box_wine_guy's Wine Journal Entries
Windy Point Vineyards (written Mar 13, 2010)
Wine: 
Winery: 
Ambiance:
The windiest thing here is the tasting room staff. Good place to avoid.
Portteus Vineyards (written Mar 13, 2010)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance:
It's a little off the beaten path, but worth the drive, especially if you happen to find Paul Portteus in the tasting room.
Preston Premium Wines (written Mar 13, 2010)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance:
Sit on the deck and sip a glass of Merlot while enjoying the view.
Dunham Cellars (written Mar 13, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
In addition to making good wines, they host fun wine dinners.
Hyatt Vineyards (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The staff is a little grumpy, but the wines are good.
Hinzerling Vineyards (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Repeat after me: rubyportandchocolate... rubyportandchocolate... rubyportandchocolate...
Hightower Cellars (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Haven't visited, but I've had the wines. Good stuff.
Fort Walla Walla Cellars (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Mostly solid wines; I like the Merlot.
Forgeron Cellars (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Pretty much middle of the road. Staff could be a little friendlier.
Eaton Hill Winery (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The tasting area is primitive, the staff are friendly, and the wines are uninspired. Will try again in a few years.
Desert Hills Winery (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Claar Cellars (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
A good selection and friendly staff, but nothing was appealing. Might be worth another visit in a couple of years.
Tarara Vineyard & Winery (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
If you're gonna have a wine cave, have something decent to put in it.
Prince Michel Vineyards & Winery (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
They take themselves far too seriously, given the quality of the wine produced.
Oasis Winery (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
They were great years ago; now they're in steep decline.
Linden Vineyards (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Good wines, goofy deck & food policies. Not only won't we visit again, we'll skip the wines as well, even at retail and restaurant venues. If the owner manages to get in touch with reality again, we'll consider coming back. It's a shame, too, because nothing was nicer in the good old days than to grab some wine and munchies (or a bowl of berries & cream in season) and relax on the deck.
Lake Anna Winery (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Haven't visited yet, but we like the wines.
Barboursville Vineyards (written Mar 07, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Haven't visted yet, but have enjoyed the wines on several occasions.
Cougar Crest Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Rush, rush, rush. Drink your teeny sample and go.
Chateau Faire Le Pont (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Chandler Reach Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
We tried to visit during published hours, but the place was locked up tight and there were no signs saying why they weren't open. Maybe we'll try again; maybe we won't.
Bookwalter Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: 
Ambiance:
All the wines are good. The Chardonnay/Viognier blend is a consistent winner, even though they vary the blend from vintage to vintage. You can also enjoy cheese and cold cuts and other light fare while sipping a glass (or several) of something. While you're in the neighborhood, visit Barnard Griffin next door, but skip Tagaris.
Bonair Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
I love this place. 'Nuf said.
Bergevin Lane Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Cabernet Sauvignon leads the pack.
Benson Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Nothing stands out, but the wines are pretty solid and the tasting staff are friendly.
Barnard Griffin (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
On the white side, Riesling and Orange Muscat are tops. Cabernet Sauvignon heads the red list. Don't forget to go next door to Bookwalter as well, but you can skip Tagaris.
Badger Mountain Vineyard and Powers Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The Badger Mountain label includes some vegan-friendly selections (no gelatine or egg white in the fining process). The no-sulfite-added Riesling is excellent. The Powers label is primarily from outsourced grapes but still shows the same attention to detail.
Arbor Crest Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Everything is solid; red has a slight edge over white.
Amavi Cellars (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The Semillon gets my vote. The tasting room tends to bog down with only moderate crowding, but the staff do their best to be friendly even under trying conditions.
Airfield Estates Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The wines are OK now, but I expect things to improve in the next few years as the winemaker gets a better feel for the grapes.
Northern Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
I like the Downtown Red, although the grapes are from CA and WA, not MN. Friendly tasting room staff.
Blackwood Canyon Vintners (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Don't ask. Just don't ask. It's too grisly to talk about.
Pearmund Cellars (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The Chardonnay and Ameritage were the big winners for us. They get you big-time for shipping charges, though.
Mediterranean Cellars (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Loudoun Valley Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
I really hope the new owners can make a go of it, but right now it would be premature to recommend the wines. The winemaker is a really nice lady and likes to talk about her work, so a visit is still worthwhile.
Fox Meadow Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
All the wines were above average except for the Chardonnays, which didn't seem to have much going on. The Riesling and Renard Rouge were the winners.
Doukenie Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Chrysalis Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
After tasting through the entire collection, I had to go lie down. Not because of the alcohol, but because of the non-stop, high-pressure, we-think-you're-an-idiot blather from the tasting room lady. When I taste wine (and especially after traveling 3000 miles to do so), I want to hear about vintages, varietals, cooperage and treatments (and maybe an amusing anecdote about the harvest or something). Tell me what's in the glass, not what it's supposed to taste like. I'm able to do that part for myself. Otherwise, I could save myself a trip. And frankly, the wines weren't worth the risk of premature deafness.
The Winery at La Grange (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Even though Chris Pearmund is involved in both LaGrange and his eponymous enterprise, the wine styles are sufficiently different that it's worth a trip to both wineries. Take the time to stroll around the building & grounds as well. If you want to buy wine, buy it and take it with you. At $5/bottle for shipping, they're clearly making a profit there, too.
