When we were at the Fess Parker the wine pourer asked me, “What kind of wine do you prefer?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I said with an air of jest, “I’m just here to get drunk,” and she laughed and went off and then came back with a card.

It was good for two free tastings at Epiphany, the Los Olivos winery started by Fess Parker’s son, Eli (he is the President of the Fess Parker Winery, too).

The spontaneity in me always likes to take advantage of these things, because deviating from the plan makes things interesting.  And since the Fess Parker is so nice, there was no reason not to investigate.

The tasting room at Epiphany Winery.

I’m still glad we went – you have to give things a chance – but Epiphany is one of the more bland and boring tasting rooms in recent memory.  Could we get a touch of personality?  The pourers reminded me more of retired volunteers than they did customer-service specialists.

I’m not trying to be harsh with that remark – that’s simply the reality of it.  The wine was good, but how many places can you say that about?

Remember when I was complimenting the Fess Parker for encouraging their guests to not just taste the wine, but to enjoy it?

I don’t believe that message was ever passed along to the still-young Epiphany label.

BUT, you be the judge – here’s a coupon for a free tasting. It says 2010, but it is still on their website, so twist their arm until they honor it.