10th Annual December Barrel Tasting

If you want to visit the Walla Walla Valley during the December 3-4 Holiday Barrel Tasting, you had better have your lodging reservations in ASAP. In fact, you might be too late. Visitors to the Valley will taste samples of future releases straight from the barrel and be the first to enjoy the wines of a new vintage. Each winery seems to participate in their own special way offering a variety of different features including food, music, art, wine dinners, and more which adds to this festive time of the year.

It is really a beautiful time in the Valley. Downtown Walla Walla is looking its holiday best. Besides Holiday Barrel Tasting, there are other special events such as The Macy's Christmas Parade of Lights, Holiday Open House at the Kirkman House Museum, and musical performances at Whitman College's Cordiner Hall and Walla Walla College.

Friday, December 2 is the opening night winemaker reception at Cordiner Hall on the Whitman College Campus. This event is included in the purchase of a "Premier Pass" ($60.00). Premier passes entitles holders to waived tasting fees at select wineries or discounts on wine purchases at other participating wineries. Only 300 Premier Passes will be made available.

A "Backstage Pass" will also be offered for $35.00. This pass entitles holders waived tasting fees or special discounts to pass holders at participating wineries. Both passes can be purchased through the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance.