Hat Ranch Winery — Attraction in Caldwell

It brings me no joy to write this review, but after six years of being members of the winery, my wife and I cancelled our membership this weekend. We live near Hat Ranch, and we are members of several wine clubs. It’s a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon. We enjoyed taking friends to visit. Hat Ranch became one of our favorites over the years. It used to be a fun, easy place to hang out and enjoy a glass of wine. However, there was a staff turnover about a year ago, and the place has gone downhill. Last Saturday, we stopped by the winery to pick up our club purchase. As members, we are committed to purchasing wine on a monthly basis. As usual, we asked to sample our purchase and indicated we wanted to sit on the patio and have our complimentary tasting. There were only 3-4 other tables occupied when we arrived. Live music was playing on the patio. We couldn’t help but notice there were several weeds growing all over the patio area. Many of the tables are placed on landscaping gravels, and the area had been neglected this year. After about 10 minutes, a wine touring van arrived. Several ladies exited and sat at a table adjacent to ours. Immediately, a server brought them their first tasting. Our wine glasses had been emptied for a while, so I expected the server to ask if we wanted our second tasting. Instead, we were ignored. After another additional 10-15 minutes, the server returned and brought the group of ladies their second tasting. Although we were sitting right next to them, no offers were made to bring us our tasting. After sitting there, being ignored for over 30 minutes, my wife and I left our table and went to the front counter to pick up our purchase and leave. We commented we had planned to sit and have a tasting, but no one cared to wait on us. The lady behind the counter said we would not be waited on unless we checked in at the counter first. We had checked in, and the gentleman behind the counter confirmed we had. Sadly, this was the third time in a row we had experienced the same type of service. I had wanted to give the new staff the benefit of the doubt, but after three strikes, we’re out. If a business doesn’t value its members and instead wants to cater to the wine tour crowd, don’t expect me to patronize...

Years ago this was the first winery we tried in Sunnyslope. We thought, what the hell, let's try the wines in the region. Every visit since day one we have been met with friendly, knowledgeable staff and generous pours of great wines. The tasting room was designed by U of I interior design- read that as giving back to the community and providing opportunities for in-state students

Patio overlooks the vines with the snake river and owhyhees in the distance.

There are plenty of tasting rooms in the area and we love wine. What we love more is getting to know the people behind what is in the bottle. I don't care how good the juice is, if your staff is pretentious we will take our business elsewhere. Here you will find a solid representation of the best The region has to offer. Great hospitable staff, solid wines and a tasting experience that leaves you happy...

I spent a pleasant few hours with Frank at this winery. I was in Boise by myself but the smoke had run me out of town. I decided to spend the days at the wineries. Only a handful are open on a Tuesday. Frank was very pleasant to speak with. I drank a glass of their rose he let me try a few others. Small winery where the owner lives yards away. Cute inside and a patio area looking over some vines. I hear the views are great when the smoke is not as thick as it was the day I was there. Frank was very kind to me and made my day. Some of the other wineries gave me what I wanted but that was it. When you are a solo traveler it is nice to talk to people. Place is about an hour outside of Boise. I will be sure to come back if in...