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.
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Showing submissions 1 through 90 of 90
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.
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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
Posted by Mary Gollwitzer on 02 Mar 2009
We stopped at Black Wolf at lunch time. We had a personalized tasting right at our table before ordering lunch. Our waitress was knowledgable about the wines, the winery, etc. The wines were reasonably priced and delicious, as was lunch.
This winery is located in Dobson, NC, USA
Posted by Yachi on 01 Mar 2009
The reason I like this winery is because it is not so big and it is unique and the staff is very friendly and seems to have a lot of knowledge of wine. By the way, I got syrah and the taste was excellent.
This winery is located in San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
Posted by Jennifer Dong on 28 Feb 2009
My friend actually picked. I had only recently begun drinking wine and she wanted to broaden my experiences so she took me here one day. The wine was amazing.
This winery is located in Riverhead, New York, USA
Posted by Scott on 24 Feb 2009
Orfila »
It‘s somewhat difficult to find a nice, quality winery in San Diego County when much more of the state is regarded for producing better wine. While this is largely true, we have a gem of a little winery here in San Diego in Orfila. Located in the San Pasqual valley in Escondido, the winery also has a tasting room near Julian. At the Escondido site, there is a huge tasting room with helpful, nice, and knowledgable staff. The wines made and served here are, by and large, pound for pound, quite good. My wife, who prefers sweeter wines, likes the Riesling, while I, who prefers reds, likes the Sangiovese (which was introduced to the area by the winery's last master vinter). The 2005 Sangiovese was terrific, but unfortunately, they don't have any more. Try instead the 2006 which is great too. Their Ambassador's Reserve Merlot is award-winning and very nice. At the winery, they have ALOT of spreads, breads, vinaigrettes (try the Pinot Noir--its great), jams, jellies, glasses, and other assorted nick-nacks. The view of the valley and vineyards is outstanding with open trellis features, benches, etc. Here you can get a glass of your favorite wine and relax the way God intended. Overall, if you want a nice, first-class experience in your backyard, go to Orfila. You may also want to check out buying a case of their futures Ambassadors Merlot which will entitle you to their Fall Dinner Party which is absolutely amazing, or join their Owl (Wine Lovers) Club.
This winery is located in Escondido, CA, 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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Walt Spevak on 16 Feb 2009
J »
Great Vintage Brut. Also pinots, chardonnay, dessert wines and others...all in a spectacular setting with an outside terrace for basking in the warm sunshine. Stanford alums may enjoy knowing that owner, Judy Jordan, played on Stanford's 1981 NCAA championship tennis team.
This winery is located in Healdsburg, CA, USA
Posted by William Limburg on 14 Feb 2009
The owner/winemaker creates some of the best wines in the Sierra Foothills and the tasting experience, with frequent barrel tastings, is always enjoyable. The winemaker, Robert, along with his father (during the half of the year when he visits from the Netherlands) engage visitors at a personal level, while also being highly knowledgeable about all aspects of winemaking & enjoyment.
This winery is located in Fairplay, CA, USA
Posted by Beverly on 10 Feb 2009
The winery was very laid back and relaxing. The staff was very attentive and interacted with us. All of the wine was great and we were offered full glass samples at no charge. They also have a great store that sells cheese, meats, etc. We bought some snacks and had a great picnic on the property.
This winery is located in Sonoma, CA, USA
Posted by Urvi on 10 Feb 2009
St. Supery is a great place to take guests who want to take in California sunshine and great wine. The grounds around the winery make for an amazing walk. There's a beautiful farm house on the property that gives you a nice view of what old Napa looked like. Inside, there's a self-guided tour where you learn more about what goes into the varietals and you can see St. Supery's casks as the staff works away in the warehouse.
There's a private room where you can set up tastings for large groups and at the end of the walking tour, you arrive at the tasting room, which is incredibly intimate and yet unpretentious. I thought the staff was incredibly helpful and well-informed about the surroundings, giving us a great lunch recommendation nearby (Rutherford Grill). I highly recommend the Sauvingnon Blanc, which is the best I've had in Napa.
This winery is located in Napa, CA, USA
Posted by Diana Hayes on 09 Feb 2009
This is a small micro winery up in the mountains of New York. According to their website they are the highest elevation vineyard in the Northeast USA. I enjoyed their wine when we visited the town of Windham. They have a day in the fall when they invite the locals to come and help pick grapes. You pick the grapes, have a sumptious feast for lunch and then get to use certificates to pick out wine to bring home. I found it while visiting my sister, introduced her to their wines and she went for the picking. She then picked out the wine for the family Christmas dinner.
