One of the best places to taste classic Washington wines is in Walla Walla at the House of Smith, home to Charles Smith Wines, Substance, K Vintners, and other labels from the iconic winemaker. This downtown Walla Walla tasting room is located in a converted auto-repair warehouse. The designers kept key elements from the old space: the exposed whitewashed brick, crank-operated steel doors that open up to the street, and a rustic wood-beam ceiling. The atmosphere is casual here, with zero pretension; you’ll quickly see that they love to talk wine and have a good time.
Before you start planning your wine tasting itinerary in Walla Walla, you’ll want to get your lodging on the books, and Cameo Heights Mansion is the premier bed and breakfast in Washington. Our elegant mansion tucked off the beaten path is an oasis of calm and tranquility in the Walla Walla Valley. Our Inn is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, an ancient orchard, and gardens. As a guest, you’ll have access to our beautiful outdoor pool—the best place to relax after a day of wine tasting at Charles Smith Wines and more fantastic Walla Walla wineries.
Get your reservation on the books and start planning your next romantic getaway to Walla Walla!
Excellent Tastings at Charles Smith Wines & K Vintners
Charles Smith Wines began more than 20 years ago with 330 cases of a 1999 vintage K Syrah that Smith sold from the back of his van. Times have changed, but the wine is still spectacular and approachable for all vino enthusiasts. Over the years, Charles Smith Wines has received more than 200 scores of 95 points (or higher) and thousands of 90-point scores from leading wine publications. Today, the most well-known bottles from this famed winemaker remain Kung-Fu Girl Riesling, Boom Boom Syrah, and The Velvet Devil Merlot.
The House of Smith tasting room is located right downtown in Walla Walla, just off Main Street. They offer various tasting options, wine by the glass, and bottle/case purchases—did you know that local Washington wineries can ship your purchases home for you? For those who would like to enjoy Charles Smith Wines in more of a vineyard setting, head out to K Vintners Winery and Tasting Room, located at the base of the Blue Mountains on historic 1800s farmland.
More Walla Walla Wineries to Visit Downtown:
After you’ve tasted Charles Smith Wines at House of Smith in downtown Walla Walla, head to these favorite Washington wineries:
- Browne Family Vineyards: This Walla Walla winery is in the historic district, offering lovely wine tastings on the beautiful outdoor patio space. You’ll love the people watching and sipping their big, bold reds.
- Foundry Vineyards: Sit in the sparkling lights of this outdoor patio space surrounded by the sculpture garden filled with a collection of contemporary artists. It’s all about Bordeaux-style wines, Rhone varietals, and all-natural sparkling wines at this local gem.
- Goose Ridge Winery: Right in the heart of downtown Walla Walla, you’ll taste some spectacular wines made from grapes grown in the Red Mountain AVA—an area home to some of the best Walla Walla wineries known for producing the finest big, bold red varietals.
- Gramercy Cellars: This winery is often noted as one of the best in the state. Head here to enjoy a flight of five to six pours of these thoughtful and elegant wines. Call ahead for a tasting appointment!
Elegant Lodging at Cameo Heights Mansion in Walla Walla
After a day of wine tasting with Charles Smith Wines, heading back to your private room is amazing! Each of our internationally-themed suites will whisk you away to a beautiful location in the world: Spain, Greece, Germany, France, Italy, Dubai, and medieval England. You’ll find tasteful touches that call back to these iconic places across the globe, and it’s these small details that take our suites from excellent to exquisite. Once you visit us, you will see why our guests all agree that Cameo Heights Mansion is the most romantic B&B in Washington State.
The Spanish Suite (pictured above) is one of our most romantic rooms. Happy couples can use the outdoor spa area freely with direct pool access. The beautiful four-poster King bed is dressed in luscious linens, with fluffy pillows and comfortable bedding. The en suite bath is gorgeous with Spanish tile accents and a two-way gas fireplace next to the lovely soaking tub. The entire layout is designed for peak romance and relaxation.
