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.
Warning: mysql_real_escape_string(): No such file or directory in /data/1/0/59/61/59224/user/60390/htdocs/wineimbiber/wp-content/themes/wineimbiber/wi_survey_results.php on line 95
Warning: mysql_real_escape_string(): A link to the server could not be established in /data/1/0/59/61/59224/user/60390/htdocs/wineimbiber/wp-content/themes/wineimbiber/wi_survey_results.php on line 95
Showing submissions 1 through 46 of 90
Page: 1, 2
Great wine, and they have some estate rentals where you can escape in privacy while visiting wine country.
This winery is located in Calistoga, CA, USA
Excellent wine and very impressive location.
This winery is located in Sonoma, CA, USA
Sula »
The most popular Indian wine, the first winery to start tours and tasting in India, and the hosts of the annual and extremely popular Sulafest - a weekend of wine, food and music.
This winery is located in Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Kaena's tasting room is on San Marcos Avenue in Los Olivos. Mikael Sigouin, the winemaker/proprietor (who has also been a winemaker at Fess Parker and is now also head winemaker at the iconic Beckmen), is often on hand to pour his wines as he also pours out his winemaking expertise and information about his wines (and those of others in the area if you ask). Kaena has a Hawaiian theme (Mikael was born and raised in Honolulu). He has a focus on Grenache, and he also produces a wide range of other delicious wines. The tasting room is often busy, but no matter--he's ready to engage with everyone.
This winery is located in Los Olivos, CA, USA
Star Lane Vineyards is related to Dierbert Estate Winery. Star Lane produces warmer climate Bordeaux varietals (Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet) from their Happy Canyon vineyards. Dierberg produces cooler climate Burgundian wines (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) with grapes mostly from Santa Maria Valley (and from Happy Canyon for their Syrah). Their beautiful tasting room is set on a vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills on Drum Canyon Road, just off Hwy 246 that connects Lompoc to Solvang. The setting is relaxing and the wine is delightful. Don't miss a chance to visit them.
This winery is located in Lompoc, CA, USA
Dierberg's winery is also home to their Star Lane Vineyards label. Dierberg produces cooler climate Burgundian wines (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir) with grapes mostly from Santa Maria Valley (and from Happy Canyon for their Syrah). Star Lane produces warmer climate Bordeaux varietals (Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet) from their Happy Canyon vineyards. Their beautiful tasting room is set on a vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills on Drum Canyon Road, just off Hwy 246 that connects Lompoc to Solvang. The setting is relaxing and the wine is delightful. Don't miss a chance to visit them.
This winery is located in Lompoc, CA, USA
Posted by Robert Haas on 10 Mar 2010
Small family-run winery off the beaten path making excellent organically grown Rhone varietals.
This winery is located in Paso Robles, CA, USA
Posted by Bettie@wineablegifts on 03 Feb 2010
Justin Winery is a little out of the way, but well worth the drive. To get to the winery you have to drive down an old country road canopied with oak trees. This time of year the drive is green and beautiful. We tasted six of their wines and loved them all. Loved them so much we joined their wine society club. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Justin winery is family owned and operated. Besides the winery there is a gourmet restaurant (Deborah's Room) and a Bed & breakfast called Just Inn. You will not be disappointed. A must visit!
This winery is located in Paso Robles, California, USA
Posted by Tim Nagel on 26 Jan 2010
This small winery north of Jackson Michigan is located on a private grass landing strip. So if you have a small private plane, you can fly in to visit the tasting room. Directions by air are given on the winery's website. The tasting room is new and the owner is there to discuss his wines. He produces his wines in his airplane hangar next to his private plane. The winery is open weekends for tastings.
This winery is located in Jackson, MI, USA
Posted by Sarah on 23 Nov 2009
We took a wing ding tour of Italy trip as a "last hoorah" before we started our family. On that trip we took a tour of the castle and winery, Castello Del Trebbio. It was followed by a wine tasting. We couldn't understand much of what they were saying but it was wonderful, tasty wine and gorgeous scenery. What more can you ask for?
