Our annual trek to Walla Walla, Washington’s Spring Release Weekend found us searching out some new (to us) wineries to discover in addition to old favorites that we always visit. We really feel like we scored big with our choices of Long Shadows Vintners and The Walls Vineyards. In tone and ambience they occupy different realms, but in quality and drinkability their wines exist on an elevated plane together.
Long Shadows founder Allen Shoup’s vision was to recruit the world’s finest winemakers and provide them with the region’s best grapes and a winery which could meet their exacting cellar specifications. The call was answered by highly acclaimed and awarded vintners (each of whom have cast long shadows in their careers) from Australia, France, Italy and California who became part-owners in the enterprise, begun in 2003. The result is a collection of seven ultra-premium Columbia Valley wines (six reds and one Reisling), all rated at 92 points or better and offered at less-than-premium prices (current releases top out at $65 a bottle).
The winery’s facility sits among rolling wheat fields (a bright, fresh green on this spring day), a modern, low-slung, rust-red building set into a hillside. On the entrance level, the stunning Chihuly Tasting Room features a huge, suspended piece of the artist’s glass sculpture as well as smaller pieces rising up from the floor. Comfortable armchairs allow one to sip and savor the views of the countryside through floor-to-ceiling windows. We enjoyed the crisp Reisling before heading downstairs to the production floor where the other wines were being poured.
There we were able to see the ranks of oak barrels, stainless steel vats and even wine eggs (Qvevri) used to age and ferment the wine.
We even gained access to the private “cellar” reserved for Key Club members. There we enjoyed some nibbles of fruit, cheese, breads and charcuterie alongside some of the older vintages as well as the new releases.
We found all of the wines beautifully balanced with wonderful fruit and structure, delicious now but sure to improve and refine further with age. Although Harry swore before we started our trip he wouldn’t be joining any new wine clubs . . . you guessed it . . . he couldn’t resist the lovely wines of Long Shadows. Not that I’m complaining!
I’ll share our experience at The Walls Vineyards next week.
— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 22, 2024Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun
If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Waldorf Astoria Residences New York Announces Partnership with Bang & Olufsen
Waldorf Astoria Residences New York recently announced a partnership with Bang & Olufsen. The contemporary residences sit atop the legendary hotel, currently nearing the end of its expansive restoration.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to softly open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse. The hotel will officially debut January 2025.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Château des Fleurs Review
Just a short block from the Champs Elysées, flower-bedecked window boxes grace the corner and clearly identify Château des Fleurs. This 37-room boutique hotel is one of Vivre-LMB’s five small hotels in Paris owned by Olivier Bertrand and his sisters and affiliated with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 20242 Miami Hotels Go Big for Black Friday, Cyber Monday
Two Miami hotels entice travelers this season to take advantage of some special offers. Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection, in the heart of Mid-Beach, offers up to 40 percent off the best available rate when booked by Dec. 30 for stays through Dec. 30, 2025. Book this offer.
ShareThis