http://williamsonwines.com/
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Open: 11am-7pm
Appt required? No
Last barlinwine.com visit: 2011 (September 29, 2011 Itinerary)
Directions:
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Tasting:
We were originally introduced to Williamson through our friends Jim and Loretta Titus, but it had been many years since our last trip to the tasting room in downtown Healdsburg. The day we were there (a Thursday) it was hopping. We found space in the corner of the large tasting bar and began our tasting. Williamson’s shtick is pairing their tastings with food. Combine that with the fact that the tastings are complimentary, and it’s tough not to like this place.
The wine menu and branding had all changed, but the experience was as good or better than I remembered. Williamson makes around 25 wines grouped in five main styles: White/Sparkling, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Cabernet, and Rhone. We tried 5 wines on our most recent visit: the 2010 Pinot Noir Rose, 2009 Merlot, 2007 Meritage, the 2007 “Seduce” Cabernet, and their Shiraz-Cab blend “Elate”. Since it was the last tasting of the day, I will admit that the precise food pairings are a bit hazy, but selections such as Point Reyes blue cheese, prosciutto with truffle cheese, and a chocolate brownie were some of what Williamson paired with our wine.
The staff at Williamson was attentive despite the crowd and very friendly. Multiple people helped us in order to ensure we were well taken care of, and when Stephanie forgot our camera on the bar (okay, fine, I forgot it!), our host ran down the block to find us and return it. While I didn’t have another wine club in me, I’m going to look for ways to work Williamson into more tasting trips in the future.
The wine menu and branding had all changed, but the experience was as good or better than I remembered. Williamson makes around 25 wines grouped in five main styles: White/Sparkling, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Cabernet, and Rhone. We tried 5 wines on our most recent visit: the 2010 Pinot Noir Rose, 2009 Merlot, 2007 Meritage, the 2007 “Seduce” Cabernet, and their Shiraz-Cab blend “Elate”. Since it was the last tasting of the day, I will admit that the precise food pairings are a bit hazy, but selections such as Point Reyes blue cheese, prosciutto with truffle cheese, and a chocolate brownie were some of what Williamson paired with our wine.The staff at Williamson was attentive despite the crowd and very friendly. Multiple people helped us in order to ensure we were well taken care of, and when Stephanie forgot our camera on the bar (okay, fine, I forgot it!), our host ran down the block to find us and return it. While I didn’t have another wine club in me, I’m going to look for ways to work Williamson into more tasting trips in the future.
Recommended wine: Our favorites this trip were the Meritage and the Merlot, but most of the wines were good.
Ratings (out of 5):
 WINE | 4.25 |  TASTING ROOM | 4.00 |
 ATMOSPHERE | 5.00 |  VALUE | 4.50 |
 OVERALL | 4.44 | ||
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