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
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
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