This winery is located in Pontassieve, Firenze, Italy
Posted by Jennifer Endicott on 21 Nov 2009
This winery is off the beaten path and the tasting room has a cute, homey feel. We were camping in the area and I saw a sign on the side of the road for it. It is basically set in the middle of no where and you drive up a one-lane gravel drive surrounded by grape vines. I had my one-year old with me since we were on a family vacation and they were so attentive to him in the tasting room--they gave him all the pretzels he could eat. They have a great Merlot! Sandhill cranes (the birds) are very prominent in that area--hence the name. We saw a bunch of them driving the back roads.
This winery is located in Jackson, MI, USA
Posted by Tori Correll on 09 Nov 2009
Ravenswood Winery was our third stop during our first trip to Northern California wine country. We still weren't sure what we were doing and were really searching for a welcoming atmosphere that offered education and excellent wines. We found both at Ravenswood plus excellent customer service. Our server allowed to sample a number of wines (beyond what we paid for), offered education beyond what he was required to give us for the price, and excellent wines.
This winery is located in Sonoma, CA, USA
Posted by Bettie on 30 Sep 2009
We prefer the wineries in the Central Coast of California but often find ourselves down in the Temecula wine country because of it's close proximity to our home. One winery that stood out on our last visit was Ponte Winery. In the tasting room you can taste 6 different wines for and keep the glass. The tasting room has high beam ceilings and plenty of counter space for tasting. Their wine is only sold in the tasting room. You can also dine among the vineyards or shop in their marketplace. Ponte Winery is a friendly family owned winery. Enjoy!
This winery is located in Temecula, California, USA
Posted by Bettie Infante on 04 Aug 2009
Earlier this week we visited several wineries in Paso Robles and the San Luis Obispo area of California to celebrate our anniversary. Along Highway 46 on the east side of 101 you will find a dozen or so wineries with diverse wine tastings. Two that stood out for us were Opolo and Eberle. Opolo has a very friendly, complimentary wine tasting room. It is off the main road down a country road and has a "down to earth" feel. By the way, Opolo means fun! It is one of the newer wineries. 1999 marked the first commercial crush under the Opolo label. On the other hand, Eberle is one of the more established wineries. At Eberle you can enjoy complimentary wine tasting, explore more than 16,000 square feet of underground caves, or enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch on the deck overlooking the Estate vineyard. 2009 marked 30 years of fine winemaking at Eberle! Our tour of the underground caves was fascinating. This area has grown so much that there are currently over 200 wineries in the Central California region. Who needs to go to Napa? Cheers!
This winery is located in Paso Robles, CA, USA
Posted by Craig L. on 03 Jul 2009
Noted for their great pinot noirs (4 pinots ranging from $30-$75 per bottle) but also have pinot blanc and gris (both $18 per bottle). Family run 110 acre estate winery by the parents and four daughters (the four graces) and one son. Gorgeous winery; have 3 wine dogs (2 golden retrievers and one Irish setter).
This winery is located in Dundee, OR, USA
Posted by Len Eisenstein on 15 Jun 2009
Domaine Ferrando »
Recently, on a "business trip" to Paris my colleagues and I tasted an excellent bottle of Rhone wine. It was called Colombis Chateauneuf du Pape, 2006 from Domaine Ferrando. It smelled of strawberries and rasberry aromas. The taste was silky, smooth and very fruit foward.
This winery is located in Rhone, France
Posted by Diana on 15 Jun 2009
It's not a vineyard, but a way to experience Virginia wines. The park invites different vineyards (one at a time) to have a wine tasting at either Skyland or Big Meadiows Lodge. There is a small gathering of people, wine, cheese and crackers. The servers refresh your glasses throughout while the vineyard representative pours your wine and describes it for you. Barboursville Vineyard was there when I went. While I can't tell you about my visit to the vineyard or winery, I can tell you that the wines were very good and the presenter did a wonderful job. My husband and I enjoyed this visit to the park for the wine tasting, for a vineyard that we knew we wouldn't have time to visit because it was further than we were going to travel for a short visit. I recommend visiting SNP for the wine tasting if you are in the area.
