15 Minutes, $15, Meh Service—Worth the Pit-Stop?
(Visited: June 2025 — your mileage may vary if they’ve discovered smiles since then)
Why We Swung In
We’re members, plus we’d just checked out of Wine & Roses and wanted one last splash before the Lockeford sausage line. Plus, Michael David sits conveniently on Hwy 12. Perfect place for a “sip-n-split”… or so we thought.
The 15-Minute Tasting: Nuts & Bolts
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | $15 per person for a five-wine flight (no waivers with purchase) |
| Hours | Daily 10 AM – 5 PM, last pour 4:30 PM |
| Walk-ins | Accepted for ≤6 people; 7–12 must book ahead ($20 pp via Tock) |
| Our Clock | 14 min 38 sec from first pour to “You guys good?” check-out |
Translation: Fast, but not exactly White-Glove Express.
Wines on Deck – Hits & Misses
- Freakshow Cabernet – jam bomb, 15.5 % ABV blackberry syrup. Crowd-pleaser for people who describe wines as “yummy.”
- Earthquake Zinfandel – high-octane pepper and oak; pairs well with… asphalt.
- Inkblot Cab-Franc – graphite & black cherry, best of the bunch.
- Petite-Petit – tastes like blueberry pie filling and bench press chalk.
- Reserve Pour – Server forgot our names; we forgot the wine.
Overall: Flavors = bold; pour sizes = respectable; staff enthusiasm = absent.
Service & Atmosphere
- Greeting: “Tasting for how many? Seven?! Ughh…”
- Server Interaction: Script read at 1.5× speed, then vanished.
- Crowd Vibe: Mixed.
- Décor: The whole grounds are beautiful. Barrel room photo-ops still Insta-worthy; bocce court closed for “maintenance.”
Quick Verdict
| Metric | Score (10-pt) |
|---|---|
| Wine Quality | 7.5 |
| Service | 3 |
| Speed / Convenience | 8 |
| Value for $15 | 6 |
| “Would I Detour Again?” | 6 |
If you need a fast flight, you’ll get it. If you want personality with your pour, keep rolling.
Should You Stop?
Yes, if…
- You’re on Hwy 12 with 20 minutes to kill.
- You collect the Freakshow label art.
- You value speed over story.
Skip it, if…
- You need staff that cares.
- You’re hoping the fee gets waived.
- You already have better zin at home.
Pro Tips for a Better Experience
- Arrive before 11 AM—crowd lighter, staff less burnt out.
- Grab a coffee & pastry from Farm Café on-site first; caffeine may soften service sting.
- Buy one bottle (Inkblot or Earthquake) to justify the stop—then bounce to Lockeford.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much is the tasting fee at Michael David Winery? | $15 per person for a flight of five wines; the fee is not waived with purchase. |
| Do I need a reservation? | Walk-ins are fine for groups of six or fewer. Parties of 7-12 must pre-book (and pre-pay) via Tock. |
| Is the fee refundable with a bottle purchase? | Nope—Michael David keeps your $15 even if you buy a case. |
| How long does a tasting take? | Expect 15–20 minutes if the bar isn’t slammed. |
One comment on “Quick-Sip Review: Michael David Winery’s 15-Minute Tasting”