Just visited Giracci and Cowboy Canyon this Saturday. Just me and a friend wanting to check out a new local spot for wine. I poured through other reviews before my visit and was a bit pensive, but if you know what to expect and are prepared ahead of time, I don't know how you could be disappointed. We started at Cowboy which has a TINY tasting area, so we sipped a couple varietals and bought a bottle of Sangiovese. The price point was reasonable, the wine was good, and our server was great! I mentioned to our server that a couple of young men employed on the property drove past a bit to fast as they kicked up dust behind the cart, she was super receptive, and said she would talk with them, one of them is new. That's a great sign when you can make a suggestion, and it is taken with a positive attitude.
The only adjacent seating was a row of Adirondack chairs in the sun, so we walked over to the large gathering area in front of Giracci. There wasn't any available seating, and what seating they do have isn't very comfortable, but luckily we had our beach chairs in the car, so we set up our own spot on the grass, were perfectly happy, and comfortable. Yes, they need more seating, it wasn't very busy, and a couple of groups had to grab extra barstools for their small cocktail tables. Plus another group left their tables outside to walk around, left all of their stuff on the tables, then never came back because they sat inside at Giracci. C'mon people, don't hold tables like that, it's rude.
After we put that bottle to pasture, we went inside Giracci to share a tasting. Again friendly and knowledgeable staff. Easy to find wines that we liked. And between the two locations, there are several selections in the $30 range which makes these wineries easy to return to. Save the full tasting experience for when you are traveling through wine regions. Buy a bottle here and enjoy the relaxing surroundings.
Here's how you to can have a great time. Either call ahead and for $50 have a private table and chairs set up for you (up to 10 people?), or bring a picnic set-up, just like you are headed for a concert at the park, except of course buying the wine onsite, you cannot bring outside alcohol, but everyone should know that. We will definitely be returning with our group of friends, look for us on the lawn! read more