Friday March 7th I, along with two of my wine tasting accomplices, went to the Salut! tasting of Spanish wines. While I've been to Salut! numerous times to attend the Wine 101 class and to buy wine, this is the first of their wine tastings I've been to.

We had a great time. Not surprisingly, the the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We arrived around 6:45 so the tasters were well on their way to having a great time. The owner, David Gray, was behind the counter helping pour as well as mingling in the crowd getting feedback from the tasters. Along with the staff, two canine buddies were there to greet the wine crowd. Regretfully, I didn't get their names but they were friendly and showed me where their treat jar was located. It was almost as if we were sharing a couple bottles of wine with a group of friends in someone's living room rather than a business.

My favorites for the evening were the Burgant 2006 Albarino for $12.99 a bottle, Alto Almanzora 2005 Este for $8.99 a bottle, and my very favorite was the Bodegas mas Alta 2005 Artigas Priorat at $39.99 a bottle (Spanish .. I don't know what they are either except white, red, red.) Besides the flavorful wines offered at wine tasting David has a comprehensive and eclectic selection of wines for sale. A great selection to choose from and all have been taste tested!

On Saturday I took a couple friends and drove out to Bethany Vineyards. Unfortunately there is a "Closed 4 Remodel" sign in the driveway. I guess that would explain why the 'events' page on their website is blank right now. There is a general message on the web page that their tasting room is open on Saturdays from 11-6 so when they re-open I will make it a point to go to one of their tastings. It's in a scenic area and looks like a great place for a spring Saturday.

Since we were unable to taste the Bethany wines we decided to try one of the other wine venues listed on the blog. We chose Vinetopia. I was well aware that Vinetopia was a different atmosphere for wine tasting. My impression of Vinetopia is a postmodern wine ATM machine. The wine tasting room is located off the side of the restaurant in Cinetopia. The walls are lined with bottles of wine behind glass. In order to taste the wine of your choice you purchase a plastic card for $3 and add money to your balance. Then you insert your card in the slot above the wine of your choice, push the little red electronic wine button and it dispenses an accurate ounce for a predetermined dollar amount ranging from $1.40 to $12.00 into the wine glass you're holding under the spout. It's all very mechanical and antiseptic. (Cold and impersonal). There wasn't anyone there hosting or available to tell us about the different wines, and there wasn't information posted about the wines available. However, there were two computers available if you so chose to look things up. (Just what I want to do when wine tasting).
I wasn't able to take any photo's of Vinetopia for the blog as I was told absolutely no photos, but have attached a link to the photo I could find on their website. Vinetopia. And for your viewing pleasure have attached comparison photos of Salut! and Vinetopia.

I'm sure Vinetopia has a specific clientele; those that know what wines they want to taste with no frills involved, or those that don't know any better. Clearly, Vinetopia isn't my cup of tea (glass of wine).