Tasting fees kinda tick me off. I understand wanting to keep the winos looking for a free high out of the tasting room, but:
- I spend a goodly amount on wine every month. (my social security check is my budget according to SWMBO.)
- I go to taste new releases for purchase for consumption or laying away.
- Particularly in the Willamette Valley I have spent more on gas to get to the tasting room to give them a chance at my consumer dollar.
- Even though most apply the fee to purchase, it especially hurts if one doesn't purchase because one HATES the wine! I have more often than I like to think, paid to taste 3 perfectly horrible wines at wineries that I'd never heard of, but thought I'd give a try.
- I often taste to purchase later at my local wine pusher - I want to support him, and there is not enough room in my Smart.
It is like the lottery - you know you are going to regret it, but there is a chance.... You might find a sleeper!
Maybe we could get wineries to honor ID cards that allow AFW trolls to taste fee free :-)