To wine novices, it might come as a surprise to learn that Walla Walla, a small town in southeastern Washington state, cultivates some of the nation’s highest-scoring Cabernet Sauvignon, or that it’s home to James Beard Award–winning restaurateurs. According to fifth-generation Walla Walla native and Blood of Gods zine founder Stacy Buchanan, the small hometown feel of Walla Walla—combined with its endless sunny days and rolling Blue Mountains landscape—is what contributes to its charisma. When Buchanan returned to the town after a long run in the music biz, he discovered that the number of wineries had grown exponentially since his departure in 1999. “There were something like 13 when I left and 113 when I returned [in 2007],” he says.
” … it’s such a restful, fun, indulgent place to visit… It’s the best-kept secret, but the secret’s been coming out.” —Stacy Buchanan
Since his return and career pivot to Walla Walla’s wine industry, Buchanan has watched this historically farming-focused town transform, with visitors from Boise, Portland, and Seattle making a beeline to Walla Walla to drink and play in the sun. “They just have stars in their eyes when they leave, because it’s such a restful, fun, indulgent place to visit… It’s the best-kept secret, but the secret’s been coming out.” While preparing for Blood of Gods’ Annual Merrymaking heavy metal and wine festival (which took place July 22), Buchanan shared some of his favorite spots.
This Article was originally published on IMBIBE Magazine
