Whenever I visit a winery, the one thing I look for more than anything else is a connection to the wine beyond the bottle. What makes this connection happen? Stories. Stories about the people and places behind the wine I am sampling.

The more unique and understandable the stories being shared, the better the winery experience for me. This connection is what ultimately determines whether or not I would recommend a winery to family, friends or you. It also influences what I buy.

In fact, I would much rather visit a winery that serves mediocre wines but offers a deep connection to what they are doing, than a place that pours spectacular wines but provides a less than meaningful experience.

In addition to commenting on the overall experience, my winery reviews will take a look at the place or location of the winery, the people working the tasting room inside and the policies they promote and support.

For example, I look at where the winery is located in terms of its surroundings, the buildings, and the atmosphere inside. Is the place inviting? Is it well kept and clean? Do the surroundings add to or detract from the experience? What does it look like inside when you enter the establishment? Is it unique relative to other wineries in the area?

Once inside the winery, I evaluate the people pouring the wine and the service they provide behind the counter. Are they energized and enthusiastic about what they are doing? Are they friendly and service-oriented? Are they knowledgeable about the wines being poured that day? Are any of the folks making the wine present or available?

Finally, I assess their policies such as when they are open to the public. Do they offer complimentary tastings, charge fees and/or refund fees with purchase? Do they encourage responsible drinking? Do they offer any type of food? Do they provide a tour of their operations? Are they flexible in terms of serving their customers?

These criteria then inform the final review, which is summarized in a rating based on the following system:

- Exceptional
- Highly recommended
- Recommended
- Slightly recommended
- Not recommended

Those that offer a truly unique experience, one that goes beyond the bottle to connect the consumer with their wine, earn 4 or 5 corks. Those wineries providing a positive, memorable experience earn 3 corks. Those that leave you with little more than the lingering taste of their wine in your mouth will earn 1 or 2 corks.

Again, it all comes down to the people working behind the counter and the experience they provide their visitors on any given day.

In the May 2007 issue of "Wines and Vines", Amy Mumma, founder and director of the Central Washington University World Wine Program in Ellensburg, WA, is quoted as saying, "The staff needs to understand what is unique about the winery, what its story is, why are you different from the other 300 wineries in your area. Enthusiasm is contagious."

I could not have put it better. With that, I hope these reviews and ratings will be helpful to you in planning your next wine tasting tour in the Pacific Northwest. And please come back and let us all know what your experience was by commenting on the reviews posted here.

Salud!
Thad