Let’s talk about Walla Walla, Washington! What brought me there?
About four years ago, I became friends with the Blood of Gods Zine founder, Stacy, on Instagram. He sent me a copy of their first wine zine. It’s an indie publication about metal music and wine that includes art, reviews, and creative writing. It was a refreshing change from the wine media I'd become accustomed to.
Fast forward to today: the zine is on its 9th issue, and they recently held their 3rd Annual Blood Of Gods 2024 Merrymaking. Each year, it has been hosted in Walla Walla, Washington. I attended for the third time this year as a vendor. What I enjoy most about it is that it’s not just about wine (even though there are about 50+ wineries in attendance!). The event features all sorts of entertainment, including an afternoon panel of wine pros, incredible artists, local vendors, a tattoo station, a wine hearse, custom poems, tarot readings, and a metal show finale.
You can come as you are. As a person who loves wearing t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers, this always puts me in my comfort zone. The variety of booths helps lower the intimidation factor that sometimes comes with attending wine events. After the event, I always take some time to explore the area because Walla Walla is a chill wine and food getaway
Now, let’s dive into what this blog is about…
What to do when visiting Walla Walla!
If you are nearby, driving is best option.
If you are flying in:
Pasco Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) 45 minute - 1 hour drive to Walla Walla Main Street
Walla Walla Airport (the cutest airport ever) 5 - 10 minutes away from Main Street.
Each time I have visited in Walla Walla I have stayed at The Finch Hotel. It is extremely cozy, right near Main Street, and a short drive to many wineries.
Here are some recommendations for wine, food, and activities from some Walla Walla loving wine pros!
Including:
Maryam - Maryam and Company IG @maryamandcompany
Stacy - Blood of Gods IG @bloodofgodszine
Steve - Time and Direction Wines IG @timeanddirectionwines
Brooke - Delmas Wines IG @delmas__sjrvineyard
Seth & Audrey - Us Doing Wine IG @usdoingwine & @upsidedownwine
Sadie - Washington Winegrower IG @vitnerd
What is your connection to Walla Walla? Why do you love it there?
Maryam: I moved to Walla Walla from New York City in 2013 to attend the Enology and Viticulture program at WWCC. People are always surprised by the transition from big city to teeny town, but the wild west was what I was built for! Walla Walla was (and still is) a place full of entrepreneurial spirit, natural beauty, and a welcoming community (people often say Walla Walla is so nice they named it twice!). I moved to California after I finished the program in 2015 but I visit W2 at least once a year -- whether you live there or you're a visitor, something about the community and small town stays with you.
Stacy: Born and raised! My family has done farming in the region for a long time, and now I have my own family that calls this wonderful valley home. It's hard to not appreciate the charm and community spirit of the town. It's very collaborative, creative, and peaceful.
Steve: I was on the inaugural “Road Trip WA Wines!” in 2008 that the WA Wine Commission puts on every year. It opened up my eyes to how awesome the WA wine community is. Then I heard about the EV program at the WWCC and I was sold! WW is a great place to raise kids and to be immersed in Wine culture with amazing people.
Brooke: Moved up here to start a vineyard & winery operation with m'folks… looks like I’m a lifer now ;)
Seth and Audrey: Our friends live there. It’s got that small town wine vibe and great food!
Sadie: I am born and raised in Walla Walla. Both sets of my grandparents/great grandparents were farmers in Milton-Freewater, just like me! I did the thing where I left after high school and swore I wouldn’t come back, but after my travels and living in other states I decided Walla Walla truly is a fantastic place to live with something for everyone.
Favorite food spot?
Maryam: Don't do this to me and all my friends. Bacon & Eggs for breakfast, Happy Wanderer for tacos and Mi Pueblito for burritos, Passatempo for cocktails and Italian, and the counter at Hattaway's.
Stacy: Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen - the flavors are incredible, the dishes are unique (in general, but certainly in the valley), and its vibe is wonderful.
Steve: Passatempo, Saffron, Hattaway’s, Brasserie Four, WW Steak Co., Public House 124
Brooke: FU-Burger & AKs Mercado
Seth and Audrey: Hattaways, AK’s Mercado, The Green Lantern.
Sadie: El Piolin Taco Truck in Milton-Freewater – It’s close to the vineyards and the best Mexican food around. I know this isn’t “Walla Walla” but its is the valley. If you need a WW alternative Happy Wander Mexican Food. Hattaway’s for a nice dinner out. The Green Lantern for a casual dinner or lunch.
Favorite Wineries or Tasting Rooms?
Maryam: Again, why are you doing this to us? Itä, SMAK, Time and Direction, Valdemar, Foundry, and Dusted Valley are SOME of my favorites. But I have so many more. It's amazing that so many grads from the WWCC E&V program choose to stay in Walla Walla to either start their own businesses or become winemakers at established wineries in the valley; I'm always proud to go back and taste their wines.
Stacy: Grosgrain, Time & Direction, Pursued By Bear, Sleight Of Hand, Rotie Cellars, Force Majeure, House Of Smith/K Vintners, Echolands, Tranche.
Steve: Hoquetus, Prospice, Grosgrain, itä, Sleight of Hand
Brooke: Grosgrain & Quirk brewery
Seth and Audrey: Devium, Grosgrain
Sadie: L’Ecole 41, Echolands, Pepper Bridge
Favorite Shopping Stop or Activity?
Maryam: l love the farmer's market in WW or a light hike at Bennington Lake for a great view of the Blue Mountains. Also, as an avid thrift shopper, I'm just going to shout out the Goodwill in Walla Walla--I've found some real gems there!
Stacy: Studio Opal - Best clothing store in Walla Walla by a country mile. The Patisserie - the best pastries and coffee stop in WW.
Steve: Hot Poop Records, Klickers, Digital Heroes
Brooke: Studio Opal shopping for me, Wildlings Co. for my daughter Remy… def. spend more on her these days.
Seth and Audrey: Wine Valley Golf Club, Goodwill
Sadie: 35th and Butter – seriously LOVE this store
Favorite Late night or Bar/Cocktail stop?
Maryam: I wouldn't categorize WW as a "late night" locale, but I have picked up the mic at the karaoke palace and I am always happy to stop at Marcy's for a nightcap.
Stacy: Late nightlife in Walla Walla is a rarity (can we fix this please?), but for sure my fav cocktail spot is Passatempo - simply the best.
Steve: Marcy’s, Karaoke Palace, Passatempo/Hattaways/Steak Co for cocktails too.
Brooke: The Green
Seth and Audrey: The Karaoke Bar
Sadie: Public House, Marcy’s
Hope you enjoyed this post on Walla Walla!
You can buy issue 7, 8, 9 of Blood of Gods Zine on shittywinememes.com
Or subscribe to the zine here / see more on IG @bloodofgodszine.
I'll leave you with a sassy t-Shirt I saw in a main street gift shop.
