Dunham Cellars

Our last and BEST stop was Dunham Cellars. The couples staying at our B&B told us they were wine members of Dunham and the innkeepers also mentioned Dunham in our conversation, so we had to stop. Interestingly, Dunham's facility is out by the airport. We discovered several wineries are near the airport which used ot be an old World War 2 air force base with lots of old building and hangers. The rent is low, especially for newly formed wineries. Dunham is not new; it is the 8th winery in the Walla Walla area.

Let me tell you . . . we saved the best until last. I'm not saying that because my taste buds were worn out. Dunham had some of the best flavors and soothest wines we tasted all weekend long. Our tasting consisted of Chardonnay, Three-Legged Red (table blend), 2005 Trutina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot & Resling. Sorry, I don't have the years, but they were all excellent. In the middle of the tasting, we were shown the "party room", the place where airplanes used to be stored. All of there parties are held in the hanger, with unique lighting and art work by the wine maker.

Eric Dunham, the winemaker and son of Dunham's owners, makes wine, paints, and cooks. A man of many talents! I'm excited about being part of their Wine Club because we might make it back for the spring release and wine club part. Eric also has wine tastings in Dallas and Austin planned on his calendar. So, that means we might enjoy him in Texas, too! (whoop!)

After joining their wine club, we added the Trutina and Three-Legged Red. I look forward to sharing this with our family when we return home. With Valentines Day, my birthday and my daughter's 18th birthday, we will surely enjoy one of their bottles this week :-)

With the wine club, we received the 2005 Lewis Reserve Syrah and the 2002 Library Syrah. I'll let you know how they are.

One thing I learned several years ago is to find a wine maker whose wines you enjoy. If you enjoy the ones in the tasting, you will probably enjoy his other wines. That has been quite true with Lava Cap and the wines we receive in their wine club. I anticipate some great wines from Dunham Cellars, as well.

After Dunham, we left Walla Walla to return home. Ahhh....I told Steve we needed to stop somewhere along the way to just sit & read. I really didn't want to go back to reality.