Day 33: Holiday Barrel Tasting

Did you know that the Today Show just named Walla Walla: “The Next Great Wine Destination?” That’s right. They shared our little secret on their December 2nd broadcast! It is something we have known for a while, but now the world knows. In order to get you up to speed – get out and sample our award winning wines on the annual Holiday Barrel Tasting this weekend!!

More than 50 of the Valley’s wineries will be decked-out for the holiday season, welcoming
thousands of guests, while offering a variety of festivities as unique as the wineries themselves. They offer gourmet food tastes from aged cheeses and soup spectaculars, to hand-crafted chocolates and grilled Panini – just about every food imaginable.

As you linger over wines, you can also enjoy art displays, fashion shows and holiday carols. The latest “wine” books will be personalized, in-person, by their authors; and for the outdoor enthusiast, you might find a grand, barrel-burning, bond-fire paired with a decadent deep hearty red and old fashioned homemade gooey s ‘mores.

Barrel Theif

But the highlight of this event is to sample upcoming releases – straight from the barrel! Using a barrel thief – a glass wine pull - the winery staff invites you to enjoy what is “in the barrel” and slated for future release. Some even allow you to purchase this “future” wine right then and there. They will produce and bottle it with you in mind – and your allotment will be especially set aside for you.

With so many wineries and so little time, you might ask how best to spend your time. Well, there are many opinions. For a tour that best suits your needs, please visit these sites:

Holiday Barrel Must See Report:
www.wallawallawinenews.com/whatsup/2010/11/28/holiday-barrel-2010/

All inclusive Wine Map Hits The Streets:
http://www.wineanddinewallawalla.com/2010/12/02/all-inclusive-walla-walla-wine-map-hits-streets/

Holiday Barrel Brochure from the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance:
http://wallawallawine.com/wp-content/uploads/WA-Holiday-1-up.pdf

The festivities begin Friday, December 3rd and run full throttle thru Sunday December 5th. Get out and enjoy the “Next Great Wine Destination!”

About the Author/Melody Conetto

Melody Conetto is a full time real estate broker with Williams Team Homes. She and her husband – “corporate renegades” – moved here from Seattle in 2003. Prior to their 10 years in Seattle, they raised their family in Northern California. They came to the Walla Walla Valley for the wine - but stayed for the lifestyle! Melody specializes in wine country living and enjoys combining her relocation expertise and knowledge of our valley to clients interested in moving here.