If visiting wineries was an Olympic sport, I’d have a gold medal! A lot of them! I love everything about winery visits — wandering through the vineyards, learning about the history of the winery and area, seeing how wine is made, and of course, sampling wines!
Here are some tips to help you create your Uncorked Moments by having the best winery experience possible!
#1 – Check operating hours: Wineries typically keep daytime hours for their tasting rooms and are usually not open too late. You can expect larger crowds and groups on weekends. I’ve found that I’ve gotten a more personal and relaxed experience on weekdays. Also check to see what days of the week the wineries are open and if they are open to the public.
#2 – Is there a tasting fee: Generally speaking, wineries are free to visit and typically charge a small fee for you to sample their wines. Usually this fee is waived if you make some sort of purchase (like a minimum number of bottles).
# 3 – Pace yourself: If you’re planning to make this a day trip, limit the number of wineries you visit. I find that going to 3 or 4 wineries is sufficient. Be sure to include a good meal and plenty of water during your trip. Staying hydrated helps prevent hangovers.
#4 – Stay connected: You don’t have to belong to a winery’s wine club to find out about upcoming events or other info. Sign up for a newsletter or follow their social media accounts to keep up-to-date on upcoming events, tips and more. These can include in-house parties, concerts, recipes, pairing suggestions, winery tours, special sales/discounts, etc.
#5 – Get the VIP treatment: Found a favorite winery? Most offer some form of a wine club with more exclusive offers for their fan base. I know of several who will invite club members to participate in cool events, like harvesting grapes or exclusive or new wine releases!
Not a fan of wine clubs? That’s ok. Many wineries will usually go out of their way to take care of guests who purchase a larger quantity of wine right on the spot. At times, I’ve received a bonus bottle, an extra discount, and was able to keep my tasting glass.
BONUS TIP – Ask questions: You don’t have to spend a lot of money to catch the attention of a staff member. Wineries love to share their wines AND their stories. I once visited a winery in CA and ended up sampling wine directly from the barrels simply because I asked questions about their wine making process.
Need helping putting together a winery experience for yourself or a group? Let me know and I’ll be happy to customize your perfect experience! Cheers!
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