The Perfect Walla Walla Itinerary, According to a Former Seattle Seahawk

Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.

Sidney Rice; Photo courtesy of Dossier

Meet the Insider: Sidney Rice, Dossier Wine Collective co-founder, and former Seattle Seahawk 

Location: Walla Walla, Washington

Sidney Rice spent seven seasons as an NFL wide receiver and won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks, but in Walla Walla, the athlete is known for something else entirely. His serious pivot to wine started after tasting his way through countless bottlings and realizing Washington deserved way more attention than it was getting. He and his partner Tim Lenihan run Dossier, a winery known for Bordeaux-inspired blends that both critics and connoisseurs have embraced. Here are his tips for this unique corner of the Pacific Northwest.

STAY

The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center

The Marcus Whitman Hotel is a Walla Walla classic. It has that perfect mix of history, character, and comfort and I love the modern renovation they did. It’s where I send friends who want to experience the heart of downtown. Sunset picks in the area include Yellowhawk, a resort and winery located on an 84-acre hilltop overlooking the valley, and The GG Mansion & Inn, a historic home that was built in 1909 and meticulously refurbished and is one of the first bed and breakfasts in Walla Walla. 

EAT

Steph Forrer/Courtesy of Visit Walla Walla

The wings at Public House 124 are a must every time I’m in town; they’re the kind of dish you order once, and think about long after you leave. Brasserie Four brings a little bit of Europe to Walla Walla. The atmosphere, the food, and the attention to detail make it one of those places you can sit for hours and just enjoy the moment. It’s a great place to sip a glass of Champagne and meet up with friends. Passatempo Taverna is one of my go-to spots because it feels both elevated and approachable. Great pasta, great cocktails, and a vibe that makes you want to linger. 

DO

Courtesy of Visit Walla Walla and Wine Valley Golf Club

Wine Valley Golf Club is one of my favorite places to spend a day outside and play a round with friends. The course is beautiful, challenging, and surrounded by the kind of scenery that makes you appreciate being here. For nature lovers, a Sunset favorite is heading to Jasper Mountain Reserve, a privately owned wildlife sanctuary nestled in the Washington Blue Mountains. 

DRINK

Dossier

At the Dossier tasting room in Woodinville, Tim Lenihan worked to create a space that is a reflection of everything we love about Walla Walla—incredible craftsmanship, great people, and a sense of community. We built it to be a place where people can slow down, connect, and experience world-class wine. Abeja captures the beauty of the region perfectly. The setting is incredible, and the wines showcase why this region has become one of the best wine destinations in the country. There’s something about ending the night with a glass of champagne at The Thief. It’s stylish without taking itself too seriously—exactly what Walla Walla does so well. Walla Walla Beer Parlor is a fun stop because it represents another side of Walla Walla’s beverage scene. We love that they are our new neighbor! It’s relaxed, local, and a great place to discover something new. Start at Dossier, end at the Beer Parlor. Perfect day!