This is one of my favorite times of year to live in Walla Walla: harvest. The energy in the valley is unmistakable. Crews are in the vineyards before sunrise, winery lights glow late into the night, and nearly every conversation revolves around the same questions: When does picking start? What does the weather look like? Will the frost hold off just a little longer?
Winemakers and their teams may be running on little sleep, but it’s a rewarding kind of exhaustion. When I taste a Syrah from The Rocks District perhaps from Christophe Baron’s Cayuse or a Les Collines Vineyard Syrah from Drew Pauk at Moonbase Cellars , I’m reminded of the care, knowledge, and perseverance behind each glass. The vineyard crews, in particular, never cease to impress me. Their ability to work long hours in every condition, with such precision and dedication, is truly remarkable.
Harvest is also when the sense of community shines most clearly. Many wineries welcome extra hands during these weeks, sorting fruit at Sleight of Hand with Trey Busch and Keith Johnson, lending support at Hoquetus with Robert Gomez, or helping with crush and cleanup. The work is demanding, but the reward is a deeper understanding of winemaking and a stronger connection to the people who make it possible.
Evenings often lead me to The Thief Fine Wine Shop, where locals gather to exchange stories from the vineyards and cellars. The conversations are filled with both excitement and fatigue, a reflection of the season’s intensity. It’s one of the best ways to feel the pulse of Walla Walla during harvest.
And then, almost as quickly as it begins, harvest winds down. The valley grows quiet, and wineries take a much-needed pause before preparing to do it all again next year. But the spirit of harvest lingers, carried in every barrel, bottle, and glass shared throughout the months ahead.
Closing Note: If you’ve ever thought about experiencing Walla Walla, harvest is the perfect time. The town is vibrant, the wineries are full of energy, and it’s a season that shows the heart of our community. If you’d like to roll up your sleeves and be part of it, reach out, I’d be glad to help connect you with a winery that could use an extra hand. It’s an unforgettable way to experience wine from the inside out.