Lydia C.
Yelp
St. James is well known for their fruitwines, and since i am looking for outdoorsy type activities to do this summer (mostly in deference to social distancing guidlines, but also to take advange of sunny weather), i thought a winery visit would be just the ticket.
However, and im not sure how i didnt realize this, it is a roadside winery. As in, right on I-44. Not the prettiest place to sit and sip, so I'm knocking for atmosphere.
As for health and safety precautions, employees all are wearing masks and gloves, and instead of standing at a bar for a tasting, you can purchase a flight for 5 dollars (see pic) and sit outside at shaded tables. I did two rounds, and the sommelier the second time was much better than the first--answered more questions (tho also i get being weird in this time about a lot of face to face interactions? Esp since customers were not required to also wear masks while inside)
I thought the oyster crackers that came as a palette cleanser were phenomenal?? So buttery. They are probably just out of a box - and i was hungry - but tasty nonetheless. The wines run on the sweeter side, and i wound up purchasing 2 bottles of the seasonal strawberry rosé (my early 20s younger sibling will like it), since they were running a BOGO sale. There is no case discount, unless you are a member. Probably i will not be back, as i can pick up some offerings locally and do not need to make a special trip out.