Louisa M.
Yelp
I've put off writing this review for a year because I don't want the secret to get out about Mending Wall! I belong to several online groups for wine lovers and had read many positive things about the wine here. I am so, so happy that I decided to make an appointment and visit shortly after this gorgeous new facility was open to the public.
If you know Napa cabernets and you follow the cult of winemakers, you'll drool when you utter the name of Mending Wall's winemaker -- Thomas Rivers Brown. Yes, he's a superstar and yes, these wines will simultaneously knock your socks off while cheerfully punching you in the face. My fellow big red wine lovers will totally understand and if you are one of those people who loves bold, fruit forward wines, a visit here will be like the mothership calling you home.
The tasting room is done in an environmentally friendly, shabby chic decor, with concrete floors and repurposed metal tables, burlap bows adorning the trees during the holiday months, and beautiful natural materials throughout. The tasting room is a tactile experience from the moment you set foot inside, and it's unique and beautiful in its own right. There's even a charging station for your electric vehicle.
There's not a winery tour per se, but you can sometimes ask for a brief walk around the grounds to see the custom crush facility. Many small wineries make wines here so you may recognize a few of the cult names on some of the tanks and barrels. The staff is small and well educated on the product and the winemaking process, and the employees we've dealt with (including Rachelle and Amy) are friendly and welcoming in a no-nonsense, "we are for serious wine lovers" way. And make no mistake: this is a place for real connoisseurs. If you don't know much about wine you'll still be graciously welcomed, of course, but this is a reminder that while the atmosphere is casual, a visit here is a visit that will (and should) be all about the wines! To clarify: this place isn't a drunk party bus central.
During certain times of the year you'll be able to taste an amazing white blend called Stone & Stone and if you get to sample it, you're in for a treat. Ditto for the unusual Mortar & Stone red blend (one of the strangest yet most delicious wines I've ever had). The real superstar here are the big boys: the alluring and handsome Cabernets! Currently the tasting room has the 2013 and 2014 vintages available to sampling, and both are elegant and super tasty. I'm also a big fan of the robust Petite Sirah, which is a true palate-buster! Best to save that one for last.
These are phenomenal wines that are distinctive and super yummy, and the price point is an exceptional value, especially when you consider the winemaker's talent and pedigree and the extremely high quality of the finished product. The wines are priced from $35 (for the white) to $95 (for the library cabs). The tasting room is open by appointment only, and you can easily request a time online. The winery charges a very reasonable tasting fee of $35 per person which I believe is waived with a 2 bottle purchase per person. (We've always left with a bunch of wine and have never been charged a tasting fee, so I don't know the official purchase requirement). As of now, you can only buy these wines directly at the winery, and you're going to want to stock up!
A couple of little things: don't bring your kids and don't bring your dogs. You must have an appointment. They have gender neutral restrooms. Closed Monday and Tuesday (but the closed days may vary by season).
We are huge fans of this winery. They do everything right. Seek them out if you're looking for something exciting and new and by all means if you love hugely bold, big red wines.