This winery is located in Luray, VA, USA
Posted by Beth Bright on 12 Jun 2009
Great setting - great fun! Little Swan Winery is located in Northwest Iowa outside the skirts of the small town of Superior, Iowa tucked back along a small lake. The winery offers all sorts of wines to please the plallets of many. They also offer several varities of cheeses and their speciality is Buffalo meat raised right there on the farm. You can offen go to have a fresh grilled buffalo burger or buffalo lasagna. Chicks, Flicks and Wine is an event attended by many women once a month. A guest speaker opens the evening and a good flick is shown following. Wine and munchies of course are consumed my many.
This winery is located in Superior, IA, USA
Posted by Dottie on 31 May 2009
Twomey Cellars has two tasting rooms, one in Calistoga and one in Healdsburg. I've only been to the one in Healdsburg. It is absolutely stunning. The tasting room is spacious and modern. You stand at the tasting bar and look out through a huge bay window onto the vineyards and parts of the Russian River Valley. The staff is friendly and the wines are tremendous. I especially love their Pinot Noirs. Surrounded by the amazing view, the stunning tasting room and nice people, enjoying some fantastic wine. What could be better than that?
This winery is located in Healdsburg, CA, USA
Posted by Susan Flint on 17 May 2009
We bought this wine at our local grocery store strictly because of the name since it is the same as ours and we thought maybe we could pass it off as our personal label. Well the '04 pinot noir turned out to be delicious so we went to the winery and bought 6 cases of it. Scott Flint, the owner and vintner was previously the winemaker at Calera Winery. He also makes a Syrah and a Zinfandel which are also quite wonderful. This winery is very small and tasting is by reservation only but Scott is always glad to show off his wine.
This winery is located in Hollister, CA, USA
Posted by Michael R. on 10 May 2009
Beautiful subterranean storage caves. Powerful Central California reds. About a mile east of US 101. We stopped by on the way from SoCal to NorCal. Pleasant reception in their tasting room. Within the man-made caves, they have carved out a banquet room for special occasions. It's an anti-L.A. experience!
This winery is located in Paso Robles, CA , USA
Posted by Esmeralda on 03 May 2009
The winery is dog friendly, with a picnic area and gardens. They practice sustainable farming and are located on a beautiful piece of property. Napa Valley is just gorgeous and easily accessible from San Francisco. The staff here was very friendly and took the time to introduce us to their wines. It was fun to sample the wines and then be able to sit outside in the picnic area and enjoy a picnic on a beautiful summer day.
This winery is located in St. Helena, CA, USA
Posted by Dave on 02 May 2009
Rich, during our recent trip to Paris we took a tour of castles in the Loire Valley. We chanced on a family run winery which has been in the Plou family since 1508. Their tasting center is still manned by family members. A young lady (about 19) was our host and in tasting red wines, I asked her the differnce between Cuvee Prestige and the Cuvee Les Menigottes; her scientific answer was in very broken english that it was "stronger". Very charming and very warm environment with a reasonable price for the Touraine wine growing area. The two wines I mentioned were 6 & 7 Euros, yet very drinkable. I will share when next you visit.
[Ed. Note: Bribing me with wine doesn‘t guarantee you a win, but it doesn‘t hurt either.]
[Ed. Note: Bribing me with wine doesn‘t guarantee you a win, but it doesn‘t hurt either.]
This winery is located in Amboise, Loire Valley, France
Posted by Jim Morrison on 30 Apr 2009
We went to this winery recently and instantly I felt like I was transformed into one of the wineries in Rhone Valley. Beautiful grounds and beautiful vineyards with a unique rustic touch...The winery is located in a mountainous area right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Small hills and rock filled vineyards form the terroir of these concentrated wines all named after the wine maker‘s dogs that seem to have free range of the place.
By the way there is an excellent bistro in the winery that
can‘t be missed. We had a mixed cheese plate and some
great wines to pair with for little cost. This place is hard to find and probably off the beaten path but well worth the
find. Great wines...Great food...Great scenery...
