The Art of Wine Tasting : A Walla Walla Adventure

Welcome to the Walla Walla Valley—a little slice of wine paradise nestled in
southeastern Washington. Whether you’re new to wine or you’ve already got a few
vintages under your belt, tasting wine here is as much about enjoying the journey as it is about discovering incredible flavors. With over 130 wineries calling Walla Walla home, you’re in for a treat.

Let’s dive into the general steps of wine tasting, with a Walla Walla twist
Step 1: Look—What’s in Your Glass?
Pour yourself a glass of Walla Walla’s finest—maybe a bold Syrah, a velvety Cabernet
Sauvignon, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Hold the glass up to the light and admire the
color. Notice the deep purples in a glass of Devison Vinter’s Syrah or the golden hue of
a refreshing white from Alton’s Chardonnay. Swirl it gently to see those beautiful “legs” (the wine running down the side of the glass). This doesn’t mean the wine is “better,” but it gives a clue about alcohol content and even the sweetness level of the wine.


Step 2: Smell—The Walla Walla Bouquet
Take a sniff. No rush—swirl and sniff again. Walla Walla wines often showcase lush
blackberries, dark cherries, hints of earthiness and even a funky floral nose thanks to
the region’s unique terroir. If you’re holding a Syrah from Rotie Cellars, you might catch
a Funk-a-Licious floral note with a layer of chocolate and a touch of cured meats. A
Bordeaux-style blend from Prospice Winery will offer layers of red cherries and red
current with a lovely herbal note. Keep sniffing—you might even pick up something
unexpected, like clove or baking spice.


Step 3: Taste—Sip Like a Pro
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for—taste! Take a sip, but don’t just gulp it
down. Let the wine coat your palate and notice the following:
  1.  Tannin: That dry, slightly grippy feeling in your mouth? Those are tannins! Walla
Walla reds, especially Cabs and Syrahs, tend to have structured but smooth
tannins. Prospice Wines, for example, is known for their balanced reds that make
you want to take another sip (or glass).


  2.  Acid: Feel that mouthwatering sensation? Is your mouth watering even after you
have swallowed…That’s the acidity, which keeps the wine lively and fresh. Many
Walla Walla whites—like a bright Viognier from Ducleaux Cellars—have a beautiful
acidity that makes them perfect for summer sipping.

 3.  Alcohol: You’ll feel the warmth of alcohol, especially in reds like The Rocks
District Syrahs, where the richness and boldness are part of the charm. Most Walla
Walla wines hover around 13%-15% ABV—enough to keep you cozy but not
overwhelm the balance. Hint: remember that clue about the legs in your glass.. well
higher alcohol wines have a higher density of droplets compared to a low alcohol
wine.


Step 4: Savor—The Walla Walla Finish
After you swallow, take a moment to savor the finish. Does the flavor linger, or does it
fade quickly? A long, lingering finish—like what you’ll find in a Merlot from Woodward
Canyon—is a hallmark of a well-crafted wine.


Bonus Tips for Tasting in Walla Walla
  1.  Pair Like a Local: A Syrah from K Vintners? Pair it with smoky BBQ from Walla
Walla’s AK’s Mercado. A Chardonnay from Walla Walla Vintners? Try it with creamy
Brie or fresh seafood from Foodscape Specialty Market.
  2.  Go Beyond the Glass: Many Walla Walla wineries offer stunning views, friendly
winemakers, and cozy tasting rooms. There’s nothing better than sitting at Kinhaven Winery,  enjoying a glass of spicy Carmenere while taking in the view of the Blue
Mountains or enjoying a fabulous outdoor concert at Tranche Winery while sipping on
the perfect Rose! Take your time—wine always tastes better when you’re soaking up
the local vibe.

  3.  Trust Your Palate: Everyone’s taste is different, so don’t stress about fancy terms. If you taste something that’s not quite a favorite for you don’t worry because Walla Walla has a wine for everyone and it’s fun to take the time to find yours

How’s that for a splash of Walla Walla personality?

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