Barrister Winery Downtown Tasting Room

The tasting room was warm and the wine was fantastic! There was not a red on the tasting menu that I didn’t enjoy, and I went home with a bottle of their Rough Justice red blend. Our host was kind, quick and he took extra time to talk about the wines and winery with us. I can’t wait to go back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I want to be as fair as possible despite my frustration as there are two sides to every story.

My group came in on 10/20/24 at about 1pm. The wine and atmosphere is not at issue. It was the service. When my girlfriend and I first walked in to meet our group, my friend was at the bar ordering more wine. He told me that if you buy a bottle, you can get a tasting for free. I thought “oh cool. That's a good deal. I’ll do that.”

Here’s where my frustration began. First, the sommelier behind the counter treated me as if I was going to dine and dash when I told him that I’d buy a bottle with a tasting. I am well aware that businesses need to be weary of this sort of thing but, the sommelier did not clarify ANYTHING about the promotion my friend described. He told me that he would just charge me for the bottle up front before the pours. Which I should say is FAIR.

Additionally, to be fair to the business, I know that you can’t just hand out freebies but I was only able to sample two wines before paying $35 for a bottle… before tax and tip. I thought the point of buying a bottle with a tasting is finding out which one you like? (Yet again, to be fair, a tasting comes with five pours and me and my girlfriend had 4/5 between us. So we could have had one more sample. But the server never told us about the fifth and we never received it. I didn’t even know a tasting came with five pours until my friends told me.)

I even had to ask him “what bottle am I buying?” as I paid. He did not explain prior and simply told me, “you’re buying the cab-franc,” as if I don’t have a choice.

As a consumer, I should have asked for clarification before purchase. This part is my fault.

However, in a customer service/hospitality industry, a server should explain the details of a deal before forcefully stating, “you’re buying this…” in response to a question about what is being purchased…

I am still unaware as to whether I had the option to buy another bottle in the tasting lineup.

Further, no matter how much I type, I still cannot adequately portray the attitude I felt that I received. It was not overtly disrespectful, but not kind in any way. I am not a person that frequents wineries and this experience reinforces why.

As such, this is all background context to the real issue. A group walked in the door right after us and they were treated with a level of respect that me and my girlfriend did not receive. The sommelier had a much more kind demeanor, going out his way to provide better service and explanation to the other group. I would not be writing this review if it was only me that noticed. But a few of my friends did as well.

I myself am not the most friendly person on the planet and I freely admit that. I know that everyone has their days as I do mine. Although, my expectations for staff at locations such as this are much higher than I experienced. Will not be returning.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 2

Hours are unclear and wrong. Went from the main establishment to the downtown because google and their instagram and website said it was 9. Arrived at 8 was told they are closed but the other site was open till 10 and that’s not mentioned anywhere. There needs to be some uniformity.

Wonderful time with family. Service was great - we were given a tour of the cellar. Parking limited, but we were lucky.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

10/10! The English gentleman was well educated in the wine presented and went above and beyond. I will definitely be back to buy more!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A very fun time - and really educational. Not being from the area, it was great to hear about the crafting of wines in the state, especially in the Walla Walla Valley. After leaving Spokane, we traveled though the valley, and so much of what was explained at the tasting room became apparent as we drove through it. Great wine, and a rewarding experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Worth every drop. Jessica is fabulous. Cab Franc and Malbec knocked my socks off.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stopped by for a complementary tasting before heading to dinner as a benefit of joining their wine club. Five outstanding reds. Rough Justice our favorite red blend since moving here years ago.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mike tells good stories.

Very fun on concert nights. Enjoy their good wine while bringing your own picnic with tablecloth and candle provided. We especially enjoyed dancing to Sammy Eubanks.

Everyone I talk to loves the wine here

My first wedding at a winery. I'm guessing 120 people and that's about max. Parking for five cars the rest is on the street or other lots.

A small and intimate space, with excellent staff!

Fell in love with their Sauvignon Blanc and I just can't stop. Helps me study, I swear.

Wines are great! Full bodied. Great service.