The Wine Knows

As wine lovers wrap up their visits this weekend to Oregon's Willamette Valley and Washington's Yakima Valley, many are thinking ahead to next weekend's Walla Walla Valley Holiday Barrel Tasting Weekend.

This is one of two big weekends for visitors to the Walla Walla Valley, the other being Spring Release Weekend (also known as Leonetti Weekend).

Typically, the Holiday Barrel Tasting event is a bit more low key than Spring Release. Many wineries will dress up their tasting and barrel rooms in holiday lights and colors, and cooler temperatures mean visitors will huddle together with winemakers and winery employees. All in all, it has a festive feel to it.

Most wineries will be open. With so many young wineries opening in the Walla Walla Valley, it can be difficult to sort out where to visit. In addition to your favorites, here are some newer wineries to consider:

College Cellars: This is the student-operated winery of Walla Walla Community College's vaunted department of viticulture and enology. The students are making some stellar wines, so this is your chance to glimpse the future of the industry.

DaMa Wines: This operation is co-owned by Mary Derby and Dawn Kammer. They have some delicious and affordable wines.

Otis Kenyon Wine: This new producer is making some of the valley's finest wines straight out of the gate. It has a great story and some fabulous wines. This is a don't-miss.

Skylite Cellars: Another young producer making some terrific wines.

Slight of Hand Cellars: This is the new operation of former Basel Cellars winemaker Trey Busch. Stop by and see what he has to offer.

Va Piano Vineyards: This young winery has a gorgeous facility south of Walla Walla and is making some delicious red wines.

Zerba Cellars: Readers of Wine Press Northwest know just how special this young producer south of Walla Walla is, and it is making some of the finest reds in the Pacific Northwest.

The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance has a list of all participating wineries, including any special events and tasting fees, which will help you plan your visit to the valley.