The Eritage Resort will truly complete your wine country experience when you visit Walla Walla. This boutique resort is the most relaxing place to wind down after a fun day of bubbly tasting thought Walla Walla Wine Country.
When I mentioned to anyone at any of the wineries I visited where I was staying they had one of two reactions:
“You MUST eat dinner there, it’s so good!”
“Oh my gosh, I would do anything to have a staycation there.”
Needless to say, I was so excited to experience all the Eritage Resort had to offer and share it with you.
Thankfully someone warned me that this would seem like it’s in the middle of nowhere. And while I was driving it did feel like that, but in reality, it was only about 12-15 minutes from town. I loved that is was in a secluded location as it made it feel more intimate and special.
Accommodations
They have two types of rooms here: suites and bungalows. One thing I really love about this place is there how small and quaint it is. Even fully booked, it will never feel crowded here.
I had the pleasure of staying in the bungalow and my favorite part of the bungalows is they have a private deck that sits right above the water. I throughly enjoyed morning sunsets with my cup of Nespresso coffee and I spent every evening enjoying the vineyard views with a glass of bubbly.
The bungalow was super cozy with a fireplace and a very comfortable king size bed. With plenty of room to relax and work, this was the ideal place to come back to after a day of bubbly tasting fun.
Dining
When I saw that there was free breakfast each morning, I will be honest I expected a buffet with maybe one warm dish. To say I was shocked (in a good way) is an understatement.
The menu had healthy options like steel cut oats and a yogurt parfait and amazing protein options like omelets and my personal favorite, the avocado toast. Needless to say, my mornings started with a full stomach in order to go out and taste my way through Walla Walla.
And, of course, since I heard time and again how I had to eat dinner here, I, of course, did. And just like breakfast, it did not disappoint. They also have an amazing happy hour menu as well so truly, once you’re back from bubbly tasting, you don’t have to leave again.
Things to Do
This is the perfect place to stay and play. They have so many things to stay busy that if you’re planning a wine tasting getaway, plan one day to just stay and the hotel and experience all they have to offer.
When you approach the office to check in, you’ll see several bikes that are available for you to check out and ride around the vineyards.
On the bank of the lake, you’ll find a paddle board, canoe, kayak and 4 seated float. These are available to all the guests to use. If you’d like something a little less strenuous, take a dip in their salt water pool.
One of the things I loved about the grounds is that everywhere you looked there were adirondack chairs and fire pits. There were so many areas to sit outside, enjoy a sunrise or sunset and some wine and be completely spread out from other guests. You’ll also find several lawn games including corn hole and croquet.
Every Friday, from 3-5pm, guests of the Eritage can enjoy wine tasting of their resort wines.
This resort is the perfect mix of relaxation and activity all while feeling luxurious and laidback at the same time.
The Vineyard
You are surrounded by acres of grapevines and what’s really cool is when you check in, they tell you that you can walk through the vineyard and give you directions on the easiest way to get around.
Of course, I took my morning walks through the vineyard but I also had the privilege of taking a tour of the vineyard with their viticulturist, Chris.
The Eritage vineyards are the northern most vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA and is the largest single owned vineyard in the area.
153 acres make up the vineyard surrounding the Eritage Resort. 29 acres on the northern block were planted 10 years ago and the other 124 acres were planted 9 years ago on the back blocks.
What’s really cool is the lake on site provides all of the irrigation for all 153 acres. They focus on quality over quantity with the grapes and water the grapes by varietal for 2 days straight and then don’t water for 3 days straight and then repeat.
I timed my visit perfectly as bud break had just happened the week before. And in 1 week, there was 3-4” of growth which was really fun to see.
Of course, harvest varies depending on the spring and summer, but since it typically rains in November, it’s always the hope to have harvest completed by then. Sparkling grapes, of course, are picked first and several weeks later, the rest of the grapes are typically ready. So in a perfect scenario, sparkling is picked late August and everything else mid-late September.
Eritage Resort Wine
You know I was excited to try their inaugural bottle of sparkling chardonnay, but they also have rosé, malbec and cabernet sauvignon.
The sparkling chardonnay came from block 16 which is the Wente Clone 72 (and I got to visit these vines on my tour). As Chris explained it to me, this vintage of bubbly was a “happy accident.”
On the nose, I was a bit nervous because while it was beautiful, I was feeling like it might be a bit sweet. But with the first sip, I was pleasantly surprised with the crisp, tart and dry bubbly with notes of green apple.
Because the Eritage is just a vineyard and not a winery, this first vintage of sparkling wine was produced and bottled by Tim Donahue of Horse Thief Wine Solutions.
Unfortunately at the time of my visit, you can’t get this bubbly (or any of their wines) shipped, but I know it was something they’re looking into. So, that just means you have to go there and stock up and you truly can’t beat the price point either!
Checking Out
I have to mention the amazing staff here at the Eritage Resort. Every single person I interacted with was so nice and overly accommodating, And it wasn’t just toward me, I witnessed the same type of behavior with other guests.
Whatever you need, all you have to do is ask, and if they can make it happen, I assure you they will. They truly help you to create the perfect experience that is exactly what you’re looking for. If you want to stay busy, they have so many activities that are all complimentary. And if you want to sit back and relax, there are places all over the property to do just that.
My only regret during my stay (ok I have 2), was that I didn’t bring anyone with me to enjoy this property and that I didn’t get biscuits and gravy at breakfast.
Walla Walla Sparkling Wineries
I came to Walla Walla to finally taste all the bubbly in the area. I had a trip planning in 2020, but we all know why that didn’t happen. So I was excited to finally check this off the bucket list. If you want to see where I tasted and what I feel are your must visit wineries in Walla Walla, check out the travel guide.
Side Note
In full disclosure, the Eritage Resort did host my room stay but all opinions on the property are my own and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again the next time I am in town.
Stay tuned to Bubbly Side of Life on Instagram we’ll be sharing an inside look at the bungalow.
