bedford winery

We stopped into Bedford with our friends who are members of their wine club. Stephan Bedford was our host and we had a delightful chat about all sorts of topics while sampling their varieties of wine. We got some history and stories about what each wine was named and the area in general. We really felt like we were part of the family or old friends, it was very refreshing. This is not a large format wine tasting room with lots of tours shuffling through, it's very casual and homey. There was only really room for about 6-8 guests to taste at a time. Be prepared to spend some time chatting, because that's part of the fun!

I was quite looking forward to a change of scenery after one whole day of wine-tasting in the more commercialized areas of Buellton and Los Olivos. The owner/operator was pouring wine that day. Not knowing much about wines, I was hoping to learn a thing or two from someone who not only makes the wine but also sells it. No doubt he is knowledgeable and passionate about what he does. However, I felt like I was walking on eggshells talking to him. Not sure what I said but I felt like I never made a connection. He never explained how the wine tasting works such as how much it costs and how many wines I could taste. He just started with what was on his list of current releases and proceeded by going down. Some other locals came in and it was very clear that they knew one another well. More locals came in and all of a sudden I felt like I was ignored, and for a very long time. I was looking forward to tasting the last couple of wines on the list of current releases but it was never offered to me. Either I had exhausted my “quota” of tastings or that I was no longer welcomed with the tasting room becoming a local bar. I felt like I was being asked to leave, just without those actual words being spoken. It was really a shame because I actually liked some of the wines and would have purchased a few bottles if the owner/operator had made me feel more welcomed.

Los Alamos and Bedford Winery are each a step back in time. A small tasting room with a delightful tasting room hostess. I've been there twice, and only one other couple came in each time. So, each time I had a nice chat about wine and Los Alamos with the hostess. Wines very good to excellent. Worth a stop to see what it was like "back in the day".

Gotta love Stephen Bedford and his welcoming nature. I have had the pleasure of stopping in during my travels and always wish I could stay longer and drink great wine and talk food with him. The tasting room is charming and welcoming. That being said, his passion for life and wine show when you sip on something wonderful like his Chardonnay "Dear Prudence" a great wine honoring his mother. He also turns out a great many other worthy varietals. Make the stop and enjoy!

We really like the yummy wines at Bedford Winery - they are made in small batches and are hand crafted. While all of the wines are good, we are particularly fond of the reisling. In addition to the delicious wines, the owner and winemaker is really interesting. As a historian and Jeffersonian, we always enjoy lively discussions with him. It is a must on our local wine tours