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The Best Wine and Hotel Pairings in the Walla Walla Valley

By Expedia Staff Writer:  Expedia.com is exploring what your wine preferences say about your taste in lodging properties.

More than 120 wineries have made their home in the Walla Walla Valley of southeast Washington, and with over 2,800 acres of grapes, it’s no wonder this region has earned itself a noteworthy wine reputation. At Expedia.com, we know each of you have your unique wine preferences, so we’ve picked hotels that will pair perfectly with your choice of fermented goodness. Whether you like your wines dark and bold or light and breezy, there’s a place in the valley that will have you blissfully topping off your glass.

restaurant of the Marcus Whitman hotel, elegant booths and tables, box-beam ceiling, rich textured walls

You Go for Syrah

Dark and peppery, syrah is a medium- to full-bodied wine that packs a powerful impression. One of the top wines in the region, it often elicits flavors of lavender, and sometimes even blackberry and raspberry jam, giving it elegant appeal. If you’re drawn to syrah, then you’ll fit right in at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. This historical, sophisticated hotel is adorned in ornate fabrics and rich and warm shades. It dazzles with six on-site wine tasting rooms, a rooftop garden, and an award-winning restaurant to ensure your stay is one you’ll fondly remember. The hotel is also just down the street from the Foundry Vineyards, a tasting room that doubles as an art gallery, or vice versa, where syrah is one of the cornerstones of their tasting lineup.

ornate room with dark mahogany, four post bed, small table with wine and wine glass, overlooking courtyard

Cabernet Sauvignon Is Your Top Pick

Cabernet Sauvignon just happens to be the number one grape grown in the Walla Walla Valley. The dry, red grape varietal is full-bodied with blackcurrant notes. It’s often described as having a touch of dark fruit and vanilla, which can create an intimate, romantic vibe. Lovers of cabernet sauvignon will surely swoon over the Cameo Heights Mansion, located 30 minutes west of the city center. This luxurious bed and breakfast boasts seven suites, each with custom décor depicting different cultures such as Spanish, Greek, and French. Slip into a blissful state of relaxation at the Day Spa, stroll through the cherry orchard, and head to a nearby winery such as L’Ecole No. 41 to enjoy a flight of wine during your stay.

crisp, clean, up-scale hotel room with white sheets, modern sofa and furniture

Your Choice Is Sauvignon Blanc

There’s something to be said about a light and airy sauvignon blanc. Very different from a red wine, this white selection is cool and refreshing—perfect on a warm summer’s day. While the taste is sophisticated, there’s a level of divine simplicity, too. If your preferences lean toward this luscious white, then consider the Courtyard by Marriott Walla Walla, located near historic downtown. The hotel’s décor is clean and crisp, while the indoor pool is sure to make you feel rejuvenated. During your stay, go on a wine tour starting at TERO Estates tasting room, and making your way over to Charles Smith Wines & K Vintners and other local hot spots.

outdoor seating in mood-lite garden of a BnB

You Prefer Merlot

If your tastes are big and bold, like a rich merlot, then Green Gables Inn will pair perfectly with your palate. Merlot is the number three grape in the Walla Walla Valley, based on planted acreage. Mimicking the complexity of a glass of this vino, the 1909 mansion offers themed rooms uniquely decorated—some have private balconies and in-room fireplaces. The elegant inn also has its own in-house chef, who creates gourmet breakfasts each morning. During your stay at this fine accommodation, please your taste buds with some legendary merlot at the nearby Northstar Winery.

Wine is a big deal in Walla Walla, which has often been referred to as the unofficial capital of Washington wine country, but don’t worry if you haven’t refined your palate just yet. With ample lodging options and more than 120 wineries to choose from, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to research and perfect your wine preferences on your next adventure in Walla Walla.