Walla Walla, Washington is quickly becoming the hottest wine region West of the Rockies. This once sleepy little town is now flourishing in wine production, and the newly transformed Yellowhawk Resort is at the epicenter, bringing modest prestige into the limelight.
The estate was purchased in December 2020 by Pacific Northwest hospitality executives with the goal of converting it into an agricultural resort. Chef Dan Thiessen is leading this endeavor and his culinary legend status makes him the perfect choice for success!
On August 27 & 28, 2021, this resort hosted their first annual Shindig to bring attention to the great winemakers of the Walla Walla region. With 24 participating wineries and 300 guests, the Shindig was a dazzling weekend affair. Millennial Magazine joined the magic, and experienced the exquisite taste that Yellowhawk had to offer.
Relishing in the Estate House
Our arrival was nothing short of spectacular. A long driveway took us up orchard-laced grounds to a 360-degree view of sprawling vineyards, farmland, and the Blue Mountains.
The ornate manor, formerly known as the Basil Cellars’ Estate House, overlooked an event space where the staff was busily preparing for Shindig’s Friday night reception. The gorgeous 7 bedroom 5 bathroom rustic residence would be ours to call home for the weekend.
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Handcrafted front doors led us into an opulent A-frame windowed lounge. Through the glass walls, we could see a lush woodland creek. To the left, an ornate hand-placed river rock fireplace and overhead, a regal antler chandelier.
Further down the hall was the kitchen that opened to a breakfast nook and salon with spectacular views of the vineyard. The official dining room was off to the left, where a hand-carved Australian birch spiral staircase stole our attention.
Outside, a palatial pool took center stage. The grandeur of perfection looked like it came straight from Versailles. The pool was accompanied by a guest house that offered an extended living quarter off the main house.
It is here that the transformation of home to hotel first takes place with a “Members Only” cabana and private wine tasting experience. Yellowhawk will eventually convert the Estate House into a reception lobby, spa, and meeting center. In the meantime, it is currently available for vacation rentals, weddings and corporate events.
The Yellowhawk Resort Sparkling Wine House
The resort has filled a small but important void in the regional wine portfolio with their sparkling wines. They’re quickly becoming known for bubbles and have released red, white and rosé varieties as well as an exciting new 2019 Sparkling Sémillon to keep people coming back!
Adding to their sparkling wine charm, Yellowhawk is slated to construct up to 90 guest bungalows across their 84-acre property. The resort plans to offer cutting-edge farm-to-table dinners under the direction of renowned chefs, sommeliers, and local producers.
Sustainable agricultural programming will also be provided to educate children and parents about how to cultivate food and maintain their gardens. Additionally, special events that cater to the winemaking community will be signature for the grounds.
Communing for Charity
Yellowhawk prides itself on its role as a community leader. The Shindig, in particular, was evidence of the love and respect they have for the people of the region. The Friday night reception featured a taste of Walla Walla with 24 producers setting up sampling tables in front of the Estate House featuring their most notable red and white varietals. Cheese, charcuterie, crudités and passed hors d’oeuvres were provided by the Yellowhawk culinary team while live music took guests from sunset into evening.
The Shindig’s main event included a dinner gala and charity benefit. The full-course dining experience came with wine pairings, music, and a live auction hosted in partnership with the Blue Mountain Community Foundation.
An impressive $163,000 was raised for local organizations that evening with support going to the community’s wine and culinary workforce, as well as, nonprofits that help children reintegrate into the post-pandemic school environment. The evening concluded with a private reserve cigar lounge and guests dancing under the stars.
Discovering Exceptional Hospitality at Yellowhawk Resort & Sparkling House
The Resort is destined to become a household name for exceptional hospitality and culinary experiences around the world. Be sure to follow them on Instagram to keep up with the latest developments, and check out their website to be among the first to book a room!