This winery is located in Blue Ridge Parkway, VA, USA
Posted by Scott on 24 Apr 2009
Mosby was one winery we wanted to visit during our Santa Barbara wine tasting trips. The winery has a nice, quaint tasting room with a very friendly "down home" feel. The tasting room features shirts, gourmet items, and of course, wine. I was intrigued with the Mosby cross/crest (which added a personal note) and the various wooden boards on the walls with all kinds of witty sayings and philosophizing on the nature of wine. Our host, a fellow originally from Kentucky, touted the virtues of Mosby's wines. He told humorous stories while he served us around 6 pours. Of these, I enjoyed the 2007 Mosby Cortese (grown in California from imported Italian grapes), and the 2005 Mosby Ossessione (imported from Italy). Both were deep, rich, and very tasty. I purchased a bottle of each, as well as a bottle of the 2006 Mosby Sangiovese without trying it based upon the recommendation of our host (you see…I love Sangiovese). Not to be missed was Mosby's "Sophia," a raspberry dessert wine. This was delicious. We bought two bottles—one for drinking later with dessert and one to be used as a dessert (I am thinking poured over vanilla bean ice cream). Finally, if you go there, you have to at least visit (or use) the restroom. It's literally a HUGE, old oak barrel with restroom inside. Not to be missed. All of this lends itself to a fun, relaxing, and very enjoyable winery visit.
This winery is located in Buellton, CA, USA
Posted by Jim Morrison on 23 Apr 2009
This winery is one of the best in New England. A beautiful
tasting room with a large stone fireplace and large windows looking out into manicured vineyards and a picture perfect postcard of quaint barns and old stone walls.
Then there is the wine! Delicious brooding reds and delicate whites. Don‘t be surprised if John Edwards joins you with a taste in between his wine making duties or better yet invite you to a barrel tasting.
All and all this is a fabulous little winery that will enchant you and most likely "WOW"
you! It‘s a must visit if your staying a couple days at one of the nearby casinos.
By the way I have no personal
affiliation to this winery…I just think it‘s a well kept secret
with locals and visitors that love this place…like myself.
This winery is located in N. Stonington, CT, USA
Posted by Matt Tompkins on 22 Apr 2009
Paolo Bea is a small, family run organic winery in Umbria. Giampiero, one of the sons, gives a lovely tour—as long as you'd like. Only want to taste? No problem, into the tasting room we go. Want to feel the earth between your toes where the vines grow? Let's walk out back. They'll tell you all about their wines and how it's made without technology, over 2 wonderful hours of tasting. All grapes and olives are harvested by hand and their creative labels are individually numbered. The sagrantino grape is deep in color and the wine bursts with flavor in your mouth.
We communicated directly with Giampiero by email and 6 of us visited in June 2006, during the World Cup. I asked him what he would drink to celebrate, if Italy won (which they did), and he proceeded to let us taste a wine, poured by his mother, that had been fermenting for years, which they weren't selling at the time. Very personal.
This winery is located in Montefalco, Umbria, Italy
Posted by Carla on 22 Apr 2009
This winery is a complete experience. From their website, to their handcrafted fine cheeses, to their exquisite wines the whole experience leaves you wanting more. I have been looking in the Seattle area for a Tannat wine, as they are very hard to fine. Only today did I bring my prize home; the only disappointment, it is not from Narbona. I have yet to see a winery equal to Narbona. I challenge you to head south to Uruguay and taste for yourself.
[Ed Note: See also www.fincaygranjanarbona.com]
[Ed Note: See also www.fincaygranjanarbona.com]
This winery is located in Puerto Carmelo, Uruguay
Posted by Susan Flint on 20 Apr 2009
Winery is atop the ridge in the Santa Cruz mountains with vistas to the bay and San Francisco (30 miles north). Wonderful wines esp. the 2006 Gewurztraminer but also the Fiddletown Barbera 2004 and a host of others. They have an un-oaked chardonnay 2006 which was light and tasty. Their sparkling wine is OK but too dry for my uneducated taste buds.
Our daughter will be married there in May as the setting is so beautiful. Landscaped gardens, nice tasting room, small lake (I think the swans flew the coop).
