I've been here a few times since for lunch at the cafe with colleagues…read more
This review is for their Father's Day event with my family, and overall, we had a really nice time. I had emailed them beforehand with many questions about the event, and the person I was corresponding with was very responsive. We went back and forth a bit, so I really appreciated how helpful and communicative they were leading up to the event.
One of the things I liked most was that the event felt pretty no-fuss and relaxed. We had looked at a few other wineries in the area that were hosting events for Father's Day, but some of them had really strict policies for their special event like charging an exorbitant amount just to reserve a table, PLUS requiring a minimum 3 bottle purchase and limiting the number of people per table. It all felt a little too controlled. This place was much more laid-back, which I really appreciated. No reservations were needed, no minimum bottle purchase, and no headcount limit/table.
There was also a car show going on, which was free to attend. It was nice to walk around and check out the classic cars, although it was very hot this day too.
They had some local vendors selling arts and crafts, shaved ice, coffee, and snacks, so there was plenty to walk around and check out.
It was hot out, so the shaved ice was really tasty!
The live music was also really nice and added to the atmosphere.
For food, you could either dine at the restaurant or get the BBQ being offered on the lawn. The BBQ wasn't actually cooked on the lawn, it was already packaged in to-go boxes, brought over from the restaurant by golf cart, and kept warm in insulated containers.
The BBQ was **VERY delicious!** I believe the meal was around $35, and it fed 2 people well. We had leftovers. It came with BBQ chicken, potato salad, cornbread, a slice of watermelon, and a cookie. You could also add tri-tip, which we did. Everything was really flavorful. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the tri-tip was just as good, juicy and nicely seasoned. The sides were also very good. And I love cornbread, so I was definitely happy about that!
The one area I think could use some improvement was the payment process for the BBQ. Since I was paying by card, they didn't have a card reader at the BBQ setup. I was told they didn't have one, which I found a little odd since they had a wine table set up on the same lawn where people were able to pay by card.
Because of that, they had to take my card back to the restaurant, which, if you're familiar with the layout of the property, is a bit of a walk. Some people were waiting there for the worker to return with their card so they could sign the receipt before taking their food. I decided I didn't want to wait around because I was ready to eat, so I gave them my card, took the food, and went to our table. The worker later came and found me at the table, returned my card, and had me sign the receipt there, which worked out fine.
Still, I think having another card reader specifically for the BBQ area would make the process much easier and more convenient.
The wine table on the lawn also seemed to have a bit of a slow start. From what my family noticed, the event had already started and they weren't quite ready to go yet, so the staff seemed a little flustered at first. My family purchased a bottle to enjoy at our table.
Seating was open and first come, first served, although there were some tables with reserved signs on them, possibly for wine club members?
We arrived at the start of the event, and we ended up getting a great table in the shade, so no complaints there. Better than the reserved tables too b/c those had umbrellas but the sun kept moving so they had to keep moving the umbrella accordingly.
You could also bring your own lawn chairs, which was something I had specifically asked about in my emails. We brought ours just in case, but ended up not needing them, so they stayed in the car.
One of my questions was regarding the food options and they did state that outside food was not allowed, which I completely understand since they were offering food on-site.
However, I did notice several families at tables near us who had brought their own food and coolers. That was a little frustrating to see because, had we known it wasn't really being enforced, we probably would have brought some of our own food and wine as well.
Despite a few things that could be improved, overall it was a really nice, laid-back Father's Day outing with the family. I liked that there was plenty going on: the car show, vendors, live music, food, and wine without the event feeling overly structured or restrictive.
The relaxed atmosphere was probably my favorite part, and the BBQ was definitely a highlight!
