Description: Ever since we toured the Childress winery a few years ago, I have just loved wineries. I have no idea why since my only use for wine is cooking. I just find these places to be charming and love visiting them. So since my last wine bottle was running low, I knew I needed some more and since the winery was near the animal park I figured it was a perfect time to stock up.
Paul and Brenda Hric have own this delightful winery on what is a fourth generation farm. Since 2006 locals and visors alike have been enjoying this beautiful farm and winery. The family grows several types of grapes and prefer to make small batches of their excellent wine rather than large batches which may ruin the wine. The winery offers several varieties of wines including Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourein, Galena Creek White, and Galena Creek Red. There Cabernet Sauvignon is even a gold medal winner.
The winery does have a wine tasting bar in their exquisite visitor’s center. Visitors may try out their wines and then take a bottle home for your own collection. In addition to wines they have a gift shop filled with homemade items, gourmet snacks, arts and crafts, candles, gift baskets, and wine accruements. They also offer tours of their winery.
West Wind is available for your next special event. From weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, showers, or what ever your party needs, the Hric’s will be glad to help you hosts it. Or just come by and enjoying sipping wine in tranquil settings. Maybe you don’t drink or wine ain’t your thing? Wineries are still amazing places to visit. So come and try one and your sure to get hooked like I did.
After touring the nearby Chiswell Animal Park, we decided to come by the winery to grab a bottle of red for my cooking. I was also hoping for a tour. On Sunday they open at 1. We arrived at 12:55 and there were several cars waiting in the driveway. This place is ideally situated among the rolling hills and offers spectacular views. So while waiting for someone to arrive at the gift shop I hoped out with camera in hand and starting snapping away. At 1:05 no one had arrived and the other cars waiting left. Finally at 1:15 someone come pulling up.
The employee went on in the gift shop never acknowledge us or motioning for us to come on in. After about 5 minutes I went on in to see if they were open. The employee seemed less than thrilled to see me and told me if I wanted to taste the wine I would have to wait. I explained that I didn’t drink and wanted a bottle for cooking. She snidely commented that there was such thing as cooking wine. I just commented that I just preferred the real thing and could she point me to the cheapest red. She walked over and grabbed a 2005 Galena Creek Red. The name for this wine comes from a creek that flows on the property. The employee never did turn on any lights and I felt I was intruding so I didn’t even go see what other goodies they had in the gift shop. I just took my wine and left. The Galena Creek Red starts at $15. Needless to say there was no mention of a tour that I was hoping to take. On our way out of the winery I just enjoyed the beautiful vines on my own and set about taking the time to photograph them.
Hours/info Mon-Sat 11 am to 6pm and Sun from 1 to 6.
Website: www.westwindwine.com.
Despite the unpleasant employee on this day, I am still recommending this gem. After returning from our vacation I was making a roast while a friend was over and she loves wine and said it was an excellent wine with a fruity flavor. It was a great addition to my roast that evening. So if you’re nearby bring a bottle home for your own collection.
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