Black Willow always gives me the impression of a destination getaway. Tucked away in a less traveled street corner, facing an orchard with only a house by its side as its neighbor, with quaint little tables and chairs on its patio and large trees shadowing its parking lot, could anyone be blamed for having that impression? Then you walk through the heavy front door and into the open-setup, wide-ceiling store with its creme-colored thick walls; if it's summer, the cool air inside starkly contrasts the heat of the outside. It's like entering a completely different world.
I love it.
What drew us to Black Willow initially were cats on wine bottles, chocolate truffles too gorgeous to be eaten, and olive oil; yes, in that order. Black Willow Winery carries their own lines of wine, and some of the wine have three cats on the label (there's a story behind it, and if you're visiting and your curiosity is piqued, you're welcome to ask the store attendants about it). They also sell chocolate truffles, which are easily the most beautiful truffles I've ever seen (the taste matches the look, by the way). And of course, they offer good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar, flavor infused and otherwise. There are also wine related knick-knacks and snack-making items, and a small selection of human jewelry and car jewelry. The main offerings, though, appear to be the wine, the chocolate, and the olive oil/balsamic vinegar.
Like most other winery, Black Willow Winery offers wine tasting. Unlike most other winery, Black Willow offers wine tasting with chocolate pairing for a little extra. I have not been able to resist doing the wine-chocolate pairing tasting whenever I visit. I have been satisfied with my overall experience each time.
When you sign up for the wine tasting, you will be given a wine list, which gives plenty of description of what each wine is supposed to taste like. If this isn't clear - and I've had many questions about the tasting itself and about many of the wine - please feel free to stop the attendant assisting with the tasting. I've found them to always be happy to help me. Port tasting is part of the wine tasting for additional price. Keep in mind though, that it is more expensive than wine and a lot more potent than wine. It will not be served out of a wine glass but will be served instead out of a shot glass. No worries though; that much port is more than enough for a taste test (and it's probably the most they could give during a taste test without risking causing anyone to leave drunk!).
Black Willow Winery makes some really good wine, and some of those are now among my favorite. I'm also looking forward to coming back for more of the chocolate truffles. Some of their olive oil and balsamic vinegar have certainly resided in my pantry and have been used in my cooking often!
If you plan to visit Black Willow Winery for the first time, and you're into their main offerings like I am (wine, chocolate, oil, and vinegar), be prepared to walk out with a much lighter wallet. read more