This winery is located in Woodside, CA, USA
Posted by Scott Heimendinger on 17 Apr 2009
DeLille »
DeLille just happens to make some of the finest wine in all of the Pacific Northwest. However, it is the charm and cozy elegance of their tasting room that makes this winery a must-visit. From the oversized fireplace to the welcoming sound of the piano, there's nowhere else I'd rather be on a gray Seattle afternoon than tasting at DeLille. If possible, visit during the Christmas season to see the tasting room festively decorated.
This winery is located in Woodinville, WA, USA
Posted by Blind Muscat on 17 Apr 2009
This has to be one of the funkiest, most unusual tasting rooms on the planet, plus they make some darn good wine--Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, red blends, unusual grapes like Negrette.
But ah, the tasting room. DeRose is located in one part of the old, nearly abandoned Heublein monster complex in San Benito County (that's the county east of Monterey County). Besides the usual tasting bar and cash register, it has the San Andreas Fault running right through it -- visibly -- complete with cracks in the floor and the walls and the ceiling, and a plaque from the Coast and Geodetic Survey folks indicating it's one of the best places to stare the San Andreas straight in the face.
Plus, Pat DeRose has the best mustache in the wine business -- you can see it on their website.
Until a few years back the tasting room was furnished with used, reconditioned airline coach seats, from a repair facility across the highway, which made lounging along the fault line even more amusing. They finally took the seats out, because too many folks were just spending the day lounging around and not buying wine.
Still, more than worth a trip -- and a fine introduction to the wineries of this overlooked little growing and winemaking region.
This winery is located in Holister, CA, USA
Posted by Christian Staples on 17 Apr 2009
The 35,000-square-foot facility at Childress Vineyards is poised to become a destination for visitors and North Carolinians alike. Designed by Winston-Salem, NC architect Kyle Troxell, the stone and stucco building, with its ornate terra cotta roof is inspired by the Italian Renaissance architecture of rural Tuscany. The winery's opulent interiors are the creation of Wolf Design Group in Atlanta, GA.
This winery is located in Lexington, NC, USA
Posted by Alex on 13 Apr 2009
Beautiful winery that looks like a Mediterranean villa. We checked this place out during the 2008 Santa Barbara Vintner's Festival. Wines were all good. They were even serving complimentary hors d'oeuvres that rivaled anything you could order in a restaurant (though I think it was only due to the festival that weekend). A bit crowded that day, but still a pleasurable experience. One of Santa Barbara's wine legacies.
This winery is located in Lompoc, CA, USA
Posted by Gregg on 13 Apr 2009
This is a small boutique winery located in the Dry Creek Valley area of Healdsburg. It's a spectacular setting to enjoy a bottle of their award-winning chardonnay with a sandwich from the local General Store (they have picnic tables out back with a view of their vineyards and the valley). Kudos to the staff for being very knowledgeable, friendly and best of all, not pushy! All in all, a great winery experience that we plan on returning to when we're in the area again.
This winery is located in Healdsburg, CA, USA
Posted by Billy Thompson on 12 Apr 2009
When at San Pietro Restaurant in NYC we had a bottle of Portalupi Zinfandel and it blew our mind. I contacted Tim Borges and Jane Portaulpi and they are the NICEST couple to work with and are genuine good people. Their wines have won awards in CA and well worth the accolades.
This winery is located in Sonoma, CA, USA
Posted by Scott on 06 Apr 2009
We visited this winery to check out the scene. For those of you who don't know, Fess Parker is an 1950s actor/singer who played Davy Crockett on television. He and his family have since gone into the wine making business (he is still alive) and, from what I have seen, this generates a lot of income. The wine-tasting center is new and modern and a scene from Sideways was filmed there (the scene where Miles learns his book will not be published). There is a huge lawn area which adds to the charm of the site. Inside, there are wine tasting areas as well as shelves devoted to gourmet items, oils, food, etc.--even a coon skin cap if you're so inclined. Overall, I would have to say that the wine at Fess Parker is not very good. In fact, I did not finish any of them. However, I did buy some "White Lightning" bbq sauce from Kentucky and some terrific champage dipped chocolate strawberries. If you're looking to find a place that has a nice atmosphere and you don't care about the quality of the wine, this is the place for you. Even though we do care about the quality of our wine, the place was fun and I would recommend a visit there.
