Yellowhawk Resort and Sparkling House — Attraction in Walla Walla

We stopped by the Yellowhawk resort for lunch and tasting because it was supposed to be very scenic. That is true. It's a very nice setting. Unfortunately, that's where the good news stops. We were directed to a table by the hostess and we then sat there for 20 minutes receiving zero attention from any of the wait staff. I recognize that staffing is a challenge these days but that was not the case here. Staff numbers were more than sufficient. We were given neither lunch nor tasting menus. I finally called to a waiter who came over. He was personable and brought the menus. We selected lunch and two tasting flights - one sparkling and one still. When the flights arrived, two of the wines were not what we had ordered. Had to get that fixed. Didn't mater much. The wines weren't that good. Lunch arrived and the smoked chicken salad was good, the sashimi scallops very good and the french fries limp and soggy. We then went back to the same situation as when we arrived - no attention from any of the wait staff, including our waiter who apparently had decided to simply leave. I asked a server at the next table over if we could get our bill, which was when I was informed that he had left. She said that she noticed we were being ignored (then why didn't you do something about it?) and she would bring over the manager to make it right. The manager arrived and her definition of "Make it right" was to ask whether or not we had been informed of the mandatory 20% service charge. I had not, but considering that we were initially ignored, our waiter had left, the other server felt it appropriate to have you come over, perhaps that could be waived as a gesture of goodwill. No, it could not. While 20% is my base tip amount, the quid pro quo should be some level of competent service. At that point I decided I would not be returning to Yellowhawk.

Addendum: The following day while driving back home I received a phone call from the resort. The person had heard of my experience and wanted to know if there was something she could do, such as a free tasting flight. I said the time to address the issue was when were there and since we were on our way home 300 miles away a tasting flight wouldn't be too helpful. She did ask if she could send a bottle of wine but, like I said, I didn't find my tastings very impressive.

I expect ours was an isolated experience. Sometimes things go wrong. But when they do, address it at the time, rather than laying the blame at the waiter who left and throwing a Hail Mary the...

If I could give endless stars that is what I would do. We just came home from staying 3 nights at Basel Cellars property in Walla Walla and we cannot wait to get back there next year! Where to start? The STAFF was PHENOMENAL! Every single staff member I communicated with could not have been more friendly and accommodating. From Roxy in the tasting room, to the lovely group of girls that clean and take care of the home, to the grounds crew and the amazing Hospitality manager Woody. Basel is definitely on their A game and it is so very appreciated. Now the property!!! WOWZERS it is glorious. Spectacularly clean from the grounds, to the kitchen, beds, floors, pool everything! What a breath of fresh air. I loved that house, it is perfect to vacay with all your people. It could sleep at least 20 people comfortably. Thousand times better than any hotel. The pool was fresh water or something bc I never felt the nastiness of a chlorine pool?! The water slide is super fun and refreshing if you had a little too much wine the night before ;) The bbq area was stellar and set up beautifully for any type of meal you're planning. We had a Costco delivery there when we arrived and did a lasagna dinner the first night, brought the chef from Whitman the second night and BBQ'd by the pool the third night. The sunsets are gorgeous by the pool. Endless games, floaties everything you need. The basement is like an adults pee wee play house! Everything from a gorgeous board room, to a lovely bar with tv's, pool tables, a poker room, a movie theatre etc. You can bring the misuse in for massage at any time, there is a hot tub in the spa area of the amazing master suite. I could go on and on. Too late maybe. Lastly, my husband was having too much fun and misplaced his phone. 12 of us looked around at what we thought was everywhere for it and gave up after the 3 days... But then Basel called and let us know they found it and shipped it to us without any question or wait time. They handle their business to the damn T. Thank you Basel and Thank you Roxy and Woody...

Basel wineries does it RIGHT! - Adjacent to the tasting room is this breathtaking venue. The home is beyond description! We so appreciated the architectural wonders to the small details. STAFF, can't say enough how welcoming WOODY was from beginning to end! We had a group of 11 and stayed for three nights. We all wished we had booked longer. The place is filled with amenities we enjoyed. It was early for the pool but Woody opened it up and we took advantage of the built in slide for a cool dip. We enjoyed the hot tub for late night and the full set up in the bar downstairs for Karaoke. Downstairs is like it's own world, bar, pool table and fully equipped theater room! We made it a goal to use all the dining areas. No small chore as there are 4 plus pool area tables! Woody took us on a private tour and tasting with the winemaker, who I had waved to having coffee, we had no idea that was him! The kitchen is FULLY equipped down to the spices. Everything you need to cook or GRILL. We had The Q Wood-Fired Grill catered one night and they were amazing ! HIGHLY recommend Sandy and Emry. OH MY OH MY this place is beyond your expectations! THANK YOU BASEL cellars for sharing your breathtaking home away from...