When you go wine tasting have you ever…

• enthusiastically joined a wine club?
• bought discounted cases because you got a great deal?
• went wine tasting just for an afternoon activity, not intending to purchase wine?
• Fell in love with everything about a winery & became a fan for life?
• Left with your money in your pocket?

Most people don’t know what to expect; they show up & see what happens next.  Prepare for the possibilities with my insider’s guide to the inner-workings of tasting rooms.

Joining the Wine Club

You may notice right away that the focus of a winery is to build their wine club: you’ll be told its benefits several times. No reason to be uncomfortable; if it’s too overt, ignore it and change the subject back to the wine you’re tasting.  Why should you join? If you’re a local, join if you want to attend private parties & events at a discount; non-locals join if the wine’s unavailable at home.  The 20% discount doesn’t hurt either.  More and more wineries are offering small lots of special wines that are only available to club members; this benefit is best for the wine enthusiast more then then casual wine drinker.

Buying Cases or Discounted Wines

Sometimes wineries will have specials prominently displayed in the tasting room or on the menu.  They are either making room for their next vintage, moving older wine that needs to be consumed soon, promoting wine that has not been selling well or they just need some cash. If they are offering tastes before purchase and you like them, buy it; it’s probably a good deal.

When Wine Tasting is an Activity, not a Wine Buying Trip

If you’re not actively looking for wine to buy, I recommend signing up for a wine/food pairing, or special tour/activity. This will give you an opportunity to expand your knowledge about food & wine, wine making, terrior and other wine making details.  Read about tours online & pick the one that fits your interests.  VIP Tours & Tastings is great for a group too.  It’s silly to run around to 5 or more tasting rooms, belly up to a bar and pay $5 – $20 to get a few sips.  (If you want to try a lot of wines in a single outing, go to a collective tasting room–it’s cheaper & better atmosphere.)

Fell in Love with Everything about a Winery & Became a Fan for Life

When this happens, all of the stars have aligned or you have had too much to drink. Let’s say it’s the former. First of all,the staff has made you feel welcome. Wine is a social product, it’s not like buying a pair of socks where you’re just looking to find them, buy them & not overpay. If the staff is committed to making you a raving fan, they’ll treat you like their new best friend.  You’ll laugh and linger and get special off-menu pours. You might bond over a sports team or something about your hometown (that’s one reason why staff always ask you where you’re from). You’ll start to feel like an insider.  The next criteria is you’ll like the wine and it will be priced within your wine budget. Then to top it off, they’ll offer you benefits that will make you want to come back, join the club or buy their wine when you go home.

Left with Your Money in Your Pocket

If you have never been to the winery, it’s a crap shoot. It can be a disappointment. I’ve walked out of tasting rooms before even tasting if it’s over-crowded, loud (full of drunk bridesmaids), or the staff was rude or just looked like they rolled out of bed and wanted to be anywhere else but in the hospitality business. Why put myself through it when there’s so many other wineries to visit? Other times, I’ve left after tasting the wines and not liking them–no biggie, I just move on quickly.  The first problem (not feeling the love) can impact my feelings about that winery for a long time, whereas I usually give wines several chances, each vintage is unique, wine makers come and go, and new varietals are added.  I watch & wait and keep an open mind.

Now you know what to expect when you go wine tasting.  The wineries in my guides are all guaranteed not to disappoint.  It took a long time to test them, but they all passed with flying colors.  I’d like to hear your thoughts about good & bad wine tasting experiences.

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Casa Verde Guest House View

Centrally located in the little village of Kenwood, this certified “green” guest house is only a few years old.  It’s simple yet luxurious.  Secluded off a country lane, the night sky is beautiful, filled with stars hanging over the vineyards nestled beneath the Mayacama mountains.

The owners, Steve & Colleen Rose also own the Vineyards Inn Bar & Grill.  They are pioneers in the organic, farm fresh movement, living the lifestyle way before everyone else jumped on the “green” band wagon.

That’s what makes this such a nice property.  If they hadn’t told me it was built “green,” I wouldn’t have known.  What stands out as you drive through the gate is the giant oak tree and the peaceful setting, seemingly far away from the highway but only five minutes at most to wineries and restaurants.

When you stay here, use the Insider Pass for a complimentary bottle of wine etched with the Girl with a Glass logo (value is $63).

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The most exciting part of my business is sharing special places in wine country via my guide books.  I’m interested in wineries that have a real sense of place, nice people and great wines.

If you want to enjoy wineries, wine shops, restaurants & luxury lodging where you will always feel welcomed, taste great wines at fair prices, and enjoy unique & beautiful VIP experiences, you’ll love my guides.

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