Kevin and Cindy Bishop have proven that some things are definitely worth the wait. Since their winery, Bishop Estate Vineyard and Winery, opened in October 2017, the owners had worked to transform their historic barn into a rustic tasting room.
Their dream became a reality in December 2020 with the official opening of the Barn Tasting Room. The barn offers seating for many more visitors who come to enjoy a wine tasting, wine flight, wine by the bottle or wine slushy in the warmer months. Under ordinary circumstances, the barn offers seating for 197 people. In the midst of the pandemic, seating capacity is less as guests are spread out in a safe, socially distanced manner.
Upon entering the barn, guests can order wines or wine tastings at the bar area. Tables are available throughout the two-story barn. Specific areas are designated for wine tastings with service from friendly and knowledgeable staff. Other tables are available for groups to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or a bottle with friends.
The Bishops built an adjoining patio with a dozen or so tables and chairs. Each table includes a fire pit to create a wonderful ambiance and help keep guests warm on those chilly evenings. The patio, which is raised and features a wheelchair accessible ramp, offers a breathtaking view of the vineyards.
In addition to sampling more than 20 Bishop wine varieties, guests can get a taste of history while visiting the barn, which dates to 1864. Prior to opening the barn, Bishop Estate offered tastings in the Cottage Tasting Room and the Stable Tasting area. On weekends, especially during summer months, it’s not uncommon to see all the tasting rooms in use.
Seating is plentiful not only in the new barn, patio, and other tasting rooms, but on the lawn as well. Guests are also invited to bring their own chairs, popup tents, or blankets and spread out to enjoy live music on the weekends (outdoors in warmer months) and a wide variety of ever-changing menu options from the food trucks that frequent the winery each weekend.
The Bishop’s 32-acre farm – which has since seen a fantastic transformation to a fun-to-visit winery – has been in Kevin’s family for the last century. It had previously operated as a dairy farm. About 15 years ago, Kevin began making small batches of wine. Around 2015, Kevin purchased his first vines, literally planting the seeds for what would become Bishop Estate Vineyards and Winery.
To learn more, or plan your visit, click here.
