The Three Rivers Winery is a large outfit (by local standards) that was built to accomodate sizable groups, including busloads of folks. Three Rivers clearly goes beyond the tasting room experience by offering a reception area for meetings/conferences, a 3 hole golf course and summer concerts.

Unfortunately, Three Rivers reminds me too much of the stereotypical large, impersonal winery experience: a big tasting room with an overflowing gift shop featuring clothing, glassware, books, cds and packaged food. It just seems over the top in terms of trying to sell anything and everything associated with their wine, brand and related accessories. Then again, there are those who enjoy this type of experience, combined with the outdoor activities offered here (e.g., deck, concerts, golf).

On the Monday in early April I visited, I was the only person in the place. It was somewhat strange to be in this cavernous tasting room, alone at the wine bar trying different wines. Three Rivers offered a flight of complimentary tastings (5 red, 3 white, 1 rose and 1 late harvest dessert) and another flight of reserve/vineyard designate wines for a $5 fee.

Of all the wineries I visited on this day along Highway 12 west of Walla Walla, I was disappointed with the lack of energy and enthusiasm shown by the person pouring wine at Three Rivers. Contrasting this with the reception I got at Reininger and Woodward Canyon on this same day, the experience at Three Rivers was downright dismal.

For comparative purposes, the person at Woodward Canyon's tasting room was not only knowledgeable about their wines, but clearly enthused about what they were doing at their winery (review). Same story at Reininger winery, with the person pouring wine showing a lot of excitement about their expansion plans and their different wines (review).

At both places, I felt a connection to the people, not just the wine. This is what makes drinking wine worthwhile. It's not merely what's in the glass. It's about the stories and conversation that wine encourages, regardless of the setting. If folks have traveled far and wide to visit your winery, then you should at least attempt to provide something more than a 2 oz silent pour of wine.

It goes to show how important it is to put someone behind the counter who is not only excited and enthused about their wine, but can clearly engage customers in a manner that makes them feel connected. Whether they are an effective storyteller or not, there's something to be said for coming away from a winery feeling like you experienced more than a quick series of tastes.

Granted, there are those who are merely out for the "give me my wine sample and leave me alone" experience. However, I believe there are more of us who want to connect in a deeper, more profound way. Folks are seeking a connection with the people, the land and the climate giving rise to each wine.

For example, we might want to know where the grapes were grown, what the year was like during the growing season, who the winemaker is and the style he/she brings to turning grapes into wine. Or we might just want to hear a story about something funny or unusual that happened along the way in making the wine.

I will give Three Rivers credit for one unique experience: a self-guided tour of the fermenting and barrel rooms. You are given a binder with photos and descriptions of the winemaking process. This simple, informative tour is probably the only reason I might encourage someone to visit. It offered an educational experience beyond the tasting room. Unfortunately, if it were not for me inquiring about a tour, I would have never known this was available.

Overall, I would probably not return to this winery, as I felt little, if any, connection to Three Rivers as a result of my visit. This winery would have earned only 1 star out of 5, but it received 2 due to the self-guided tour.

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