My sister brought the rose and chardonnay for dinner, but the maple syrup dessert wine is one of my favorites to pour over my ice cream.
This winery is located in Windham, NY, USA
Posted by John Kibler on 09 Feb 2009
Brokenwood deserves a visit for four reasons. First, it sells some of the best red wines in the Hunter Valley, an area not well respected for reds. Second, it maintains the small-winery, homey tasting room ambiance in an area overrun with the mega-winery tasting rooms. Third, the servers are personable and knowledgeable. A fourth reason is that they do not allow tour buses, which keeps the crowds down too.
This winery is located in Cessnock, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia
Posted by Leeann L. on 09 Feb 2009
Herman is a small rustic town with a lot of local shops. The winery itself had a beautiful quaint restaurant on site. They have several tasting rooms and they offer tours for next to nothing. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The wine is great. If you like sweet wine I recommend the Vinscatto.
This winery is located in Hermann, MO, USA
Posted by Edward Lo on 09 Feb 2009
Very interesting winery with strong Italian roots, producing a great tasting Nebbiolo and Super Tuscan. Had a delicious lunch as part of the GrapeLine tour. They have an outdoor area that can be setup for small weddings and their cask room can accommodate a small reception. The guide on our winery tour told us that on certain days, they will let you taste the wine straight from the fermenting vats. The wine club gives some decent discounts, especially if you buy in quantity.
This winery is located in Temecula, CA, USA
Posted by Kathy Lee on 06 Feb 2009
beautiful
This winery is located in Napa, CA, USA
Posted by Urvi on 06 Feb 2009
Turnbull is a small vineyard that really deserves a visit. We rarely go to a winery where we actually think each and every wine we've tasted is fantastic. Turnbull has been the only winery we've been to that fits that description. I encourage you to go to the reserve room. There were delicious wines and there was even a photography exhibit being featured!
This winery is located in Napa, CA, USA
Posted by Dan Pennington on 06 Feb 2009
This is a must go-to winery when in that area! The wine storage in a natural cave is incredible (compared to the typical warehouse!). Their Isosceles wine is excellent. After touring their facility, I have been a member of their wine club for several years and look forward to every shipment.
This winery is located in Paso Robles, CA, USA
Posted by Erin Leary on 06 Feb 2009
A relatively new winery, they are putting out some very impressive wines. The 2006 Zinfandel in particular is a stand out - very full flavor, lots of fruitiness and packed with other treats for the senses. I enjoyed this wine with hors d'oeuvres, as a part of a pairing at a chef's table dinner, and at home by itself. It is a wine that really delivers.
This winery is located in Fair Play, CA, USA
Posted by Jessica Louie on 05 Feb 2009
This was the first tasting room we stopped in when we got to Healdsburg and it sure set the standard for the day! The wine was fantastic, I especially loved their rose, and to top it off the people there were so friendly and helpful! They recommended a few wines for us to try with the dinner we were cooking that night and it was a great pairing.
This winery is located in Healdsburg, CA, USA
Posted by DK on 05 Feb 2009
Small winery, kind of tucked away in the hills of the East Bay, CA. But really a gem of a place, especially in the summer. The 2003 cab is a winner in my book - very easy to drink, as my wife can attest! I like to bring the whole family here, and let my kids run around and enjoy the place, while my wife and I sample the wines. Also try the Riesling.
This winery is located in Castro Valley, CA, USA
Posted by Ashley Matheus on 05 Feb 2009
This is a great, locally owned and operated winery, with amazing ownership. They are so friendly, make fantastic wine, and are so welcoming you feel like part of the family. Right now they have "Recession Red", a tasty red blend that is priced at .1% of the DOW, and you have to pay in cash (because credit is what got us here in the first place :)
This winery is located in San Anselmo, CA, USA
Posted by Diana on 05 Feb 2009
It's a really nice small vineyard near the Shenandoah's. While vacationing in the Shenandoahs, we visited a small winery. It has a raspberry dessert wine. When you do your tasting, they give you chocolate, and have you put it in your mouth and then swirl the wine with it.
Delicious.
This winery is located in Edinburg, VA, USA
Posted by Tim on 04 Feb 2009
This vineyard is easy to miss along Alamo Pintado Road, but it is well worth the stop. The tasting room is small, but personal and somewhat homey. Their Chardonnay is amazing -- it rekindled my affection for white wines.
This winery is located in Solvang, CA, USA
Posted by Roshan Sonthalia on 03 Feb 2009
Private little winery. Make a reservation, and you get to go to the "house" on the vineyard where the wine is stored and produced, and meet with the winemakers. The drive through the vineyards to get to the house is on a road about a foot wider than the car, and the wine is worth it.