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
It's always fun to visit here, especially if Lew is around. Wine-wise, there's something for almost everyone. The Cabernet Franc generally appears high on our list (although, sadly, not on the most recent visit). There's a good chance that the tasting room staff will also recommend a visit to Casanel Winery, just a short drive away. Take their advice.
Swedenburg Estate Vineyard (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
We've dropped in several times for tastings and purchases. On the most recent visit, we were treated extremely poorly. Never again.
Piedmont Vineyards and Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Belle Mount Vineyards (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Never visited the winery, but purchased a mixed case online. Nothing was good.
Naked Mountain Vineyard (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
We've visited off & on for well over a decade. There are some winners and some clinkers, but the Chardonnays are in the "winner" category pretty consistently. Lovely setting, friendly staff.
Chateau O'Brien at Northpoint Winery (written Mar 06, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Like most New Yorkers, the owner likes to shovel the BS deep & wide, but once you allow for that, the wines themselves are rather good. Given the large crowds, the tasting area could be much better designed & staffed. During our visit, the owner's wife was the only pourer, but she was working hard and was unfailingly polite to all the customers. I don't understand the complaints about lack of a play area; it's a winery, not a McBurgerLand. You wouldn't take your kids to a bar (or would you)? Besides, there are big signs well before you get to the tasting room (or even onto the grounds) saying that only people 21+ are allowed.
Joullian Vineyards Ltd. (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Some folks confuse this place with Chateau Julien, which is just down the road. Chateau Julien has the pretty setting, Joullian has the better wines.
Chateau Julien Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Some folks confuse this place with Joullian, which is just down the road. Chateau Julien has the pretty setting, Joullian has the better wines.
Raymond Vineyard and Cellar (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Folie A Deux Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
When Scott Harvey was the winemaker, it was outstanding. Since Trinchero took over, it's just another cookie-cutter winery.
Casa Rondea (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The Cab Franc is our perpetual favorite. The premises are available for special events such as weddings.
Spanish Valley Vineyards and Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
It's a small (tiny?) outfit, but the people are friendly and the wines are decent. I'd give the whites slightly higher marks than the reds.
Colorado Wine Room (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Wide selection of CO wines, both theirs and others. Friendly staff. Man cannot live by wine alone (unfortunately) so drive over to Grand Junction for dinner at 626 on Rood (that's the name as well as the address). Many thanks to Sally at the CO Wine Room for that tasty recommendation.
Kokopelli Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The bistro, tasting bar, and retail section are all in one big room. Stop in for a nosh or a full meal, grab some wine, and relax. Nice way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Castle Creek Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The staff acted like they were doing us a big favor to pour a couple of tastes of not-very-good wine.
Surface Creek Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Friendly folks, but the wines just didn't do anything for us. We'll give 'em another try next time we're in the area.
Stoney Mesa Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
We like the Gewürztraminer best. The Riesling is mild, but serviceable. Plenty of fruit in the Merlot.
Mountain Spirit Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The Pinot Soleil (a Merlot/Cab blend) stands out; everything else is a distant second. Friendly staff.
The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The Cab Franc and Riesling were our favorites; the Merlot and Syrah were at the other end of the spectrum.
Village of Elgin Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
We were treated like dirt, the staff badmouthed the other wineries, and the wines weren't interesting. Sounds like what most folks are saying about Rancho Rossa; I wonder if they're related. In any case, VoE is at the top of our never-go-back list. We won't be buying any Four Monkeys, Charron or Domaines Ellam, either; they're all tarred with the same brush.
Sonoita Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Nothing here screams "drink me" but we've generally found the whites to be more dependable than the reds (although the reds have been on the rise for the past couple of years). Sonoita and Callaghan are on our must-visit list when we're in the area; we give the extended middle digit to Village of Elgin as we drive by.
Rancho Rossa Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
We were treated OK here, but the wine itself was, for lack of a better term, nasty.
Fort Bowie Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Arizona Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Gruet Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The wines were OK, but the tasting room staff were pretentious.
Anderson Valley Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
The Cabernet was the winner for us, although the Balloon Blush was kind of fun. The Merlot will require a couple more years in bottle and there's no guarantee even then.
Blue Teal Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
St. Clair Winery (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
This is the parent winery of Blue Teal, DH Lescombes, St Clair, San Felipe, and (last time I checked) Mademoiselle and Santa Rita Cellars. They also do the heavy lifting for Kokopelli in Arizona (using Kokopelli's grapes). With so many labels, the selection is predictably large, with only a little overlap from label to label. Most of the wines are solid, everyday potables. Designate a driver and spend some pleasant time in the tasting room.
Mademoiselle Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Milagro Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Yes, you need an appointment. Yes, it's worth the trouble. Merlot and Zinfandel are the standouts, but you really can't go wrong with anything here. If you're hungry, pop into the Indigo Crow just up the road and enjoy a glass of Milagro wine with your tasty meal.
Callaghan Vineyards (written Feb 23, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
We've always liked the Callaghan offerings. Lately, though, everything seems to be blends and the selection is smaller. I miss the Mourvedre; it was serious stuff. Not that the blends are bad (quite the opposite, in fact). Sure the tasting area is primitive, but that's because they put their money and effort into the wine, not the fripperies.
