How did u like the Realm Experience. Just was there Nov 15th. Hosted by Ryan He was a great guy very knowledgeable. Had been there when it was Nine Suns. Realm does it right. Interesting to see that they were offering the Bard at 160. Glad I bought at the release. 135 I think.
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Disagree … between several vintages of Promontory, Dom Perignon Champagne, the cost of just having the hospitality facility and the host’s time, $250 seems more than fair — especially for Napa.
That being said, there are hotels (Meadowood, Auberge, I’m sure there’s others) where the concierge can get this fee waived if you book your visit through them.
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Thanks Never thought about using the Concierge service. I think many people are aware that the tasting fees have risen at many places to keep the “tasters” from taking up the time of the “buyers” so to speak. That being said my recent visit last week tasted at Continuum, Realm, Promotory, Alpha Omega, Lithology, Futo, Carter, Rivers Marie, Schrader a few others- being a previous purchaser all these tastings gratis. I brought another couple with me that were not previous purchasers and they also were not charged. I guess what I am saying is if you have a relationship u will not be charged.
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lol. this is some funny shit.
we’re still talking tasting portions of fermented grape juice.
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I was just there last weekend with my family of four. I did not pay for one tasting because I tasted at wineries I have supported our the years. The best overall experience was not in Napa……. It was in Sonoma at BEDROCK!
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My wife and I were very disappointed with our Promontory visit. The grounds were nice and our host very pleasant, but it felt a bit forced throughout and we were given a small glass of Dom to start, the 2020 from barrel (astringent, almost undrinkable), and then just two tastes once we sat down, one Promontory and the other Penultimate. We asked to try other bottles, but the host said it wasn’t possible. Not great for $500!
After our visit, I expressed our distaste to the head of customer experience, or whatever the title is there, and they offered for us to come back and visit–at full cost!
The one taste of Promontory was definitely good, but, for us, not at all worth the $500. Much better experiences and values elsewhere.
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the 2020 is a big pass. Spoke to an owner in the area and asked the owner what were the thoughts on Bond and Harlans 2020 wine considering everyone else in the area did not have a vintage. The owner said they picked early, That is all that the owner would say. Took a pass on the quality of the wines when i asked
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I did end up going to Promontory but only because one of the other members in my party spoke to a colleague who said it was the highlight of there trip. It was the low point of mine. There were 6 of us. We had to pay $300 per person in advance.
It’s a beautiful property and facility with nice views. They started us with a 2013 DP which didn’t go far with 6 people. After a tour we tasted on Penultimate and two Promontory one which was a 2012 which was good. There were no barrel samples. No one bought anything from them even though I believe the tasting fee would be discounted. Lesson learned.
My other tastings, Memento Mori, MacDonald, Realm, Lerner Project, Dunn, Greer and Accendo. None of which had tasting fees. All were delightful.
Perhaps Promontory offers different experiences to different people but for us the value was not there.
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that’s embarrassing, for promontory. sorry that was ur experience.
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To each there own. That logic can apply to countless things - cars, watches, televisions, etc. It may be “fermented grape juice,” but not all fermented grape juice is the same. I like cars that perform well on a track. It’s just an “internal combustion-powered automobile with wheels,” but not all are the same 
the sky is blue. thanks bud for the high level insight 
it’s possible to appreciate the extras that go into some of the highest priced items you alluded to (meaning extra out of pocket costs), while also laughing at the same time that the price is nutty.
meaning, there is obviously more costs associated with making a 200 btl vs a 100. again, no shit.
but at a certain price, the extra expense is tied into marketing/perceived value/bullshit vs real costs undertaken by the producer.
when paying >200 to taste, i think it’s not a stretch to say one is now in that realm.
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I tasted the 2020 Harlan from barrel on Oct 3rd 2022, it was glorious! When we visited, their winery was a ghost town, as they wrapped up their harvest in late August. They have a completely new picking strategy of harvesting much earlier.
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Sorry to hear about your experience with Promontory. Your other tastings seemed epic, curious if you had a clear favorite and wine of the trip?
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I should do a full report but just haven’t had the time.
This trip was great because this time we went with friends and having these relationships with some of the wineries made me look like I knew what I was doing.
The highlights were Macdonald and Greer. Getting a couple hours with Alex and hearing the history from him was incredible. Greer in the barn (did this with my wife then girlfriend 10 years ago) was even more special this time.
Momento Mori’s new property was beautiful. Great wines too.
Meeting the Dunns-three generations on Howell Mountain was special.
Incredible hospitality by Patrick at Lerner Project.
Beautiful views and wines. Russell makes some very polished wines there. Patrick got us an appointment at Accendo at the last minute. Another great visit with Greg Araujo with amazing wines. Very generous. They have a kitchen there with full staff and serves some hors devours there. Definitely worth a visit and you should consider booking lunch there.
Realm was also a nice visit at the old 9 suns winery. Amazing artwork and a lot of wine. Definitely nice they are recognizing wine list members with this program.
Best meal was Torc.
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Glad to hear your take I usually by corison kronos because Cathy is a perenial early picker I really loved continuum, been there before, the 2021 was not available for tasting. Tasted the 19. Really loved the wine all the components were there but does need time. Never been a fan of the Novicium. Always love my visit with tom at futo. 5500 is one of our favorites. Price getting up there. Was surprised how good the alpha omegas were for 21 i bought the cab franc which we all loved was a good qpr. Do like cab franc also bought the ERA was a lot less jammy than previous years. This was the first time i bought that one since 2014. Also bought the reserve chard i needed for the fish dinner. Enjoyed the wine not too buttery more mineral more my style for a new world hard bad qbr
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I left a little more info on berserker site. Not a Harlan member but am at Bond. Will have to run up for a taste we were up during the week and it was dead. Loved continuum great visit love futo got the crane cab franc at Lithology a bit overpriced took friends to bedrock respect what they do but not my style venge passed too jammy been buying Bordeauxs lately good qpr Feel free to contact with any questions.
We have been twice and loved it both times!
Ive only had great experiences at promontory. Sorry to hear it wasnt great. The pours are sonewhat small but the wines are killer. Agree the 2020 isnt their best. I was also on the list so i didnt have to pay for a tasting.
And the 2020 Promontory just offered today at $850 per bottle, in packs of 3