Tunes and Tastings
Written by Catie McIntyre Walker
Head to downtown Walla Walla for live music paired with local wines nearly every day of the week
ON MONDAY
Vintage Cellars Wine Bar
10 North 2nd Ave, Walla Walla
Live music Monday, 7-10pm
509-529-9340, www.vintagewinebar.org
Celebrate the start of the week with live music at Vintage Cellars. This wine bar is a stepping stone to nearby wineries and offers over 100 different wines, many of them hard-to-find releases like those from Rotie Cellars. Vintage Cellars Wine Bar is known for marching to the beat of a different drummer with their theme parties. Check the website for their party nights of dance and mayhem, such as their Angel and Demon themed costume party. Monday nights (and some Saturday’s) you’ll discover a live music event, ranging from regional and funk bands, open mic nights, impromptu gatherings of locals strumming together, even DJ’s spinning sounds. Wine may be purchased by the glass or bottle, along with appetizers ranging from small plates to Tapas, including artisan cheeses, paninis, hummus and pita.
ON WEDNESDAY
Walla Walla Wine Works
31 E. Main St, Walla Walla
Live music Wed, 7-9pm
509-522-1261
www.preceptwinebrands.com
Let your ears guide the way to Walla Walla Wine Works (formerly the Waterbrook Tasting Room) for their Music Wednesdays event. Bright red patio umbrellas deck the beautiful plaza adjacent to First and Main Streets at the heart of downtown Walla Walla. Music Wednesdays feature local bands and solo acoustic entertainment, while showcasing a wide selection of their Precept Brand award-winning labels such as Apex Wine Cellars, Pendulum, The Magnificent Wine Company and Waterbrook. The events are free and are held indoors during the winter months and outdoors during warmer months. Wines are available by the bottle or glass, and if you get hungry, sandwiches, spreads and cheese snacks are available for purchase.
ON THURSDAY
Walla Walla Village Winery
107 South 3rd Ave, Walla Walla
Live music Thurs, 7-10pm
509-525-9463
www.wallawallavillagewinery.com
The tasting room at Walla Walla Village Winery was destined to create music. It’s standing room only during Open Mic Night every Thursday evening. The framed works of artist Stanley Mouse, who created album covers for the Grateful Dead and Journey, are showcased throughout the tasting room. Mouse’s familiar 1960’s style artwork also adorns their wine labels. The high ceiling walls are studded with rock legend guitar replicas. Open Mic Night creates an intimate acoustical space featuring eclectic music from solo sets to improvisation jam sessions. The word on the street is Walla Walla Village Winery is the place where musicians can jam with friends and even meet future band mates. Open Mic Night is free and of course, wine is available for purchase. Taste the Bordello red blend, it rocks.
ON FRIDAY
Sapolil Cellars
15 E. Main St, Walla Walla
Live music Friday, starting at 7pm during winter months
Cover charge: $5
509-520-5258, www.sapolilcellars.com
There is a block party going on at Sapolil Cellars every Friday night. Sapolil Cellars is a little winery cranking out some mighty big tunes. The focus of their tasting room is an old piano that originally started as their tasting room bar. But it didn’t take long for the ivories of the old piano to be tickled by local musicians. And ever since, Friday and Saturday nights on the block have never been the same. Blues, jazz, and good ole rock ‘n roll are featured from local and regional acts. Their wines are available by the bottle or glass.
Backstage Bistro
230 E. Main St, Walla Walla
Live Music Friday, Saturday evenings
509-526-0690, www.backstage-bistro.com
One of the originals to bring music to downtown Walla Walla is Backstage Bistro. “There’s been a piano here since the day we opened ten years ago,” says proprietor Bob Parrish. This elegant yet casual restaurant is a favorite among locals for their steaks, salads and world famous BBQ at down-to-earth prices. Their wine cellar features an impressive selection of 200 wines, many from Walla Walla. A classical pianist tickles the ivories for dinner guests every Friday
and Saturday, followed on occasion by live jazz or blues performers. The artwork exhibit of Ian Boyden is currently on display, titled, The Terroir of Walla Walla. Between their wine, music, local artwork exhibit and fabulous food, it’s truly an experience that will engage all five senses.
