Open 11:00 to 4:30
Appt required? No
Last barlinwine.com visit: 2005
Tasting: A large bar, a fireplace, and soft leather chairs can be pretty inviting after a long day of tasting, but the wines in the tasting room aren't much to talk about. Heitz has made a name for themselves with their Martha's Vineyard Cabernet, but don't expect to come anywhere near that in the tasting room. You'll get a taste of their Chardonnay (forgettable), Zinfandel (average), and Napa Valley Cabernet (definitely not worth the $42+). One highlight is their Ink Grade Port, which I believe is only available at the winery. Typically they'll taste this at the end if you ask
Recommended wine: The Ink Grade Port is the only thing I'd buy here, unless you can talk them into tasting some of their higher-end cabs.
Ratings (out of 5):
 WINE | 3.50 |  TASTING ROOM | 4.00 |
 ATMOSPHERE | 4.25 |  VALUE | 3.75 |
 OVERALL | 3.88 | ||
At the time of this comment, Heitz was still a free tasting. Though I did not purchase anything for myself here, it was worth the stop. In addition to the fireplace, the porch in the rear of the tasting room is comfortable with a beautiful view of large fountain placed in the center of the vineyard. It was a pleasant place to sit, relax, sip, and enjoy the Napa scenery. The selection of wines were not at all bad, but just a bit pricey for the quality. I am not a port drinker, but in my party there were two port connoisseurs who enjoyed it enough to purchase a few bottles.
ReplyDelete-Tim Malin, Dec 2009