posted 11-09-2011 10:57 AM            

I agree with Hawkeye, I'm more inclined to purchase at a winery that doesn't charge a tasting, or waives the tasting fee with purchase. In fact, I tend to shy away from wineries that charge a fee, then don't waive that fee with a purchase.

posted 11-09-2011 07:18 AM            

This is just my opinion and I don't know if there is an answer written anywhere.

No Tasting Fee - I had one small winery owner who does not charge a fee tell me that he hoped by not charging, people would be more inclined to purchase. Personally, I always find at least one bottle that I like for purchase. I have been to White Rock, Mid Summer, and Guilliams on your list and didn't have a problem finding wine to purchase. Just tasted at Mid Summer Cellars last week and Rollie Heitz is a great host and nice guy. His wines are reasonably priced with Cabs ranging from $25.00 to $40.00, and all quite good. We ordered half a case, two bottles each of his $40.00 Cab.

Charging a Fee - In my opinion, if they charge a fee, I don't feel that I have an obligation to purchase. Simple as that. If they apply the fee to your purchase, I will usually purchase if I like something.

This last trip, I picked some small wineries to taste that had 2 or 3 wines. One I remember had a tasting and tour fee of $35.00 or $70.00 for the two of us. That is the price of a nice bottle of wine and I will not do that again.

Hope this helps, and have a nice trip.