FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Can’t Get Enough of Walla Walla

by patty

May 20, 2017

The first weekend of May is always blocked out in our calendar for Spring Release Weekend in Walla Walla, Wash., when local wineries release their latest vintages and the whole community throws open its doors to food and wine lovers from near and far. We enjoy sharing the experience with dear friends who are also wine lovers whom we have known our entire married life, and so it was a few weeks ago. We all arrived on Thursday evening and convened for dinner at a new spot for us, the Walla Walla Bread Company, right in downtown and just a few blocks from the lovely campus of Whitman College.

Chef Michael Kline came to Walla Walla via, among other places, The Broadmoor in Colorado and the French Laundry in Yountville, Calif. In partnership with a family-owned local wheat farm, he produces breads and baked goods using the local grain and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, dine in or take out, and also provides a variety of breads for local restaurants and tasting events. A wood-fired pizza oven produces an assortment of tasty pies, and the menu also offers two homemade soups made fresh daily, salads, sandwiches, main plates and, of course, some delectable desserts. Harry opted for a ciabbata sandwich and soup, while I chose the bucatina wild boar ragu (soooooo good!), and we shared a generous side dish of grilled asparagus with shaved Parmesan. (If it’s spring in Eastern Washington, expect to find exceptional local asparagus on just about every menu.)

Friday found us touring several wineries south of town, including a place we hadn’t stopped at before. Basel Cellars Estate Winery commands a stunning view from its hilltop, and the Estate House, Basel Cellars Walla Walla built as a private home in 1997, Basel Cellars, Walla Walla  now hosts eight guest suites for a resort-quality stay in addition to the tasting room, event space and winery. Basel Cellars Walla Walla In fact, the original 9,600-square-foot, subterranean, temperature-controlled garage for the original owner’s car collection proved to be the perfect production facility.

We adjourned for lunch to one of our favorite spots: the Cenex Co-op Convenience Store/Gas Station. We delight in introducing first-timers to Andrae’s Kitchen because they certainly don’t expect the kind of eclectic and delicious dining experience they get here when they pull up to the unassuming, cinder block building. Andrae Bopp has built an excellent reputation throughout the Pacific Northwest for his restaurants, food trucks and catering business and won numerous awards; but if he’s in the kitchen when we stop in at AK’s @ the Co-op (and he usually is), he always makes time to come out and chat with us and ask us how the food is. Harry can’t resist the short rib tacos, Andrae's Kitchen Wall Walla  and on this visit I was wowed by the halal-style chicken with cumin-spiced rice and a tzatziki sauce. Andrae's Kitchen Walla Walla  And, of course, we had to try the deep-fried asparagus, Andrae's Kitchen Walla Walla cooked perfectly in just the lightest of tempura-like batter.

That evening we enjoyed dinner at the Whoopemup Hollow Café, new this year in downtown Walla Walla but a long-time favorite in nearby Waitsburg. Specializing in Southern comfort food, the café features jambalaya, filé gumbo, hushpuppies and crawfish pie. Harry and several others in our party ordered the jambalaya, Whoopemup Hollow Cafe, Walla Walla a huge bowl brimming with andouille sausage, seafood, rice and greens. I was happy to go with what turned out to be a lighter but equally satisfying dish, the chicken and dumplings, Whoopemup Hollow Cafe, Walla Walla with the dumplings being a unique, light take on the traditional, made with Parmesan.

Saturday took us to two wineries which are usually closed to the public but which host special events for members of their wine clubs on this weekend. The Figgins family of Leonetti Cellar are always gracious hosts on their beautiful estate, and guests enjoy unlimited tastes of the most recent releases, self-guided tours of the barrel rooms and cellars, and delicious finger foods as well. We always enjoy dropping in to Corliss’s special event, held in its facility inside a beautifully restored brick former flour mill. An eclectic array of artwork adorns the rooms, Corliss Estates, Walla Walla and silver candlesticks and bowls brimming with lush flowers reflect the light from crystal chandeliers. Corliss Estates, Walla Walla  We lingered while enjoying several of the winery’s opulent red wines, including barrel tastes of the 2015 Syrah. Corliss Estates, Walla Walla  (Corliss releases its wines five years after the vintage.) I can report that the cork-upholstered chair is remarkably comfortable! Corliss Estates, Walla Walla

No, we never tire of our visits to Walla Walla and all the charms it has to offer. This year, we’re considering returning for Fall Release, the first weekend in November. Perhaps we’ll see you there!

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Cruises
May 17, 2025

Viking Takes Delivery of Newest River Ship in Europe

Officially delivered March 18, Viking’s newest Longship Viking Nerthus was presented at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock Warneműnde, Germany. Accommodating up to 168 guests, Viking Nerthus spans 84 staterooms, all featuring Viking’s signature Scandinavian design.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Daily
May 16, 2025

New Kosovo Philharmonic Opera, Ballet and Theatre Hall to Open This Year

A new opera and ballet theater in Kosovo will house four performance halls and a new public plaza in the capital city of Prishtina. As the first opera house in the Republic of Kosovo, the theater symbolizes the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage while reflecting a new identity for Prishtina, rooted in creativity and a commitment to the country’s artistic growth.

Daily
May 16, 2025

Inkaterra Hotels Make a Peru Trip Unforgettable

Looking to plan the ultimate trip to Peru, but not sure where to start? Inkaterra is here to help. With properties in multiple cities throughout the country and various immersive itineraries, Inkaterra makes it easy for your dream trip to Peru to come to life.

Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November

Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.

Daily
May 16, 2025

“Le Commandant Charcot” Will Complete Full Antarctica Circumnavigation in 2028

PONANT EXPLORATIONS will soon achieve a new world first when its Le Commandant Charcot will embark on a full circumnavigation of Antarctica, departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, from January to March 2028. This polar expedition unlike any before will journey nearly 11,200 miles of remote, uncharted coastline of the White Continent.

eFlyer Reviews
May 14, 2025

Hotel Van Zandt Review

One step onto Austin’s Rainey Street and you’ll feel like you’ve joined the cool kids at the best playground in the city. Just behind the cottage bars, pint-sized skyscrapers soar. One of them, Hotel Van Zandt, the Rainey district's pièce de resistance, beckons with a song-like spirit —apropos because the independently owned property, rife with music motifs, was named after beloved singer-songwriter Townes Van Zandt. Sixteen stories high, the hotel embodies Austin’s lust for music, manifesting with a vinyl corner; trumpet chandeliers; myriad musical references; replica vintage posters in frames; and its own live music venue, which doubles as its acclaimed restaurant, Geraldine’s. Don’t miss the mesmerizing installation of colorful origami-like birds composed from vinyl records that flitter from an old phonograph.

Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination

Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.

eFlyer News
May 14, 2025

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Enters European River Cruise Market with 2026 Itineraries

National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions recently announced its inaugural European river cruises, with bookings open for its 2026 sailings on May 20. Travelers can choose from two options, each focusing on different destinations and activities.