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Open 10:00-5:00, Private tastings available by appointment
Appt required? No (only for private tastings)
Last barlinwine.com visit: 2009
Directions
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Tasting:
Think of a varietal, and Ledson probably makes a wine from it. Correction: Ledson probably makes 4 different wines from it! Two things dominate a tasting at Ledson...the sheer volume of wines produced, and The Castle.
The Ledson estate sits well back from Hwy 12, and a castle/mansion initially intended for use as the Ledson residence now houses Ledson's tastings and offices instead of the family. Built in the French Normandy style and designed by Steve Ledson, tasting in the castle is certainly a unique experience. Public tastings are held at tasting bars scattered throughout the 16,000 sq ft structure, and private tastings are held in their "wine suites" on the upper floors.
Ledson produces over 70 wines, truly a ridiculous number. All are typically fewer than 1000 cases, but the winery (and the wine) has the commercialized feel of one of the big guys. After all, 1000 cases times 70 wines gets you 70,000 cases...not a small number. The number of wines requires some forethought and a game plan before going in to taste, and while not every wine is available to taste, I would estimate at least half of them are, if not more.
I've tasted twice at Ledson -- once at a standard public tasting, and most recently in a private "wine suite" tasting. The private tasting is basically the same as the public tasting, with the addition of some cheese and crackers to pair with the wine and the greater likelihood that some barrel futures will be tasted. At the most recent tasting, we ended up sampling **11** wines, most of which were good, none of which were spectacular. Overall, I was more impressed by the facility than the wine.
Think of a varietal, and Ledson probably makes a wine from it. Correction: Ledson probably makes 4 different wines from it! Two things dominate a tasting at Ledson...the sheer volume of wines produced, and The Castle.
The Ledson estate sits well back from Hwy 12, and a castle/mansion initially intended for use as the Ledson residence now houses Ledson's tastings and offices instead of the family. Built in the French Normandy style and designed by Steve Ledson, tasting in the castle is certainly a unique experience. Public tastings are held at tasting bars scattered throughout the 16,000 sq ft structure, and private tastings are held in their "wine suites" on the upper floors.
Ledson produces over 70 wines, truly a ridiculous number. All are typically fewer than 1000 cases, but the winery (and the wine) has the commercialized feel of one of the big guys. After all, 1000 cases times 70 wines gets you 70,000 cases...not a small number. The number of wines requires some forethought and a game plan before going in to taste, and while not every wine is available to taste, I would estimate at least half of them are, if not more.
I've tasted twice at Ledson -- once at a standard public tasting, and most recently in a private "wine suite" tasting. The private tasting is basically the same as the public tasting, with the addition of some cheese and crackers to pair with the wine and the greater likelihood that some barrel futures will be tasted. At the most recent tasting, we ended up sampling **11** wines, most of which were good, none of which were spectacular. Overall, I was more impressed by the facility than the wine.
Recommended wine: Nothing truly outstanding here, but there were a couple of solid Zinfandels (out of the 15 they produce!). I also liked the Sangiovese and their Napa Valley Pinot Noir.
Ratings (out of 5):
 WINE | 3.75 |  TASTING ROOM | 5.00 |
 ATMOSPHERE | 4.50 |  VALUE | 3.75 |
 OVERALL | 4.25 | ||
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