Charging for tasting at wineries.

[Jerry D Mead]

I understand the need to charge tasting fees at the busiest sites, if nothing else to eliminate the "tire kickers." But back in my salad days (admittedly a long time ago) many would have lost me by doing so. I could not have afforded to pay fees AND buy wine, though obviously I was serious about my new-found interest in wine.

Also, just because one doesn't buy at the tasting room doesn't mean one doesn't buy. It being cumbersome to travel with quantities of wine, I made notes and bought the wine from retailers when I got home. The only wines I bought in wine country were the few (back in the olden days) that could be purchased only at the winery...like some of Louis Martini's "Special Selection" and "Private Reserve" wines and that great Moscato Amibile.

JDM