When the internationally acclaimed Hospice du Rhône revealed its decision to stage its prestigious wine event in the Walla Walla Valley this year, it was met with excitement among lovers of Rhône varietals grown in the region.

The choice reflects the organization’s commitment to growth, exploring and showcasing regions at the forefront of Rhône variety wine production. Renowned for exceptional wines — particularly those made from Rhône varieties grown in the The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater American Viticultural Area — the Walla Walla Valley emerged as a natural choice for this year’s event.

In fact, The Rocks District Winegrowers, led by Carrie Alexander and Steve Robertson, is sponsoring Hospice du Rhône this year.

Hospice du Rhône attracts a wide audience from wine trade professionals to consumers. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, but the event caters to those eager to dive into the intricacies of the Rhône Valley. Attendees should anticipate a blend of education, exploration and enjoyment with many opportunities to engage with producers and discover new wines. The motto of “Serious Fun” sums up what attendees can expect. 

Alexander says “Attendees come from all over the U.S., France, Spain, Australia and other countries. Sixty percent are coming from more than 50 miles outside of Walla Walla.”

A nonprofit organization, Hospice du Rhône is dedicated to improving the business conditions of grape growers and wine producers of Rhône variety wines worldwide. By spotlighting the Walla Walla Valley, the group acknowledges the world-class wines produced in this corner of the Pacific Northwest, bringing global awareness to the region.  

For years, Hospice du Rhône has spotlighted winemakers and wines from the Walla Walla Valley in various seminars, masterclasses, tastings and winemaker dinners. Next week’s Walla Walla event highlights a similar schedule. Attendees will taste wines from Paso Robles (California), The Rocks District (Oregon) and South Africa in designated tastings. The Grand Tasting features six countries and six states. Aside from Doug Frost, the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier from Kansas City, who knew Kansas made Rhône wines?

Among the featured events surrounding this Hospice du Rhône will be the exclusive wine dinners around town. Walla Walla restaurants are matched up with wineries from around the world spotlighting the cuisine, the wine and the marriage of the two. Most of the events are sold out, but occasionally tickets are released back into the system. It’s worth taking a look at their website if you are interested.  

Hospice du Rhône’s decision to bring its event to the Walla Walla Valley signifies a milestone for the Northwest producers. Wineries stand to benefit from increased exposure, and foot traffic will provide an opportunity to display their offerings and hospitality to a broader audience. 

While Hospice du Rhône’s biennial event will continue to rotate locations, this is the Walla Walla Valley’s year to shine. Visitors might consider taking advantage of the region and visiting some of the other phenomenal areas in the region.

Event schedule

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Focus Tasting: Rhônes of Paso Robles 
5:00pm – 7:00pm | The Garage at The Motor Co. | 11 N Colville St, Walla Walla

Rhône-Around Dinner: Burgers and Bottle Share 
7:00pm | AK’s Mercado | 21 E Main St, Walla Walla

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Garnacha of Spain: Master Class and Tapas Lunch 
Presenters: Bodegas Breca, Bodegas Valdemar, Perinet 
11:00am – 3:00pm | Valdemar Estates | 3808 Rolling Hills Lane, Walla Walla

Welcome Party: Rhônes of The Rocks District 
3:00pm – 6:00pm | The Garage at The Motor Co | 11 N Colville St, Walla Walla

Rhône-Around Dinners: Bionic Wines; Châteauneuf-du-Pape; Mullineux; Yangarra Estate Vineyards 
4:30pm, 7:00pm | Various restaurants

Friday, April 26, 2024

Seminar 1 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Limitless Style with Authenticity 
Presenters: Clos du Mont-Olivet, Domaine de Marcoux, Vieux Télégraphe 
Moderated by Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 
9:00am – 10:30am | Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center | 6 W Rose St, Walla Walla

Seminar 2 – Mullineux: Swartland Through the Lens of Syrah 
Presenters: Andrea and Chris Mullineux, Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines 
Moderated by Lauren Buzzeo, Full Pour 
10:45am – 12:15pm | Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center | 6 W Rose St, Walla Walla

Rosé of Tavel: Master Class and Rosé Lunch
Moderated by Christophe Tassan, MOF 
12:30pm – 2:30pm | The Motor Co. | 11 N. Colville St., Walla Walla
 
Focus Tasting: Rhônes of South Africa 
3:00pm – 5:00pm | The Garage at The Motor Co. | 11 N. Colville St., Walla Walla
 
Rhône n’ Bowl 
6:00pm – 9:00pm | Bowlaway Lanes | 411 Ash St., Walla Walla
 
Rhône-Around Dinners: Bedrock Wine Co.; Peake Ranch; Ventoux
7:00pm | Various restaurants

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Live Auction Lunch 
12:00pm – 2:30pm | Walla Walla Wine Services | 173 Middle Waitsburg Road, Building C, Suite 100, Walla Walla
 
Grand Tasting 
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Trade and media, plus Auction Lunch attendees – (credentials required)
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Walla Walla Wine Services | 173 Middle Waitsburg Road, Building C, Suite 100, Walla Walla
 
Rhône-Around Dinners: Château de Saint Cosme; Jeff Cohn Cellars & Cave Yves Cuilleron; Domaine de la Solitude; Atelier Freewater
7:00pm | Various restaurants 
 
Bottle Share Bid Adieu
7:00pm – 9:00pm | The Garage at The Motor Co. | 11 N. Colville St., Walla Walla

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