Walla Walla’s first win in the nationwide competition provides a well-earned exclamation point to Washington State Wine Month.
The Walla Walla Valley has been named America’s Best Wine Region in the 2020 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards following a month-long nationwide public vote. Walla Walla Valley has been selected as a finalist for the prestigious award three consecutive years, but this marks the first time it has earned first place. In addition to the Walla Walla Valley’s first place win in Best Wine Region category, Long Shadows Vintners took fourth place in the Best Tasting Room category for the second consecutive year.
“I can think of no better way to honor wines from Washington state in general, and Walla Walla Valley wines specifically, than being recognized as America’s Best Wine Region by a vote of the public,” said Robert Hansen, executive director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance. “It’s a testament to the outstanding terroir, meticulous craftsmanship, and to the men and women who are committed to elevating the Walla Walla Valley from both a wine production and tourism perspective.”
A panel of five wine industry experts chose 20 finalists from a list of more than 250 American wine growing regions. The public was then asked to vote daily for their favorite region between July 13 and August 12.
“The Walla Walla Valley is no stranger to being recognized for the quality of its wines and the experience that awaits those who visit, including being recognized as America’s Best Wine Town in the 2018 Sunset Travel Awards,” said Visit Walla Walla board chair Tabitha Crenshaw. “Given today’s proliferation of American wines and wine regions, this is a particularly proud moment. It is truly special when the very people who purchase and enjoy your wines, and who choose to visit our incredible community, validate the quality and experience you are striving to achieve.”
For more information on the Walla Walla Valley and its wines, visit www.wallawalla.org or www.wallawallawine.com.