Sextant Wines

Sharing our experience at Sextant Winery at the Edna Valley tasting room yesterday. I had recommended family members that were visiting from Boston, to go to the Sextant Winery tasting room in Edna Valley during their visit. While at the tasting room they were about to purchase approximately a case to a case and a half of wine, when it was discovered that their tasting fee would not be waived for the purchase. This policy caused a negative experience and resulted in the loss of that purchase. Additionally, another local who was with us, was going to purchase wine as well but because of this policy also decided not to purchase. I really don’t understand what is being accomplished by this policy. They lost 2 purchases (at least $200 to $300 or more) over two $20 tasting fees. This experience is not what I would expect from a Central Coast Winery. The atmosphere of the Central Coast is more relaxed, friendly, and not pretentious. This was not the atmosphere at Sextant Winery, it felt more like the pretentiousness of Napa or Sonoma. Which is why I, and most of who I know, avoid going to Napa or Sonoma, they have gotten too big for their britches and have alienated the local consumer. There are many excellent wineries here in the Central Coast (approx. 250) and we chose to come to Sextant. Next time, we'll choose elsewhere. I sincerely hope Sextant will re-consider this policy, resist becoming like Napa/Sonoma and return to the Central Coast charm we all love and enjoy.