on splitting of wine tasting..we have been to many and the last couple of wineries, my wife asked if we could split and they said NO..
maybe the smaller ones do it or now with the economy..they have coupons that you can download for 2 for 1 and other offers.

They cannot stop you!! I have never had them say no, but if they do, smile sweetly and then only *one* of you chooses to participate in the tasting. I dare them to tell you that you cannot share your taste w/your companion!!!

I second Frank Family. In addition to the nice Rombauer wines, their tasting room is in a nice setting. Trefethen makes some nice red wines as does Conn Creek.

Depending on your destination in Sonoma, if you take Hwy 12 from Napa to Sonoma stop at Ledson. The winery is in a "castle" and they make very good red wine. In the Dry Creek/Russian River wine area of Sonoma (near Healdsburg), the Maurtison and Wilson Family wineries are worth a visit.

going into a winery and asking to be charged for one and that you will be splitting is not acceptable..they have told my wife, who is a force to be reckoned with a 'we prefer that you do not'..they explained that if everyone did that, how would they all make there money?
Just like a split charge at a restaurant.
We understood their point and sucked it up and payed the $25 per person fare..they poured heavy for us and gave us extra wine glasses..
Lots of 2 for 1 coupons out there..

Just like a split charge at a restaurant.

I have no idea what the protocol is for wineries (I didn't even know they charged for tasting, that's how long it's been since I've been in one), but we split plates in restaurants all the time, and have never had a complaint. In fact, most places have split the dish in the kitchen, and plated it x2 by the time it gets to us, which we really appreciate.

Why not just pay for one and drink out of the same cup?

sf..
going rate for tasting these days is about $20-$30 per person..I go on-line to the wineries and print out the 2 for 1 coupons if applicable.
hey, I would love if they would let you split but we tried..maybe, its different since we were just there last September.
We watched as others tried to do that and they were shot down.
We love splitting things at restaurants since they give out so much but there is usually a split charge of $5-$10..depending on establishment.

We love splitting things at restaurants since they give out so much but there is usually a split charge of $5-$10..depending on establishment.

True sometimes, but I'd rather pay $5.00 for them to serve and wash the extra dishes, than $40 for an entree I can't eat!! Same goes for wine

sf..
I'm right there with you..I just don't make the rules on the winery split and maybe some wineries are more adamant then others..I just happen to catch most of them.
Another thought is they have appt's for most and since space is pretty tight, they are maximizing on space and cost issues..
We spent a good amount of money on tasting..we asked if our tasting would apply to a couple bottles of wine bought and they said no..case yes!
Understand on one bottle but 2-4 bottles at $30-50 each.
Good question for a wine board or a wine-o like Kal!

Wow, ksucat, I don't know which wineries you have gone to---apparently there is a whole echelon way above the ones I know!! The vineyards we frequent along Dry Creek Road and in other areas in Sonoma mostly don't charge at all for tastings and they *all* waive the fee if you purchase wine. We don't split to save money, but rather not to get hammered!!

Going along the Silverado trail in Napa..Rombauer, Silver Oak, Joseph Phelphs, Hess, Nickel & Nickel, Coppola..

Next time we are headed to Sonoma and save the money buying the bottles of wine, instead of the tasting room!

ksucat, we always go with one tasting that Mrs. MileKing and I share and have never had a problem, including at some of the wineries you mention. And almost all wineries will apply the tasting charge against any purchases. I am very surprised by your experience.

lil247, head on over to Mazzocco in Sonoma for excellent Zin. I also recommend Styker.

Hey MileKing..
Been doing the same wineries for years and they are not going to apply a $50 tasting to a bottle or two of wine..I've asked and they will on a case but mostly off on a % (not against any purchases)
Keep in mind that appointments and tasting for dollars has really increased in the last 5 years..
I guess I need to get out to the lesser known places in Sonoma..

Stop telling people how great Sonoma and the Dry Creek area is. Pretty soon they will be so crowded they'll be just like Napa!!!!! My brother just sent me up a case of 2006 Cabernet from Mazzocco. It's delish, I'm finishing a glass now. Their Zins are great too. The people that own Wilson (another favorite) bought Mazzocco. They have great wine makers. They have one other winery, I think it's Matrix. All good wines.

Looks like we will have to feel out each winery to see if the 2 for 1 is "acceptable" at least for Napa. I don't foresee running into issues in Sonoma... Thanks for the additional advice! We are in the middle of moving unfortunately, so have not been able to finish the trip planning at the moment, but plan on getting back on track, next week! Mazzacco sounds heavenly. Is it bad I'm at work and can only think about a good red wine?

Posh tosh. I have never had a winery tell me I couldn't split a tasting. Why even ask? Just pay for one tasting and share.

What I have run into lately is that wineries charge for a tasting, provide you with a souvenier glass to take home, thus eleminating their washing of the glass and then not give you your tasting fee off on a bottle of wine. I have found fewer and fewer wineries that will waive your tasting fee if you buy a bottle. Times are tough.

I can see if you are at a winery by appointment that they would frown on splitting a tasting.

If you find a winery you really like, join their wine club and your tasting will be free and you will get a discount on wines you purchase. Then you can cancel your membership at any time, however, we never do. lol