Tasting Room Fees

[Grape Stuff]

I guess this is part question part rant...I've been to tasting rooms in CA, and WA. In Washington, I've never been charged a penny in any tasting room, and very often the winemaker himself is the one pouring. In California, I find anywhere from 2 or 3 bucks per glass, or 5 to 20! Sometimes you get it back if you buy a bottle, sometimes not. But what I guess is odd, is that it seems that the bigger the winery (and the more they make), the more likely you are to find a fee. My last trip to CA last weekend, I found myself balking at paying, and walking out the door. Especially from producers I know nothing about.