Nestled in the heart of Eastern Washington’s celebrated Walla Walla wine country, a region brimming with diversity and home to over 100 wineries across four distinct areas within the Walla Walla AVA – Downtown/North, West, East, and South – lies a true gem. Today, we invite you to explore Waterbrook Winery, a distinguished establishment located in the northeastern part of this captivating wine region.
🍇 Waterbrook Winery: A Legacy of Excellence
Just a stone’s throw from downtown Walla Walla, Washington, you’ll find Waterbrook Winery, a name synonymous with quality and a long-standing presence in the area. Established in 1984, Waterbrook boasts a wide distribution network across the United States. It’s quite likely that you’ve encountered their wines, whether enjoying a glass with dinner at your favorite local restaurant or spotting their bottles in your local grocery store or wine shop. Waterbrook’s commitment to crafting exceptional wines has made them a household name for wine enthusiasts.
As you venture out of Walla Walla on Highway 12, Waterbrook’s large, beautifully constructed, modern tasting room is an unmistakable landmark, beckoning visitors to experience the best of Walla Walla winemaking.
🍾 The Tasting Room Experience: Where Ambiance Meets Exceptional Wine
Waterbrook’s expansive tasting room is conveniently located just off the main highway. However, once inside, the hustle and bustle of traffic fade away as you’re transported into a tranquil oasis. The interior exudes a warm, Pacific Northwest-inspired atmosphere, with comfortable and casual décor. The outdoor space is equally enchanting, featuring lush greenery that provides a striking contrast to the golden wheat fields that characterize the Walla Walla landscape. A serene garden pond adds to the overall sense of peace and tranquility.
If your visit to Waterbrook Winery coincides with a sunny day, be sure to take advantage of their spacious outdoor patio. It’s the perfect spot to relax, sip on exquisite wines, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains in the distance. The combination of stunning scenery and exceptional wines creates an unforgettable experience.
For those cooler days or evenings, you can cozy up by their inviting outdoor fireplace. This is where my friends and I decided to savor our wine tasting experience at Waterbrook, creating lasting memories in a warm and inviting setting. The crackling fire, combined with the company of good friends and exceptional wine, made for an unforgettable experience.
🍷 Tasting Experiences: A Journey Through Waterbrook’s Finest Wines
Wine tastings at Waterbrook are priced at either $5 or $10 per person, depending on the specific wines you wish to sample. For the most up-to-date tasting options and pricing, it’s best to contact Waterbrook directly. Wine Club Members enjoy the added perk of complimentary tastings, making membership an attractive option for frequent visitors.
Our tasting adventure began with a pour of Waterbrook’s 2014 Viognier, which quickly emerged as one of my personal favorites of the tasting. Its delicate aroma and smooth finish made it a standout among the other wines we sampled.
The 2014 Al’s Run Viognier is a captivating white wine that tantalizes the senses with its vibrant peach and nectarine notes. These fruity aromas gradually give way to a smooth, honeyed finish, leaving a lasting impression. I envision pairing this wine with nutty salads and light appetizers before the main course. However, it’s also a delightful wine to savor on its own on a warm summer day, making it incredibly versatile.
Priced at $22 per bottle, the 2014 Al’s Run Viognier offers exceptional value for its quality. It’s a wonderful choice for serving at dinner parties or presenting as a thoughtful hostess gift. Furthermore, a portion of the proceeds from this wine is donated to the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center, adding a charitable dimension to your enjoyment. This wine is not only delicious but also contributes to a worthy cause.
Our tasting continued with a diverse selection of wines, including a Pinot Gris, a Sangiovese, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Reserve Merlot. The Reserve Merlot, featured prominently at the top of this article, has consistently garnered high praise, with each vintage receiving scores of 90 points or higher over the years. The 2012 Reserve Merlot, priced at just $25, represents an incredible value for such a highly regarded wine. Its rich flavors and smooth tannins make it a true standout.
We concluded our Waterbrook wine tasting experience with the 2012 ICON Petite Sirah, a bold and flavorful wine that left a lasting impression.
The 2012 ICON Reserve Petite Sirah is crafted entirely from Petite Sirah grapes sourced from the Columbia Valley. This wine boasts a deep purple hue and a luscious profile, brimming with rich blackberry, fig, and currant notes. It’s a hearty Petite Sirah that exudes sophistication. At $45 per bottle, it’s an ideal choice for savoring during quiet evenings, perhaps while nestled by the fire and sharing intimate conversations with a loved one or exchanging secrets with close friends. Its dark and brooding character lends it an almost mischievous charm, making it a truly memorable wine.
🥗 Food Options: A Culinary Complement to Wine Tasting
We were fortunate to enhance our Waterbrook Winery tasting experience with an absolutely delicious lunch catered in-house. The salads were nothing short of amazing, and I could honestly eat them every day and be completely content.
Wine tasting at Waterbrook can evolve into a comprehensive culinary experience, as they offer farm-to-table fare with daily specials prepared in their in-house kitchen. You also have the option to purchase meats, cheeses, nuts, and other wine tasting accompaniments from their tasting room retail section, allowing you to create your own personalized pairing experience.
Waterbrook produces a wide range of varietals, and while some may perceive certain wines as being priced slightly higher than their perceived value, I personally find the majority to be well-priced, and the 90+ point wines to be deserving of their accolades. The overall quality and experience make Waterbrook a worthwhile destination for wine lovers.
For the record, I returned home with the 2014 Al’s Run Viognier and the 2012 Reserve Merlot. Both were just as delightful the second time around! Their exceptional flavors and aromas made them a perfect addition to my wine collection.
🚙 Visit Waterbrook Winery: Plan Your Trip Today
10518 West Highway 12
Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Daily
Food service: Thursday – Monday starting 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed Tuesday – Wednesday
509-522-1262
[email protected]
http://waterbrook.com
| Check out our full Walla Walla Winery Guide |
More Wineries Nearby: Extend Your Wine Country Exploration
Walla Walla is home to many excellent wineries, here are a few to consider visiting:
- Va Piano Vineyards
- Pepper Bridge Winery
- L’Ecole Winery
Where to Stay Nearby: Comfortable Accommodations in Walla Walla
- Marriott Courtyard Walla Walla
- The Marcus Whitman Hotel (hotel review coming soon)
- Yellowhawk Resort (read our past review of the former Basel Cellars)
Where to Eat Nearby: A Foodie’s Paradise in Walla Walla
Walla Walla, Washington, is a renowned culinary destination. With new restaurants opening regularly and a wealth of local culinary talent, there are countless exceptional places to dine!
- Where to Eat in Walla Walla – featuring Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, Maple Counter Cafe, and Passatempo Taverna
- Best Things to Do in Walla Walla guide – featuring Brasserie Four, Walla Walla Steak Co., Passatempo Taverna, Andrae’s Kitchen (now AK Mercado), Bacon and Eggs