Overlooking miles of thriving vineyards and farmland is Yellowhawk, a resort and sparkling winery located right outside the heart of Walla Walla. With 84 acres, it is making its grand entrance as the newest member of this growing wine region and has an incredible tasting room menu, to boot. The resort is perched on top of the hill where the views are stunning, no matter the time of day.
Formerly Basel Cellars, this breathtaking estate was built in 1997 and acquired by Dan Thiessen, Chad Mackay, Scott Clark, Philip Christofides and Paul Mackay in 2020, who renamed it Yellowhawk. Upon entering the property, you will find a bountiful harvest of crops, from corn to produce and, of course, grapes, all which are tended to daily.
Yellowhawk is in the process of building uniquely designed bungalows that will be scattered throughout the property, allowing for guests to fully immerse themselves into the outdoors and be steps from one of the region’s leaders in sparkling wines. The winery is led by winemaker George-Anne Robertson, who has devised the transition to be exclusively sparkling.
Just outside, you will find the tasting room and restaurant, where you can pair farm-to-table dishes and taste your way through a variety of bubbles. The Yellowhawk tasting room and pool cabana dining menu features seasonal-inspired appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts.
All wines are available in a 6-oz. and 12-oz. pours or even by the bottle. Taste your way through the Sparkling Sémillon accompanied with a glass of sparkling white, both of which pair great with the crab cakes that are plated with lemon aioli and micro herbs. The mouthwatering sashimi scallops are served with a miso vinaigrette, pickled ginger, wasabi aioli and fennel.
If you are looking to enjoy a tasting poolside in a cabana during those warm summer months, or to cozy up indoors in the winter, order the charcuterie and cheese which is an excellent sharable served with an assortment of meat, cheeses, pickles, preserved fruit and crackers.
Lunchtime at Yellowhawk is a great way to spend your afternoon; order the smash burger incorporated with two 4-oz. patties, American cheese, special sauce and a potato bun. This burger is sure to make your taste buds happy, and pairs deliciously with a beer from Yellowhawk neighbor, Crossbuck Brewing. The green salad is perfect for those wanting a lighter meal, filled with root veggies (grown on site), summer fruit, farm greens and a honey vinaigrette. This salad is excellent to share, or you can request a half order, as well; you may also add a chicken breast or steak for added protein.
If you are looking to lodge on this stunning property, the 14,00-sq.-ft. estate house is available for rental and comfortably sleeps 16 to 20 guests. This rustic oasis is equipped with eight bedrooms, six bathrooms and a one-bedroom pool house. The lodge makes for a sizeable private getaway for family reunions, weddings and events. (Currently, this estate is available by booking through VRBO). Future plans for this custom-designed estate will include a large spa, open to both the public and its guests. Until then, inquire about booking the whole estate or even just the pool house to elevate your experience at Yellowhawk.
The Yellowhawk restaurant and tasting room are both open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for indoor and outdoor dining. For more information about Yellowhawk, visit yellowhawkresort.com.