Walla Walla gets its name from the native Walawalałáma people, whose name is translated to “many waters.” However, this is something of a misnomer for Walla Walla the city, as the original settlement was at the junction of the Snake and Columbia rivers.
While not a land of many waters, the Walla Walla, Washington area is home to more than 120 wineries, making it a popular wine destination alongside Yakima, its neighbor located 130 miles away.
In fact, Walla Walla was named “Best Wine Region” in USA Today’s Reader Choice Awards in 2020 and 2021. Several of the area’s wineries have made their mark on connoisseur publications like Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate.
Walla Walla Community College even offers an associate degree in winemaking and grape growing. Needless to say, wine is becoming a bigger and bigger deal each year, so if you’re into the stuff, we recommend going now before Walla Walla starts to resemble the perpetually crowded Napa Valley.
With hot summer temps, it’s best to visit Walla Walla in the spring or early fall.
