Welcome to the Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Spit Winery Resource! This community resource is the result of recommendations made by a variety of wine aficionados. It is intended to provide people in search of good wine tasting experiences with recommendations on various wineries and tasting rooms around the world. Entries are made by going to the Entry Page. The results shown can be sorted in various ways by using the “sort by” links below. You can also search by key words using the filter to select the entries of interest to you. We welcome your entries and your feedback. Of course, the opinions expressed are those of the people making the recommendations. Enjoy!
We also have our own list of wineries at our Wineries page.
Posted by Scott on 17 Feb 2009
My wife, me, and some friends recently went wine tasting in the Sonoma Valley. While we had some very good experiences (and some great tales), I was particularly impressed with Ravenswood winery. This winery is known for its Zins and it did not disappoint. At the winery, there are two "tasting" areas--one for the reserves and one for the rest. Rather than forking over a higher tasting fee, and wanting to try a wine for the "masses," we tasted with "Uncle Bob" at the regular station. Here we tried some very subtle and wonderful Zins. With my interest peaked, Bob allowed us to sample some wines not on the "flight" including a 2000 and 2001 Monte Rosso Zinfindel. I was so impressed with the 2000, that I bought a magnum for later consumption. I also joined their wine club which I am really looking forward to sampling. Of course, when you do so, they offer discounts on purchases and waive the tasting fees. Overall, this was a great winery which lives up to its motto: "No Wimpy Wines" (No Vinos Sin Huevos). 'Nuf Said.
This winery is located in Sonoma, CA, USA
Posted by Daisy Penzo on 18 Feb 2009
This family owned estate makes a fantastic Pinot Noir. Oltrepo Pavese (in Lombardy) is known for Pinot's and champagne-like wines.. so make sure to taste their Pinot Nero Rose' brut !! The Scarani family is very friendly and their son Alberto speaks English so you won't feel completely lost :)
This winery is located in Cigognola - Pavia, Oltrepo Pavese, Italy
Posted by Kathy on 18 Feb 2009
This is a small winery specializing in fruit wines. I first found them when dining at a friend's cabin on a lake in the North Woods--blue sky, sun sparkling on the water, and sweet light cranberry wine. I love all their wines, which are very affordable to boot. The people at the winery couldn't be nicer; there's a retail shop and they give free tours throughout the day. Well worth a visit!
This winery is located in Three Lakes, WI, USA
Posted by Dave O‘Brien on 18 Feb 2009
Its the "friendlist" winery in Napa. Tasting is complimentary. Yes it is still free and if not too crowded you can spend hours just talking wine. The best feature of the tasting is that the entry room is for tasting their sparkling wines. Brut, Blanc de Noir, Rouge. If your tastes are to the fruity sweeter wine the rouge will be a treat. The middle room is for the whites and the back room is where my favorites are--the reds. They have small lot Zins, Cabs and their rising star is their Sangiovese. I purchased a case of the cab and Sangio. No regrets! Tasted as good at home as in the tasting room.
The tasting rooms have a number of Disney memorabilia, as Rich Frank is the past president of Walt Disney Studios. You will enjoy!
This winery is located in Calistoga, CA, USA
Posted by Beth Hoff on 19 Feb 2009
They have a wonderful selection of wines that will make your mouth water. For instance one of my favorites is the 2007 vintage it's their 4th ice wine! This very fine and concentrated sweet estate wine is in 375 ml bottles and is intended to be enjoyed for special occasions.
This winery is located in Prairie du Sac, WI, USA
Posted by Joanna Walters on 20 Feb 2009
Robert the winemaker, owner, and wooden-shoe afficianado is often found pouring his delicious reds at the tasting room. He prides himself on selling his wines only when they are ready to drink so you don't have to be patient to enjoy them. You can find the winery by looking for the driveway fence topped by yellow wooden clogs.
This winery is located in Fair Play, CA, USA
Posted by Jeffry Gordon on 21 Feb 2009
The design and access of the facilities at WVV are, to say the least, stellar. The vantage point from which you view the vineyards, and the proximity to the wine cellar brings the experience of tasting their wines to every sense you can imagine.
The 'tenders' are knowlegable and emblematic of the persona that is Oregon and this region of the wine world.
My tasting experience provided a unique opportunity to meet with Jim Bernau, the owner and CEO of WVV. His passions and drive to bring green and a distinctive communal business model to his vineyard and beloved Pinot are present in every word.
Next, Forrest Klaffke—the wine maker. Hard to find words to describe him—I would ask you to seek out his 2005 Cuvee which will give you pause as well. A master vintner, and gracious beautiful man. Our walk through the cellar was incredible—no more excited thief have I met… my favorite moment was the 'special' barrel of one of his 'babies'—a small cluster experiment that could be a Nuvo rage if ever they decided to jump in that direction.
All of this, and the vineyard access is thirty seconds off of I-5—the main north south freeway—just south of Salem…
If ever you happen through the cellar doors of this welcoming, hard to rival vineyard experience—hug a pinot for me!
Cheers!
This winery is located in Turner, OR, USA
Posted by Diana Hayes on 23 Feb 2009
Put in Bay is a party town on South Bass Island in Lake Erie. On the back of the Island - or is it the middle, is where the winery is located. You get around the island by renting a golf cart.
Their wine is pretty good. My favorite, since I like sweet wine is the white catabwa - that come from the white catabwa grapes grown on the island. They also have ice wines too.
The winery will even deliver the wine to the ferry for you so that you don't have to lug it around on the golf cart.
This winery is located in Put-in-Bay , OH, USA
Posted by Gerry Gollwitzer on 24 Feb 2009
Great Mardi Gras celebration. $15 included great gumbo, dessert, live entertainment, and tasting a full flight of their fine wines.
This winery is located in Mocksville, NC, USA
Posted by Dave on 24 Feb 2009
Robyn is the daughter of Reg and Pam Drayton who owned the winery when Linda and I visited there a number of years ago. If you make the journey to the Hunter Valley, the wine region in NSW is known mostly for their excellent whites. Theirs is a family run winery that is a must if you like a comfortable environment with very warm and engaging staff. We spent a very enjoyable afternoon tasting wine and listening to stories of the founding of the Hunter Valley wine region. Reg and Pam had passed away a year earlier (plane crash) and the family had created a commemorative port. After an entire afternoon of tasting their best, they mentioned this port and they then broke out a bottle for us to taste. It was TERRIFIC! Some of the best I had ever tasted (and in turn we purchased a number of bottles). It was one of the most memorable afternoons spent with wine experts and enthusiasts who enjoy talking about their passion of making great wine. If in the Hunter Valley, please stop by and say hello for us.
This winery is located in Pokolbin, New South Wales, Australia
