Earlier this month, Patrick Comiskey wrote a nice feature on twenty wineries to visit in the Willamette Valley. In Wednesday's food section of the Los Angeles Times, he's now turning his attention to a special place in southeastern Washington, "Walla Walla wineries: a place for exciting reds".

Comiskey, a senior editor for Wine & Spirits magazine, focuses much of his feature on the amazing syrahs coming out of this part of the Pacific Northwest, but along the way highlights the unique characteristics of Walla Walla fruit. I wholeheartedly agree with Comiskey on his fondness for Walla Walla Valley wines.

Those who have been following this blog these last couple of years know what a huge fan I am of this special area of Washington state. There is something truly unique about Walla Walla fruit that distinguishes it from other AVAs in Washington state.

I encourage you to try a Walla Walla Valley cab, syrah, merlot, or sangiovese next to the same variety comprised of fruit from another appellation in the state. In doing so, you will hopefully experience what I have on countless occasions: graceful, balanced, elegant wines that go very well with food.

Here are several Walla Walla Valley AVA wines I recommend trying:

Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley (2005)
Fort Walla Walla Cellars Syrah Walla Walla Valley (2003)
Mannina Cellars 'Cali' Walla Walla Valley (2005)
Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley (2002)
Reininger Syrah Walla Walla Valley (2002)
Saviah Cellars Malbec Walla Walla Valley (2005)
Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley (2005)

Even better, I encourage you to visit Walla Walla and experience for yourself the amazing concentration of standout winemakers crafting unique wines from truly incredible fruit. It is hands down my favorite place to visit wineries, meet winemakers, and taste wine in Washington state. Here are several Walla Walla wineries I recommend visiting:

Amavi Cellars
Basel Cellars
Dama Wines
Fort Walla Walla Cellars
Isenhower Cellars
L'Ecole No 41
Pepper Bridge
Reininger
Seven Hills Winery
Tertulia Cellars
Trust Cellars
Whitman Cellars
Woodward Canyon

And when you get back from your visit to Walla Walla or after you have enjoyed a bottle of Walla Walla wine, please share your experiences with us here at BeyondtheBottle.com.