Horizon Air announced this week that it is accelerating the phase out of its 37-seat Q200s turboprops currently servicing Walla Walla and replacing them with fuel-efficient 76 passenger Bombardier Q400s. This move had been scheduled for April 2009, but rising fuel prices has spurred the implementation date forward to this October.

Walla Walla had been hoping for the reinstatement of a fourth flight to and from Seattle. However, the greater capacity will go a long way to increase both business and visitor traffic.

According to Bombardier’s website, the Q400 is the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft of its size in the world, burning 30 percent less fuel and producing 30 percent less CO2 than a comparable jet.  Passengers will appreciate the larger overhead bins designed to accommodate standard roller bags. Furthermore, the “Q” in the model number stands for “Quiet” due to the Active Noise and Vibration Suppression (ANVS) system on the technologically advanced turboprop airliners.

Visitors to Walla Walla quickly learn to appreciate the quality, value and convenience of Walla Walla’s taco wagons. So last week’s news that the Port of WW has approved a permit for Los Taquitos taco wagon is good news for both the airport’s wineries and wine visitors.

The mobile vendor, known for its Walla Walla Sweet Taco, joins airport terminal restaurant Caravaggio as the only other eatery at the park.

Los Taquitos, owned by Vicente Reyes, will relocate from Sixth Avenue and Main Street and plans on being open seven days a week, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While Vintage Walla Walla was in full swing this weekend, the big story is the launch of Walla Walla native and retired NFL player, Drew Bledsoe’s exciting new winery project.

The official winery name, Doubleback, was unveiled at the very exclusive kick off party, at Bledsoe’s newly-planted McQueen Vineyard, hosted by Drew, Maura and his winemaking consultant Chris Figgins of Leonetti.

Paul Gregutt has been hinting for weeks that Bledsoe was getting ready for the official announcement. So while there are some major wine media in town checking out Vintage, they are on the list (and it has been a very hush hush list) to hang out with our local wine celebrities and Drew’s friends from Bend, Napa and elsewhere.

For a first person account of the event with photos, visit Graze Catering’s blog.