I need to start out by saying I don't consider myself even remotely knowledgeable on wine, but I will share both my opinion and the opinion of friends who are knowledgeable.
But let's start out with Barking Rocks: The First Friday Venue.
On the first Friday of each month Tiberia, the proprietor, has an open house of sorts. It's a casual affair where some people bring food for sharing (pot luck style), while others bring food for their own private picnic (this was us and I never really did check out the indoor scene, which I was told also includes some art). There is typically some sort of entertainment, usually live music, but in the past it has also been poetry reading. There are plenty of tables and chairs to use, though bringing your own chair always ensures that you have a place to sit. There's a large patio and plenty of grassy area. People tend to show up in groups, as it makes for a pleasant place to sit, talk, listen and of course, sip wine.
To enjoy this all that is requested is that you buy your beverages from the winery. Wine is sold by the bottle (maybe by the glass too, but we bought bottles) and ranges in price from $15 a bottle for the desert wines to $25 a bottle for the Cabernet Sauvignon. Water is also available, though I'm not sure about other non-alcoholic drinks. House glasses are provided.
On our night there (4/2/2010), we had three different wines; the Sangiovese, the Pinot Grigio and the Orange Muscat. The website has the details on these and the other varieties.
My first impression of the Sangiovese and the Pinot Grigio is that they are both very light, body and color wise, wines. The Orange Muscat was not nearly as sweet as I was expecting and it went over well with several in our party.
As I mentioned, I know very little about wine. In my book it either tastes good or it does not. I found all three of our Barking Rocks wines enjoyable, though as I mentioned, the red and white wines did not have as much body as I typically expect. Since I know this is not a very quantitative review, I will also share the opinions of two others in our party. Basically they said the wine is all right, not at the top, but not at the bottom either. Also, it's perhaps a bit expensive for what it is. So looking at it as just a bottle of wine, perhaps it is a bit expensive, but looking at it a nice night out, it really is quite perfect.
If you are going to be in Granbury on the first Friday of any month, stop by the Barking Rocks between 7 and 11PM (though it might be a good idea to call, or check the website, just to make sure first Friday is going on). Also, there may be more going on than just first Friday, so do watch the website.
PS. I'd like to read more Yelper's opinions of the Barking Rocks wines. read more