This winery is located in Santa Ynez, CA, USA
Posted by David J. Whelan on 03 Feb 2009
Any visit to the Napa/Sonoma area demands a stop at Clos Pegase. Jan and Mitsuko have created a beautiful world that melds wine, food, art, culture, and fun. From the moment you drive up to Clos Pegase, you know something is different. The winery is architecturally stunning, blending into the hillside, enhanced by whimsical sculpture. Inside, the themes of art and wine continue. Sculpture is joined by paintings of the Pegasus, new versions of which adorn their special Pegase Circle releases every year. Wine dinners, tastings, and cruises with the Schrems are part of the annual cycle at Clos Pegase. And what about the wine? Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown and bottled at this estate winery. I can't remember ever having a bad bottle. Just writing this makes me want to hop in the car and drive up from Los Angeles! Perhaps we will cross paths there....
This winery is located in Calistoga, CA, USA
Posted by Joanie on 02 Feb 2009
Santa Barbara Winery's tasting room is located in downtown Santa Barbara on the Urban Wine Trail, walking distance from State St. and the beach. The doors are open daily from 10am-5pm for tasting ($5 for six wines, and your crystal logo glass). The tasting room also has a lovely gift shop with a range of wine accessories, gourmet food items, and books. The winery's estate vineyard, Lafond, is in the Sta. Rita Hills, but the white wines are made at the adjoining downtown production facility. The tasting room is framed by the barrel and tank rooms with a warehouse in back. Very friendly and knowledgable staff provide infinite dining recommendations, including the Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro, also owned by Pierre Lafond. The first post-prohibition commercial winery in Santa Barbara deserves a visit for high quality and reasonably priced Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah as well as a variety of other wines. Most crowded on weekends.
This winery is located in Santa Barbara, CA, USA
Posted by Esping on 14 Sep 2008
Cechetto »
The Piave district is one of the lesser known DOC's in Italy. And for a good reason too. In this zone in eastern Veneto a lot of wine is produced. Not bad but mostly it's unremarkable. The Piave district is right in the middle between the famous red-wine district of Valpolicella and Italys best white wine region, Friuli. But the Piave district has one great asset, the Raboso grape. And if you are looking for good Raboso, and if you haven't tried this great variety you definately should, look no further.
Cechetto started the Raboso revival a couple of decades ago when the grape was on the verge of extinction and is now leading the campaign for giving Raboso di Piave DOCG-status. So if you visit Cechetto winery you will meet one dedicated winemaker with a very strong vision.
Raboso is a tough a grape with a lot of character. In the hands of a winemaker who doesn't know how to handle it you will get a wine with a volatile acidity, very rough tannins and not very much else. Cechettos wines are full of berry-fruits and cherries with hints of violets and tobacco. It's full bodied with food-friendly acidity and a long nice finish. Cechetto also produces Gelsaia which is made from semi-dried grapes. A dry wine but with more of everything compared to the normal bottling. There is also a passito, a sweet wine made from Raboso that I have yet to try.
You will recieve a warm welcome at Cechetto and meet a very proud and dedicated winemaker. There are also a couple OK whites and a very interesting and promising Merlot to try.
This winery is located in Tezze di Piave, Veneto, Italy
Posted by Erica on 12 Sep 2008
Bedell Cellars is one of the oldest vineyards on Long Island's North Fork, producing truly wonderful original blends on their gorgeous grounds in Cutchogue. I treated myself and my partner and parents to a VIP tour of the vineyard and winery for my birthday this year, and couldn't have been more pleased with the experience.
Our guide, Matt, was friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable, and the tour and tasting was shockingly generous. We were given a glass of their Taste White to enjoy during the tour itself, which led us down among the vines themselves, then into the barrel rooms and bottling room, and lasted approximately an hour. Matt gave a great overview of the wine-making process at Bedell, and was very good-natured about answering our sometimes-stupid questions. Then we were led into the owner's private garden for an incredible wine and cheese tasting - 6 different wines and what must have been over a dozen kinds of cheese plus accompaniments over the course of about an hour and a half, all of them delicious. And at the end of the day we were given an extra discount on our inevitable wine purchases, as well as a percentage break on part of the cost of the tour itself, supposedly due to "the heat in the garden" that day. Perhaps they were only being generous, or perhaps this is their standard procedure to get people too come back, but either way it worked - I am now a dedicated customer of Bedell and will absolutely be going back.
