# Walla Walla changed what I want from a wine vacation

> A writer who loved Napa found a smaller Washington wine region offered better value, fewer crowds, and more spontaneity.
- Title: Walla Walla changed what I want from a wine vacation
- Summary: A writer who loved Napa found a smaller Washington wine region offered better value, fewer crowds, and more spontaneity. Cheyenne Elwell discovered Walla…
- Keywords: walla walla, wine tourism, napa valley, washington state, travel destinations, vacation planning, business, technology, Walla, changed, want, wine
- Source: Business Insider — https://businessinsider.com/visited-place-washington-wine-walla-walla-better-than-napa-valley-2026-10
- Author: Cheyenne Elwell
- Published: 2026-10-14T16:17:01.233+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: walla walla, wine tourism, napa valley, washington state, travel destinations, vacation planning, business, technology
## Napa was magical but expensive
When Cheyenne Elwell turned thirty, she visited Napa in Northern California for wine tours and tastings. The vineyard views, weather, food and wine were magical, but the tours, tastings, meals and accommodation added up quickly.
## She discovered Walla Walla near Seattle
Years later, Elwell discovered Walla Walla, a smaller city in southeastern Washington with a thriving wine region. It was only a short plane ride from her home in Seattle.
## She visited for her thirty-third birthday
Elwell decided to visit Walla Walla with her husband for her thirty-third birthday, hoping to recreate her Napa experience.
## Over one hundred wineries in the valley
Walla Walla Valley is organized into six different wine districts. There are well over one hundred wineries in the valley, with more than thirty walkable tasting rooms in downtown Walla Walla alone.
## Bordeaux-style reds and sparkling wines
Like Napa Valley, Walla Walla is known for Bordeaux-style reds including cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Elwell also tried white wines like chardonnay and viognier, along with sparkling options.
## Notable wineries with celebrity connections
Dossier, cofounded by former NFL player Sidney Rice, is one of the newer wineries. Elwell also visited Pursued by Bear, founded by actor Kyle MacLachlan, which she visited as a Twin Peaks fan.
## Food scene exceeded expectations
Elwell was pleasantly surprised by Walla Walla's food scene.At The Walls Vineyards, she paired wine tasting with food including hummus and wood-fired pizzas from sister restaurant Passatempo Taverna.
## Specialty coffee scene was a bonus
As an avid coffee drinker, Elwell sought out the best coffee shops. She discovered Carte Coffee, which offers specially curated beans and cupping classes where you learn about brewing and tasting coffee.
## Accommodation cost nearly half of Napa
Elwell stayed at Eritage Resort, a quieter property about ten minutes from downtown.Her private bungalow offered vineyard and lake views.
## No advance reservations required
Before visiting Walla Walla, Elwell had scheduled most tastings in advance as she did in Napa.
## Spontaneous discoveries made the trip better
Elwell enjoyed her vacation the way she loves most, making discoveries along the way that led to memorable moments.
## Her vacation priorities have shifted
While trying to recreate her Napa trip, Elwell realized what she wanted from a vacation had changed.

> Instead of cramming everything into a packed schedule and trying to snag reservations at the most well-known wineries and restaurants, I found myself enjoying the freedom to explore at my own pace.
## Walla Walla gave her a new appreciation
Walla Walla offered the incredible wine, hospitality and beautiful setting Elwell loved in Napa, but with fewer crowds and more opportunities for spontaneous discoveries. She gained a new appreciation for small-town travel.
## Key takeaway

Cheyenne Elwell discovered Walla Walla, Washington offers the wine, food and scenic beauty of Napa at lower cost with fewer crowds and more spontaneous exploration.