Set unassumingly along a country road, eight minutes from downtown Walla Walla, Abeja winery’s charming inn is one of Washington wine country’s most welcoming hospitality options. At first glance, the stunning 38-acre property appears to be a working farm, with its stately farmhouse and surrounding cottages and barns, and the highly regarded Abeja winery facility to the rear. But each of the varied buildings is actually home to luxuriant accommodations that delight even the most jaded of traveler.
With the majestic Blue Mountains as a backdrop, The Inn at Abeja provides a one-of-a-kind wine country experience and is the perfect home base for exploring Walla Walla’s more than 130 wineries, the highest vinous concentration in the wine-centric state. Yet, one need not venture forth from Abeja’s picturesque creeks, gardens, and vineyards to enjoy some of Washington’s best wines. Here, acclaimed winemakers Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler craft silky Abeja Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Chardonnays, of which a tasting is complimentary to guests of the inn.
Dan Wampfler & Amy Alvarez-Wampfler
In addition to their winemaker roles, the couple also oversees The Inn, a collection of original outbuildings, each of which has been meticulously restored with an emphasis on craftsmanship and comfort. The century-old farmstead includes a unique mix of seven private cottages and suites, as well as a five-bedroom Farmhouse. Every stay includes a gourmet, two-course breakfast. And Thursday through Sunday, guests have the option of enjoying a multi-course, prix fixe dinner at the rustically elegant The Kitchen at Abeja, where Chef Jake Crenshaw showcases seasonal Pacific Northwest cuisine, paired with Abeja’s fabulous wines, a few labels of which are only served in the restaurant, such as a sublime Pinot Noir.
The Kitchen at Abeja features a multi-course, prix fixe dinner
Enjoy beautiful Abeja varietals during your stay
For nearly a century, the Abeja property (the name is Spanish for “bee”) was indeed a working farm. Today, the various buildings that once served very particular roles are now luxurious accommodations featuring sumptuous linens, L'Occitane En Provence toiletries, and plush robes and slippers. Several have gas fireplaces, and each has al fresco seating. The Bunk House that once housed the farm’s hired hands is now a charming and romantic 432 sq. ft retreat, evocative of the 1940’s with robin's egg blue cabinets in the kitchen and tiled floors. The Edison House once distributed and stored power for the farm; it is now a winsome, two-story studio cottage with a vaulted ceiling and exposed beams.
The Edison House
The Chicken Coop was just that. It is now a lovely 576 sq. ft. cottage with cupola, exposed beams, large windows, and recycled hardwood floors. A kitchenette is completed with beautiful cabinetry made from reclaimed wood. The Summer Kitchen invites guests to travel back in time to when preserving summer's bounty was a seasonal endeavor. This 936 sq. ft., two-story cottage features a romantic private veranda overlooking Abeja’s estate Syrah vineyard. The Locust Suite is named for the fragrant trees just outside its front door. Its main living area retains its original paneling and is appointed with leather furnishings, slate floors with oriental rugs and mahogany finishes.
The 1,170 sq. ft. Hayloft Suite stuns with its grand stairway that leads to high-ceilinged living areas with exposed beams. Floor to ceiling windows and a second floor deck afford beautiful views of the Blue Mountains and Titus Creek. This heated-floor suite includes two private baths, one of which features a deep soaking tub. The two-bedroom, 1,375 sq. ft. Carriage House Suite is airy and spacious, with a large main living area that brings the garden inside with an abundance of natural light. A second floor balcony also offers panoramic views.
The barn adjacent Hayloft Suite features dramatic views of the Blue Mountains
Living room, the Hayloft Suite
And finally, The Farmhouse is Abeja's spectacular turn-of-the-century, five-bedroom/five bath home, complete with gourmet kitchen. With its spacious wrap-around deck, library, sunroom, living room and large dining room, it is an ideal option for family and friends who have gathered to enjoy the spoils of Walla Walla wine country.
“When visitors come to Abeja, time slows down,” says Alvarez-Wampfler. “We want to provide our guests with an opportunity to unwind in a peaceful setting surrounded by the quiet beauty of our property, taste wine and foods where they are grown, and experience the rich farming history of the Walla Walla Valley.”
Mission more than accomplished.
Photos courtesy of Abeja Winery & Inn
