The big news this week was the solar eclipse on Monday. August 21. Walla Walla saw 97% of totality which Lynn and I witnessed at Marvin Wood's birthday brunch, accompanied by Bloody Marys and bubbly. Here's what is coming up in the Walla Walla Valley. 

New Single Vineyard Bottlings from Walla Walla Vintners and Tertulia Cellars

In September, Walla Walla Vintners will release its first Estate wines from the Cut Bank Vineyard above the winery barn off Mill Creek Road. The vineyard name comes from a small cleft formed by erosion by Mill Creek. The releases include a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2012 "Vottaro" blend of 47% Sangiovese, 32% Merlot and 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. Both wines will be reviewed in the October issue of the Review of Washington Wines, each scoring 19+/20 points.

In October, Tertulia Cellars will release its inaugural vintage of its Tierra Labrada wines from the Elevation Vineyard, situated in the southeast corner of the Walla Walla Valley AVA at about 1500 feet. The wines include the 2015 Petit Verdot, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2015 Merlot, all scoring 19.5/20 points. The Petit Vedot is one of the best renditions of that variety I have ever run across. The reviews will be in the October issue.

Justin Wylie's Eritage Resort to open in Fall

As an adjunct to the 300 acre Eritage Vineyard six miles north of Walla Walla, Justin Wylie will be opening a 10 suites luxury resort with a gourmet restaurant run by Jame Beard Award winner, Jason Wilson. 

Walla Walla Valley looks Ahead to Harvest 2017

The Walla Walla Valley experienced a heat wave with temperatures above 100 degrees from mid July to mid August. Temperatures now are more normal with highs in the eighties and mid nineties. After record crops in 2015 and 2016, a smaller harvest is expected.