I was originally going to give them a 4 star rating, because even though I did eventually find a wine worth taking home, the rest of the tasting was just average at best (wine wise). But then I started putting some points down about the tasting as a whole, and realized they gave me everything I look for in a wine country tasting experience.
Okay there is a tasting fee here, $35 per tasting and I believe they start you out with 5 pours, with some bonus pours if you're so inclined (always for me!). But their tasting is waived with the purchase of some wine, can't remember if there was a quantity requirement though. I am notorious for finding a wine I can buy and take with. I rarely leave a winery empty handed. All I need is to find one that I find special, usually a winery can accommodate at least one, if not several. So fees are usually a non-issue for me.
On a super quiet and casual weekday afternoon, I was able to just walk in and get a tasting. Even though I will reserve a time if required, but sometimes I just like to walk in and see. Back in the day, it was very common to be able to do this. Now not so much, so to be able to swing this, just made my vacation time that much more relaxed.
Then the wine pourers/associates were all quite cordial and friendly. They all seemed like retired people just doing something that they have passion for, so the pace is incredibly relaxed. They don't automatically spiel out a scripted history for the place, but with a few deliberate questions, you'll be able to a get a lot of info during your pours.
The tasting room was in a wine cave. I may have only been in a couple of wine caves in all my years, and most times it is just part of a tour or something you walk past and just gawk at. Here, you find a seating area of your choice, could be a coffee table set up with couches or a large dining table if you have a large group. And there are plenty of high top table settings if it is only a couple of you. And the wine pourers will just go around and pour for each group. Again very relaxed and quite spaced out.
And this cave is quite special. It can be blazing hot outside, but in here it is naturally crazy cool. Now you won't be getting the fresh breeze as say an outdoor patio tasting, but I say let those be those, and this be this. This really brings a unique twist to wine tasting. Actually in some of the halls in these caves are actual juice from crushed grapes in large plastic bins, because I came in October which is usually just right after harvest time. I've never been that up close with that much juice sitting in one area, but the aroma was surprisingly delicious.
I was also stoked to have tasted and found a red that was right up my alley. Well balanced, not really meant to age for very long, but still had plenty of substance and grip. And it was only in the $30 range, so I got several. To find a wine that decent out in a winery, at this price point in this day and age, is actually quite rare. So I really got to give them props. Deerfield Ranch you made an already nice afternoon into a truly great and memorable one. read more