Grand Opening Weekend – June 5 & 6
Walla Walla, WA – Exactly one year from its ground-breaking announcement, the new Waterbrook Winery and Tasting Room in Walla Walla will hold its Grand Opening celebration on June 5-6, in time for the “Vintage Walla Walla” event and celebration of the winery’s 25th Anniversary.
Waterbrook Winery’s 53,000 sq. ft. winemaking facility and 5,000 sq. ft. tasting room is located at 10518 West Hwy 12, just west of Walla Walla. The public tasting room will offer guests a memorable tasting experience and wide selection of highly-acclaimed Waterbrook wines, produced by winemaker John Freeman. The tasting room will be open to the public from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday (no appointment needed). The tasting fee is $5 and visitors will receive a souvenir wine glass during the Grand Opening weekend.
Under the management of Director of Retail Marketing (and Walla Walla resident), Michelle Liberty, Waterbrook visitors will be treated to the ultimate in hospitality. Light fare will be available to complement Waterbrook wines, encouraging guests to stay and enjoy the ambience. In addition, Ceil Blaine (former owner of Luscious By Nature) has joined the tasting room staff to provide her expertise in hosting and catering events. For those who prefer to taste outdoors, Waterbrook is the perfect place to celebrate Walla Walla’s natural beauty. With panoramic views of the sprawling grounds and picturesque Blue Mountains, visitors can relax on the patio with a glass of wine or engage in outdoor activities such as bocce ball on the expertly constructed bocce ball court.
“Our goal is that the new Waterbrook Winery and Tasting Room will become a true destination for wine country enthusiasts and visitors,” said Andrew Browne, President & CEO of Seattle based Precept Wine Brands and Waterbrook. “While we aim to create the ultimate wine tasting experience, we also want our visitors to leave knowing why Walla Walla and the Washington wine industry are so unique.”
Aside from Waterbrook (70,000 annual case production), the new winery will produce an additional 230,000 cases of premium Washington wines under the “Walla Walla Wine Works” contract name including: The Magnificent Wine Company, Apex Cellars, Pendulum and more. The entire production facility includes 10,000 barrels, 60 tanks (ranging from 1,000-3,000 gallons), a new bottling line (100+ bottles per minute) and state-of-the-art crush, bottling and warehouse capabilities.
“With a large presence in Walla Walla, we have an obligation to uphold the integrity of the community and rich heritage of its wine industry, and feel strongly that the new Waterbrook winery will accomplish that goal.” said Browne.
Alex Evans, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Precept managed the architecture and design of the property and facilities.
“We drew inspiration from Walla Walla’s natural landscape utilizing contemporary Pacific Northwest inspired design. The goal was to create facilities that would act as a window into the beautiful surrounding scenery from the tranquil ponds, wheat fields and stunning blue mountain range,” said Evans.
Washington winemaking facilities worked with NW Architect/Artist, Dan Kinkella of Tacoma, WA to create this contemporary and visually stunning facility. Kinkella enhanced the concrete structures with textures and natural tones relating to the topography of Walla Walla. He utilized natural materials such as gigantic wood beams and COR-TEN® rusted steel panels to add character to the buildings. Both the winery and tasting room boast massive window facades. The front of the tasting room opens up completely with the use of a NanaWall® (clear stan accordion wall) allowing a seamless transition from outdoors-in and framing the view of the property’s ponds, winery and landscaping (created by Kevin Fletcher of Zone 8 Landscape, LLC). Additional amenities include a catering kitchen, large patio and multi-functional spaces for hosting private and corporate events. There will also be a private, three-bedroom bungalow located on the property for members of the trade and Waterbrook guests to stay. The property is still a work in progress with added artistic features and further construction plans in the works.
Those interested in planning special events at the Waterbrook facility can contact the Tasting Room staff at (509) 522-1263 for more details.
Walla Walla Wine Works – New 1st & Main Tasting Room
The new winery opening also brings news of a retail transition for the Waterbrook tasting room on 1st & Main in downtown Walla Walla. The tasting room formerly known as Waterbrook reopened its doors on May 1 as Walla Walla Wine Works. With “new vino” and a “new vibe,” the Walla Walla Wine Works Tasting Room offers a vast portfolio of premium Washington wines including: Apex Cellars, The Magnificent Wine Company, Pendulum, Waterbrook 1st & Main exclusives and more! Walla Walla Wine Works Tasting Room is open to the public daily from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday – Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday. During the warmer months, guests can enjoy free, live music and extended hours on Wednesdays and Sundays. Visitors are invited to enjoy wines by the glass and light fare, relax on the patio amidst the charm of downtown Main Street and purchase their favorite selections in this destination tasting room and bottle shop.
About Waterbrook Winery
Waterbrook Winery in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington is known for producing highly acclaimed wines that boast outstanding quality. Founded in 1984, it was the fourth established winery in Walla Walla. Now in its 25th Anniversary year, Waterbrook has grown from a family run operation to an internationally recognized leader in Washington State winemaking. While Mélange Noir and Chardonnay lay claim to its most famed varietals, Waterbrook’s entire portfolio is consistently awarded for its focus on value and quality and has earned the recognition as “Walla Walla’s premium value wine.” Waterbrook wines are crafted by winemaker John Freeman who was raised in the Napa Valley and has been the talented producer behind Waterbrook wines for the past six vintages.
Waterbrook was acquired by Seattle-based Precept Wine Brands in December 2006. Precept Wine Brands is Washington State’s largest privately owned wine production company and value leader.