Fees for wine tastings have been on the rise, Modesto columnist reports
The Navigator and I discovered wine tasting in the early 1970s. We wanted to learn about wine and, fortunately way back then, it was free. Reasonable wine tasting fees came in the 1980s. Some wineries waived the fee if you made a purchase. Most tastings were under $20.
Times have changed. The pandemic caused a major shakeup in winery hospitality. Many wineries now require a reservation to taste, especially on busy weekends. Wineries are able to staff accordingly and it guarantees you will have a table or spot at the bar for a relaxed and informative experience. The Silicon Valley Bank’s annual Direct to Consumer Report (DTC) reported the current average tasting fees. In Oregon, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Sonoma and Washington the charges are between $25 and $38. The average in Napa is $81.
The DTC also reported that sales were down in 2022 compared to the record breaking sales of 2021. Many new consumers ordered wine online in ’21 due to the pandemic lockdown. However, in 2022, consumers ordered fewer but more expensive wines. The average suggested retail price per bottle from Napa Valley rose to $108. The average bottle price in Sonoma County is $57. Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Washington and Oregon all are between $50 and $54. Other California regions like Mendocino, Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras, Lodi and Santa Cruz are a bargain at $32.
Calaveras Grape Stomp
The Calaveras Wine Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of wines produced in Calaveras County and/or produced from Calaveras grapes. The Calaveras Grape Stomp was started 30 years ago by winery owners and growers who wanted to create a fun event to celebrate the harvest and give back to the local communities.
This year the 30th annual Calaveras Grape Stomp silent and live auction brought in $10,250. It will fund scholarships to four high school seniors and 13 community organizations. The CWA also honored Doug Brown, who was the Grape Stomp MC for 29 years and a big supporter of many local organizations. He passed away earlier this year. The CWA made a donation in Doug’s name to the AMA Boosters Club. Well done, CWA.
What’s on our table
I like the five-point scale in rating wine. One point means I really don’t care for the wine. Two points says the wine is not that good. A three says the wine is good and a four says I really like it. A “Wowza and an I Love it” will score a perfect five points. The 2019 Vinhas De Xisto, a Douro DOC Reserva scores 4.5. The blend is 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Tinta Roriz and 10% Sousao and is just $6.99. The 2017 Suisun Valley Mangel’s Vineyard Lava Vine Tempranillo is produced and bottled by Von Strasser Winery in Calistoga and is just $8.99 (4.0). Both wines are from the Grocery Outlet. Trader Joe’s Grand Reserve 2021 Russian River Valley Sonoma County Pinot Noir (4.0) is a great deal at $12.99. Cheers!
Questions? Comments? Find me on Facebook or at rgwinton@yahoo.com.
This story was originally published December 12, 2023 at 9:00 AM.