Each winery has a different wine tasting experience. Normally, a tasting room will have 2-5 labels available to taste. Try your favorite wines, explore unfamiliar wines and ask questions. The tasting rooms are staffed with friendly, knowledgeable hosts and sometimes the winemakers themselves! Intoxication is frowned upon. Visitors are encouraged to drink water or eat while touring to help balance out alcohol consumption.
Each individual winery has unique hours. Check the hours of each winery before planning your trip. As a rule of thumb, most wineries are open mid-day to early evening.
Tasting fees apply at most wineries. The fees usually range from $5 to $10 and in some cases your tasting fee can be credited a wine purchase. Ask your tasting room host for details.
It is acceptable to share a tasting flight. However, in group situations, wineries may charge by the person, not the actual number of tastings you receive.
Plan your own tour, or hire a service to drive you around the beautiful countryside. If you choose to plan your own tour, always have a designated driver. Consuming multiple tastings in one day can quickly lead to intoxication, even inadvertently. For a premium experience, plan on spending 45 minutes to one hour at each winery.
Some wineries on the trail are just minutes from each other. Traveling straight from one trail end to the other takes approximately 45 minutes. Large groups should plan up to 1.5 hours per winery.
A tasting takes approximately 45 minutes.
Normally, you do not need a reservation for a tasting. Private tastings and seated tastings may be available by reservation. Group of more than 6 are required to make reservations in advance at most wineries. Many wineries have non-refundable group tasting fees or specific time slots for groups.
A tasting does not include a tour of the vineyard or wine making facility. Several wineries allow you to explore their vineyards at your leisure. If you are interested in getting a tour, most wineries have events with guided vineyard or facility tours and barrel tasting events.
Some wineries’ offer appetizers or small plates. Check our winery profiles to see if any food services are offered. Consider planning lunch or dinner at one of Caldwell’s great restaurants during your trip. The Orchard House will even pack you a picnic and many wineries allow you to bring your own food.
Outside alcohol is not permitted at any winery or vineyards.
Yes, most wineries sell wine by the glass in the tasting room or during events. Some wineries even offer beer for those who prefer it. You may not bring your own alcohol to any wineries.
Well-behaved children are welcome in tasting rooms and vineyards. Behavior that affects another guests’ experience is not tolerated. All guests consuming alcohol must be 21, Identification is required.
Pets are not allowed inside tasting rooms. Some vineyards allow pets, please contact each winery for their policy.
Most wineries are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Check with each individual winery for other holiday closures.
