3 hours earlier. Let's just say, being able to enjoy some wine, without the worries of driving, made the evening that much more enjoyable.

It will be sad to have to leave this beautiful winery and Inn, but Leavenworth is calling, or should I say, yodeling for our arrival. So with a heavy heart we say Auf Wiedersehen , but know we will return again some day.