The barrel samples offer wine buffs a chance to discover what upcoming vintages will be like. Often, it is the winemakers themselves who dole out the samples from the barrels and discuss their wines. This adds to the homey feeling of the weekend. Seasoned barrel tasting fans travel in groups, often with a designated driver, by bus, van, private auto or stretch limousine. Each winery has brochures that will guide visitors from one winery to the next, and almost all the wineries are within a mile or two of Interstate 82, which bisects the Yakima Valley.
Most wineries offer picnic spots, and people can bring their own food.
Terra Blanca is the first winery as you exit I-82 at Benton City. Tours of the new barrel caves will be offered, plus samples of wines to be released this year. Several dessert wines also have been made, and some of these could be available for tasting. To reach the winery, take Highway 224, turn left on Demoss Road and look for the signs about a quarter-mile north on Demoss on the right. Oakwood Cellars will be sampling its 1997 chardonnay from the barrel.