This winery is located in Los Olivos, CA, USA
Posted by Scott on 06 Apr 2009
Sanford »
Sanford was selected as one of several wineries which we visited as part of a wine-tasting weekend in Santa Barbara County. FYI--visit LaFond and Mosby too. I had previously heard that the tasting room was a small old barn and was surprised to see that, in fact, the site has a beautiful, state of the art, wine-tasting facility with beautiful grounds. This area is known for its Pinot, so we tasted these with interest. The Santa Rita Hills Pinot (2007) was quite nice and cost about $40. I bought two bottles. Their premium Pinot was a bit better, but cost $60 per bottle and I thought it was bit pricey. In terms of the whites, their Chardonnay was good and I bought two bottles as well. Overall, this was a nice winery with nice Staff on a lovely site (complete with the very big cat who sleeps outside and allows all visitors time to pet).
This winery is located in Lompoc, CA, USA
Posted by Carolyn Gonzalez on 31 Mar 2009
Biltmore Estates »
I recently moved to NC and so a friend gave us a few bottles of this wine and it was delicious.
This winery is located in Asheville, NC, USA
Posted by Gerry Gollwitzer on 31 Mar 2009
A visit to this small vineyard is like visiting the wine makers in their home. The production is in their lower level. The Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon were wonderful.
This winery is located in Kings Creek, NC, USA
Posted by Jessica O‘Brien on 31 Mar 2009
I didn't have a choice in going to this particular winery because it was part of a wine excursion for school. But it was my favorite winery out of the three we visited that day. This winery offers a small, friendly feel. The winemaker, Mr. Helm himself will take you on a tour of his winery and will sit down and taste wines with you. He provides you with a "welcome to the family" atmosphere and will chat you up about anything (I really mean anything...he gave us a quick little latin lesson). The winery is located in a somewhat remote area (you have to drive on a dirt road to get to it) but its scenery is beautiful. You are taken away from all the noise of the city and able to enjoy the "outback" of NSW.
This winery is located in MURRUMBATEMAN, New South Wales, Australia
Posted by Violeta on 30 Mar 2009
Cambiata »
Their central coast Albarino is delicious, one of my absolute favorites.
This winery is located in Santa Cruz, CA, USA
Posted by Rosemary Bluhm on 30 Mar 2009
Welcome to the Sierra Foothills of California
This winery is located in Mt Aukum, CA, USA
Posted by Bettie Infante on 24 Mar 2009
Wilson Creek Winery is a family affair in the Temecula Wine Country in Southern California. We visited this winery three years ago and then just recently. It has grown in three years but still remains a warm and friendly experience. Strolling the gardens you will encounter many of the Wilson family members from the patriarch of the family Gerry to Cabernet the dog. Wilson Creek is known for it's Almond Champagne. More of a wine lover than a champagne lover I was hesitant to try their Almond Champagne but after I did I was sold. Back in the intimate barrel room they serve their signature "Almond Joy." This is port wine poured into a chocolate demitasse cup and topped off with their Almond Champagne. Everything is edible even the cup! WOW! The best dessert you'll ever have, yes better than chocolate souffle.
This winery is located in Temecula, CA, USA
Posted by Philip Sunseri on 22 Mar 2009
Unique history, great wine.
This winery is located in Vina, CA, USA
Posted by Gerry Gollwitzer on 21 Mar 2009
A large variety of wines to taste included with the admission to the Biltmore Estate. They often have entertainment. Visiting the Bilmore Estates is always a great time.
.
This winery is located in Asheville, NC, USA
Posted by Gerry Gollwitzer on 17 Mar 2009
This vineyard is in the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina. It is a beautiful place. They have events with great food, entertainment, and, of course, great wines. Don't miss their Cabernet Franc.
We had a wonderful experience at our last tasting there.
This winery is located in Dobson, NC, USA
