The Pepper Bridge, Spring Valley Vineyard and Long Shadows wineries, whose wines are reviewed in the August issue of the Review of Washington Wines, are among the iconic must-visit wineries in the Walla Walla Valley. Here's a guide on how best to visit them.

Pepper Bridge - Owned by the McKibben family, this winery has a tasting room, amid the Pepper Bridge Vineyard off J.B. George Road in the South Valley, which is open seven days a week (an appointment is necessary to visit the nearby production facility). The tasting room has a sweeping view of the Blue Mountains, and has a balcony where one can take in the view while sipping. The staff is knowlegable and helpful. Lisa Schmidt, a gracious host, is often on hand. There is a $10 tasting fee which is applicable toward a purchase.

Spring Valley Vineyard - Managed by the Derby family, the winery has a tasting room downtown at 18 North Second Avenue, which is open Thursday through Monday (there is a tasting fee, applicable toward purchase). But the best way to visit is during Special Event Weekends (Spring Release, Autumn Release) when the winery at the Spring Valley Ranch (well worth the ten mile drive up Middle Waitsburg Road) is opened up to the public. On these occasions, Dean and Shari Derby are on hand to greet guests. Visits there at other times are by appointment only.

Long Shadows - A working winery, this facility, high up the hill on Frenchtown Road above Highway 12, is open for Special Events only. On Spring Release, Autumn Release and Holiday Barrel Tasting, the barrel room is opened up to make room for tasting the winery's portfolio of its world-renown winemakers' wines. Plenty of tasty cheeses, antipasta and breads are served. There is a twenty dollar tasting fee which is applicable toward purchases, including large formats, vintage verticals and portfolio collections.

For information on Special Event Weekends, go to www.wallawallawine.com.