One word of caution - avoid the North Fork during harvest season if you can (early fall) and think twice about visiting on summer Saturdays when the weather is perfect, because rest assured that many, many people will have had the same idea you did and the wineries will be crowded. It can get a little wild out there when there's too many people around.
I've written a more thorough review of our visit to Bedell in my blog, "Table for Two?" - you can read it at http://tabletwoblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/we-3-wine.html
This winery is located in Cutchogue, NY, USA
Posted by Robert on 12 Sep 2008
Palmina »
Palmina is quite the find, smack in the heart of the "wine ghetto". After you've fiqured out that you are indeed at the right place and are happily sampling some of Santa Barbara's finest wines, you'll quickly figure out that it doesn't matter where they are located. They've transformed their tasting room into a little enoteca, complete with cheese, breadsticks and homemade salami to sample along with the wines. The owners (Steve and Chrystal) believe wholeheartedly that wine is an extension of the plate and an important ingredient of a meal. That's why they offer the above-mentioned samples to try with their wines. They want you to understand why their wines taste so good with food. It wasn't just a wine tasting experience, it was a unique learning experience. I highly recommend a visit to Palmina for that reason above all else.
This winery is located in Lompoc, CA, USA
Posted by Meg & Dave on 31 Aug 2008
We love Thornton Winery! They're known mostly for their champagnes, but also make red and white wines. The best thing about the winery to us is their Champagne Jazz concerts that they have during the summer months. They have them out on their fountain terrace, which we heard is also a good place for wedding receptions. We just saw Dave Koz and it was fantastic! You're practically sitting on the stage you're so close, and you get to meet the artists after the concert. We also got the dinner (made by their Cafe Champagne) and it was pretty tasty. If you like jazz, you must go to a concert here! They get some pretty big names and you can't beat the setting. We got some great photos, too (no need for zoom lenses here!).
This winery is located in Temecula, CA, USA
Posted by Ryan on 29 Aug 2008
Palumbo has some of the best (if not the best) wines In the Temecula wine area, particularly if you like reds. It is a family operation and they have a small wine tasting room that looks out onto their vineyard. They also have some friendly family wine dogs that lounge around in the sun. If you visit Temecula, you shouldn't miss Palumbo!
This winery is located in Temecula, CA, USA
Posted by Christine Siebels on 10 Jun 2008
Great wine/food/golf and accomodations.
This winery is located in Napa Valley, CA, USA
Posted by Rich on 23 May 2008
Duckhorn's tasting room is in a beautiful setting at their vineyard in Napa Valley. The tasting room is designed as a really nice wine bar environment. Merlot is the specialty. The wine is great and the staff is friendly. It's a pleasant place to spend part of your afternoon looking out over the vineyard.
This winery is located in St. Helena, CA, USA
Posted by Rich on 23 May 2008
Chateau Montelena is a gem located at the Calistoga end of Napa Valley wine country. The old stone Chateau is a beautiful setting. The wines are delicious (after all, Montelena's '73 Chardonnay was the winner of the infamous 1976 Paris tasting that put them on the map internationally). The tour is an interesting one, so consider taking it if you have the time.
This winery is located in Calistoga, CA, USA
Posted by Leah on 22 May 2008
We discovered Summerland winery about 4 years ago on a visit to Santa Barbara. We were renting a house and upon our arrival found a bottle of their chardonnay (and a tray of freshly baked brownies) waiting for us in the kitchen. It turned out that there was no winery to visit, but they had a tasting room just down the hill in a new, little shopping center. It was kind of like visiting a shop in the Hamptons (what else would you expect of a beach town named after a beach season?). I half expected Ina Garten or Martha Stewart to walk in looking for supplies. The little wine bar (about 2 persons big) offered samples of some of the food items they were sellling alongside their wine and various apparel items. The woman who was in charge of the shop was very pleasant and knowledgeable and kept opening various Santa Barbara food products for us to try along with the wine (we're still hooked on the flavored pistachio nuts). We've since found Summerland in attendance at many local wine events and festivals (Los Angeles/Santa Barbara area). I'm happy to see that they're still growing and producing wines that are still enjoyable.
This winery is located in Summerland, CA, USA
Posted by Leah on 22 May 2008
I liked not only the wines (especially the whites), but also the atmosphere of Gainey Vineyard. Even though a large, private function was in progress out on their patio while we were there, the tasting room didn't miss a beat. They also have a great shop that sells many wine country food items and other things you feel the need to buy! I loved the pepper trees that flanked the road on the drive into the winery. I highly recommend a visit to this winery!
This winery is located in Santa Ynez, CA, USA
