TASTING, TOURING, “GROUPIES” AND OTHER INFORMATION

O.K. here is the scoop – we love visitors – we make our living from visitors – but we want to do a good job for everyone, and in order to do that we have to plan ahead.  Therefore, we have to ask that you work with us so we can do the right thing.

To make sure we are using the same terms, I am providing some definitions:

DEFINTIONS:

“People Group” – number of individuals = 1-9.

“Groupies Group” – number of individuals = 10 or more

“People Group” Tasting – available to “People Groups” (i.e. individuals in groups of 1-9 people) during operating hours at no charge.

“Groupies Group” Tasting – only available in conjunction with “Formal Tour”.

“Informal Tours” – a.k.a. “What You See Is What You Get Tour” – we are in a very large building and just about all the equipment is out where you can see it. We are always ready to answer your questions. Sometimes you will catch us blending, or filtering, or bottling – but use caution if you get too close.  We may put you to work!

“Formal Tours” – Prior arrangements are required (see information below). This is a structured “show and tell” tour.  We will talk you through the wine production process; explain what pieces of equipment are used; discuss some of the variables that impact on wine and its production; provide on overview of the history of winemaking in Texas and its impact on the world; and talk about what we think makes our wines unique. A wine tasting is included – Wine 101(WHP).

NOTE (I use this a lot): If you are a “People Group” (see above) there are four options for the “Formal Tour”:

1. Pay the minimum fee the “Groupies Group” would pay and get the “Formal Tour” and all the glasses.
2. Get a few friends to share the cost with you – then you have to share the glasses.
3. Be lucky enough to tag on to a “Groupies Group” group and pay the fee.
4. Do the “Informal Tour” and ask a lot of questions.

CONCEPT:

Fredericksburg Winery is a small, family-owned winery whose wines are sold exclusively at our winery (that can change at any time). We are relatively small, with a limited facility and limited personnel. Therefore “Formal Tours” and “Groupie Groups” require prior arrangements.

Think about it this way - if you invited 10 friends over for dinner - then every one of your relatives (300 minimum) decided to visit – wouldn’t that be more than you could handle?

Prearranged “Formal Tours” are welcomed all year at the Winery, but please note the necessary steps and the restrictions below.

Remember - weekends are usually slammed compared to weekdays.

STEPS: Based on logic, we have put the following steps in place to insure everyone has a good experience:

1. “Formal Tours” can be arranged by contacting the Winery no later than three weeks prior to your visit.

2. Fees MUST be received no later then two weeks before requested date.  The date will not be confirmed until fees are received.

3. Dates fall into three categories:

A. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and any Monday that is a holiday.
B. All other days except those in category A above and category C below.
C. Blacked-out-dates (see website of current information).

4. Fees, which apply to groups of 10 or more, also fall into three categories related to the categories in 3 above:

A. This applies to the days referred to in 3A above (i.e. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and any Monday that is a holiday). The fee is $50.00 per person but does include a $20.00 credit per person toward the purchase of our wine.

B. This applies to the days referred to in 3B above (i.e. All other days except in category A and category C above). The fee is $15.00 per person but does include a logoed tasting glass.

C. This applies to the days referred to in 3C above [i.e. Blacked-out-dates (see website of current information]. The fee is $10,000.00 per person but does include a case of wine per person. We are not proud – money talks.

5. Any change in itinerary (date or time) must be received 7 days prior to originally scheduled date. Yes – we believe you should be on time.

6. Fee refunds are available when cancellations are received 3 days prior to the scheduled tour.

7. Allow 1 hour for tour and tasting. Don’t shortcut our time, we want to do a good job.

 8. No formal tours can be offered without prior arrangements.

9. If requesting a tour, please complete the following information and return to the Winery.

              {Click here for a printable version. Click here for an email version.}

We will need to know the following:

A. Name of Group Representative
B. Telephone number
C. Fax number
D. e-mail
E. Tour Date and Time Requested
F. Number of persons in Group

10. A confirmation will be sent to you confirming your tour group arrangements - please bring it with you. Unless you receive this confirmation your arrangements are not complete and you must presume your group is not scheduled. We do not want to be embarrassed, and we do not want your group to be embarrassed because something did not get communicated effectively.

Sorry all of this “stuff” is required - but sometimes “stuff” is just necessary.

Our goal is to make your visit to Fredericksburg Winery a fun visit your group will remember and thank both you and us for doing a wonderful job.