✈️ The Journey Continues! From Colombia to the World.
Who Needs a Bottle When You've Got the Barrel?
Could Walla Walla wine country give Napa Valley a run for its money? Join Wayne and me as we explore six unique wine-tasting experiences and meet wonderful people. From beautiful wineries to finding out which tastings earned our highest ratings and whether Walla Walla lived up to the hype!
TRAVEL STORIESAMERICA 250 ROAD TRIP
Tamara Driver
11/6/20264 min read
Wayne and I have enjoyed our fair share of wine tastings on our travels, but this experience was something else entirely! For the first time, we got to taste wine straight from the barrel!
Yes, you heard me correctly. Straight from the BARREL! No fancy bottle. No cork to pull. Just wine being drawn directly from the barrel and poured into our glasses. Oh, my goodness! What a treat! There was something so special about experiencing wine this way, right where part of the winemaking magic happens. And all I could think was…
“After all, who needs the bottle when you can get it straight from the barrel?” 😂🍷
It was one of those travel experiences Wayne and I will remember for years. Sometimes the best experiences aren't the ones you planned. They're the ones you never even knew were possible! It felt a little sneaky that I wasn’t sure if we should be drinking it from the barrel. It kind of reminded us of growing up eating or drinking something you know you shouldn’t but couldn’t resist. I must say, the taste from the barrel was so much better than the bottle, but I digress.
🍷 Walla Walla vs. Napa Valley: Who Wins the Wine Country Showdown?
Having experienced Napa Valley, we couldn't help wondering: Could Walla Walla give California's famous wine country a run for its money? Well, there was only one way to find out! From intimate tasting rooms to beautiful vineyard estates, we discovered that no two wine tastings were quite alike. And naturally, we decided to rate each experience!
🎩 Nine Hats Wines — 5/5 ⭐
Located at the Marcus Whitman Hotel during our visit, Nine Hats quickly became one of our favorites! We loved the wine, the fantastic host, and especially the creative décor featuring—you guessed it—nine hats! Hats off to Nine Hats!
🍇 L'Ecole Nº 41 Heritage Wine Bar — 4/5 ⭐
Another convenient tasting experience at the Marcus Whitman, L'Ecole Nº 41 introduced us to some wonderful Washington wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends. The welcoming atmosphere and enjoyable tasting flights made this a worthwhile stop.
🍷 Garrison Creek Cellars — 7/5 ⭐
Now, THIS was something special! At Garrison Creek Cellars, Wayne and I experienced something we'd never done before. We tasted wine straight from the BARREL! Between the beautiful winery, wonderful wine, and amazing experience, we had to break our own rating scale! Seven out of five! Seriously!
🌿 Estate Tastings — 3/5 ⭐
There's something special about enjoying wine surrounded by the vineyards where the grapes are grown. While we appreciated the setting and experience, this particular tasting didn't leave quite the same impression as our other stops. Still, that's the beauty of wine tasting—discovering what you enjoy!
🐝 Abeja / Beekeeper — 5/5 ⭐
Now, this was another favorite! Abeja, meaning bee in Spanish, is known for its wonderful wines and beautiful estate. Our Beekeeper tasting experience at the Marcus Whitman was made even more special by the sommelier we met through our connection in Panama. We loved the wine, but we loved the hospitality and personal connection just as much! Wonderful wine and wonderful people!
🏈 Doubleback — 4/5 ⭐
Founded by former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, Doubleback combines a passion for winemaking with a stunning winery setting. The Cabernet Sauvignon was enjoyable, but honestly, the beautiful winery itself stole the show! Sometimes the surroundings are just as memorable as the wine.
🥁 So, Is Walla Walla Better Than Napa Valley?
Okay, everyone! It's time for the BIG question!
Drum roll, please…
🥁🥁🥁
Our answer? NOT YET!
But let me explain! Wayne and I thoroughly enjoyed Walla Walla's wines, beautiful wineries, and unique tasting experiences. However, for us, Napa Valley still has a slight edge when it comes to the overall wine-country experience.
But Walla Walla has something that really stood out—the PEOPLE! ❤️ We found the hospitality in Walla Walla especially warm, friendly, and genuine. And believe me, that counts for leaps and bounds! So, while Napa remains our favorite for now, Walla Walla is certainly giving it some competition. And would we return? Absolutely!
🏨 One Last Shout-Out to the Marcus Whitman Hotel!
Before leaving Walla Walla, we must give the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center one final rating. From its fascinating history and beautiful accommodations to its exceptional hospitality, wine tastings, and delicious dining, our stay was unforgettable. And yes, I'm still thinking about that lamb shank I stole from Wayne!
Our Rating: 5 out of 5! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No question about it!
❤️ More Than Just Wine
Looking back, what made Walla Walla so memorable wasn't simply the wine. It was the people we met, the beautiful places we explored, and those unexpected experiences—especially tasting wine straight from the barrel!
💬 What Do You Think?
Have you ever experienced Walla Walla wine country? How do you think it compares with Napa Valley? And have you ever tasted wine straight from the barrel? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
🚗 Coming Up Next: The Atticus Hotel in McMinnville, Oregon!
Our wine-country adventures continue as we head to McMinnville, Oregon, and the beautiful Atticus Hotel. There's just something special about staying downtown, where restaurants, shops, and local discoveries are only steps away! But would the Atticus Hotel live up to our expectations?
Come along and find out!
Until next time, keep exploring, keep discovering, and remember…who needs the bottle when you've got the barrel? 🍷😂
— International Drivers 🌎❤️