670315 Sat Nov 28 19:53:29 -0800 2009 2 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 5213572 I stopped into Amista Winery today for the first time. It's a very small operation with a two-year-old tasting facility in Dry Creek Valley. Their owner/winemaker makes the wine in another winery's facilities (a common practice for very small wineries). I liked the facility, the tasting room staff, and their quite good red wine. They pour six tastes for $5. Then I bought a bottle of the 2004 Syrah ($28) and was surprised when the tasting fee was added to the price. I asked about that and immediately received what sounded like a standard speech about how their $5 fee was less than most wineries charge and their six tastings were more generous than most and about a full glass of wine. I politely expressed my disagreement with the policy and left with my wine. I want to like this place, but that policy feels quite unfriendly for lack of a better word. I'm sure I've ever encountered it before, but of course I haven't been to all wineries in the area. What say you? Amista Vineyards 3320 Dry Creek Road Healdsburg, CA 95448 707.431.9200 farrow@amistavineyards.com Sat Nov 28 19:53:29 -0800 2009 10724 Mick Ruthven 1 5213585 You got off cheap!! Try going to Artesa (which I thought you were talking about) in Carneros. $20.00 to taste and no waiving of the fee upon purchasing. It always behooves you to ask if they waive the fee for purchases. Caveat emptor... adam Sat Nov 28 20:03:37 -0800 2009 5213572 154787 adamshoe 1 5213604 You are getting off cheap. Spent some time around Dundee Friday, tasting fees in most places, no credit for purchases. Exception at a few that they waived the tasting fee if you were picking up futures (I was :) ). Tasting fees went from $10-20. Sat Nov 28 20:22:58 -0800 2009 5213572 148886 duck833