As visitors walk from the parking lot to Robert Hall Winery’s hospitality center they are greeted with the relaxing sound of water from the large fountain. The walk continues by the reflecting pool giving the sense of elegance and in the warmer months a cooling effect. Bright flowers can be seen in almost every direction with something in full bloom each season. The large mahogany and glass doors lead into the spacious tasting room designed and painted by artists Steve Kalar and Margaret Burrell. Steve Kalar’s work can viewed on the walls, ceiling and even the floors. Through the tasting room windows, views of the estate vineyards studded with large oak trees complete the scene.

The tasting experience at Robert Hall may be customized to fit the guests’ desires. Up to six wines may be selected from either the standard tasting or for a slightly higher fee from the reserve tasting lists. All of the wines have won top awards and in 2010 the winery was named Golden State winery of the year.  A pre-packaged box of three cheeses paired with the wines is also available for purchase. The current offering from Vivant includes an Ewephoria from Holland paired with the 2008 Merlot, a Gouda from the Netherlands paired with the 2006 Petite Sirah and Sartori Parmesan from Wisconson paired with the 2008 Pape de Robles.  The tasting room staff are very knowledgeable and are delighted to help make the tasting experience a memorable one.

For guests who want to linger there are plenty of things to do at Robert Hall. Every day the winery offers a guided, educational tour of the large caverns, winery and hospitality center. The tour is included with the tasting fee and is a great way to learn more about how the wines are made. Everything from the vineyard to the bottle is discussed with a barrel tasting offered in the caverns. The tour lasts approximately 30 minutes.

The hospitality center also offers several settings to enjoy a picnic. The Garden Terrace, overlooking the vineyards provides café seating, while the bocce court area offers picnic tables under the trees. The two regulation bocce ball courts, created old world style with crushed oyster shells, are available for guests to enjoy. The winery does recommend making a reservation if you are planning a group outing to use the courts.

Throughout the year, the winery hosts events at the hospitality center. This Valentine’s Day, February 14th, the Meritage Room will be transformed into a Spanish dining and dancing room for “una noche de amour” – a Spanish evening of love. Guests will be entertained by Spanish guitar music as well as a Flamenco dance show by Cuatro Caminos. After a tapas-style dinner paired with Robert Hall wines, guests will have the opportunity to join the professional Flamenco dancers on the dance floor. The all inclusive evening is $95 per person or $85 per Cavern Club member. Reservations are required, so if you want to treat your sweetheart call (805) 239-1616 ext. 24 or visit the winery’s website to purchase tickets on-line.