Palencia Wine CO & Monarcha Winery — Attraction in Kennewick

Monarcha/Palencia has always had really good wines. Though, lately, I have been disappointed in not only their wines but their wine club release "parties." Fall 2023 Monarcha had an extravagant release party for all wine club members - they went the full 9 yards for their patrons. They had table-length charcuterie boards, large platters of shrimp, meatballs, shishkabobs, delectable cakes, and more to pair with your delicious wine tastings. It was very impressive and this set the bar very high for Monarcha. Needless to say I was disappointed and confused for the Spring 2024 release when they didn't have any of those food options at all - they offered a plate of 3 small street tacos. Hmm, okay. Besides the 3 tacos, they had food trucks parked outside and nearby that they suggested you can order from. This was a little disappointing, but it was something I guess. The food truck offered tacos, paella, and a lot of other options at least. This most recent release, Fall 2024 they downgraded even further to 2 small street tacos. Also, it took AN HOUR in line for the tacos. It was mildly infuriating how long it took just standing there in line, everyone waiting for their food. For 2 tiny tacos. Then the food truck didn't offer anything else besides fries. The other food trucks nearby were closed as well. I just have to say I'm disappointed and I don't see the incentives in being a wine club member here anymore. The wines have all been tasting the same lately as well. I hope Monarcha revises what they can do for their wine...

There is so much to love about Palencia Wine Company that it will be difficult to capture it all in this review but I’ll give it a try. I booked a “Deep Dive” tasting on the website which was really easy and straightforward. My only issue was that I booked it for the following week. We were running late and I called to let them know and that’s when we all figured out I didn’t have a reservation. The tasting is more of an experience where the owner (Victor Palencia) guides you through a special tasting of some of his best, and oldest vintages paired with delicious food that he and his wife prepared in their onsite kitchen. So we showed up 20 minutes late, and that’s when I let them know about my food allergies which he also accommodated without hesitation. The entire experience was incredible, the food and wine were delicious, the tasting room is new and very nice, and Victor is so passionate about everything wine related that you learn a lot no matter how much you think you already know about wine. I also want to give special thanks to Karen, the tasting room manager that made us feel so welcome even though I wasn’t supposed to be there. So to sum it up, everything was awesome, the wine is delicious and very affordable and they even had a ridiculously good 1/2 case deal that we took advantage of. We will definitely come back the next time we are in Benton City. Thank you...

We signed up as members about a year ago. The wine, both labels, Monarcha and Palencia, is excellent. From their Albariño to their Carmenere - excellent! The tasting room in Kennewick is comfortable and there are several food trucks nearby, including Frank Magana’s Culture Shock, which offer a variety of great food. Today we were served by Dakota, who did a fine job of describing the wines in our flight. Abe is great, too! Looking forward to more fine wine and events at this...