The Official Wine Thread

[Quatsch]



You should try to get on the list at Bedrock. One of the few lists I have stayed on (along with Rhys) as the bulk of their wines never make it outside their list. Very affordable and their access to historic zin vineyards is ridiculous. I was turned on to Lioco about a year ago as one of the guys in our SF office is a partner in the winery and agree that they are putting out some solid interesting wines. Also add Littorai to your list if it is not on your radar.

Thanks, I'll look into it. I'd really like to get the chance to try all their stuff. And I'm really, really looking forward to sampling Rhys' wines, as well. I'm well aware of Littorai but have not yet managed to sample their wines yet. Soon!

 

[twenty3]

So, i guess no one here is drinking Oak Leaf.

 

[Cary Grant]



So, i guess no one here is drinking Oak Leaf.

:foo:

 

[erictheobscure]

When doing a tasting at a winery, are you expected to leave a tip as if at a bar? Or is that gauche?

 

[Piobaire]

I've never done that nor seen anyone do that. Staff has also never acted like one was expected.

 

[erictheobscure]

I've done it but noticed the wary, almost reproachful thanks. I'm so uncouth.

 

[Sterling Gillette]

I am drinking a Morisfarms Morellino Di Scansano Riserva (2009) right now, before that were a Salwey Grauburgunder RS (2008) and a Van Volxem 1900 Riesling Brut (2007). Yes, exams are over...

 

[Piobaire]



I've done it but noticed the wary, almost reproachful thanks. I'm so uncouth.

Need more people to weigh in now. It has never struck me as a tipping situation but now I'm wondering if I've been coming off cheap!

 

[Cary Grant]

I've never tipped a wine tasting. Cannot recall one set up like that.

The exceptions being wine tasting DINNERs with courses accompanying... but that's then basically a restaurant dinner with wait staff.

 

[tattersall]

I've never tipped at a tasting.

 

[erictheobscure]

The verdict is in: I'm a barbarian.

 

[Quatsch]

I've only worked at one winery that had a tasting room, but tips were accepted if offered but not solicited and the staff didn't expect to get them, and I got the impression this was the industry norm.

 

[erictheobscure]

Did a tasting at Core Wine Company because I can stroll to their tasting room from my parents' place. Wasn't blown away by anything, really. Got a glass of their best wine, and I liked that well enough. Will probably do more tastings either in the Santa Ynez area or in Paso Robles with some friends on Tuesday.

 

[Piobaire]



Did a tasting at Core Wine Company because I can stroll to their tasting room from my parents' place. Wasn't blown away by anything, really. Got a glass of their best wine, and I liked that well enough. Will probably do more tastings either in the Santa Ynez area or in Paso Robles with some friends on Tuesday.

I was just in Paso over Xmas. Word of advice: do not hit any of the tasting rooms in the town. They all suck pretty hard. Places to hit:

L'Adventure (call or just out online to see if you need an appt.)
Booker
Justin
Villa Creek
Windward (rare Paso Pinot and not bad)
Tablas Creek

Oppolo does not have serious wine but the owner is from Croatia and has a great outdoor kitchen by the tasting room. They were handing out grilled homemade Croatian sausage, grilled pizza, and other stuff. Wine is drinkable and mixed with the food was a festive atmosphere. Same with Oso Libre. Drinkable wine but the tasting room is fun with some food.

 

[erictheobscure]

I'd love to check out L'Aventure but by appt. sounds too fancy for a schlub like me, especially since I can't actually buy any wine (PA laws and all). Am definitely interested in Justin and Tablas Creek.