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2026 Annual Orphan Barrel Tasting at Domenico Winery
2026 Annual Orphan Barrel Tasting at Domenico Winery
Wine lovers and curious enthusiasts alike are invited to experience a truly unique event at the 2026 Annual Orphan Barrel Tasting at Domenico Winery. Taking place on March 15 at Domenico Winery, this special gathering offers guests the chance to taste award-winning wines straight from the barrel and even bring some of them home.
The event is built around a charming idea: our Orphan Wines are in need of a loving home. By attending this tasting experience, guests can sample premium wines created by passionate winemakers, learn about the craft of winemaking, and possibly become the proud owner of an exceptional half barrel of wine.
Whether you are an experienced wine enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys discovering new flavors, this event promises an afternoon filled with great wine, good company, and unforgettable stories.
Ever Dreamed of Being a Winemaker?
Many wine lovers have imagined what it might be like to create their own wine. The Orphan Barrel Tasting offers a glimpse into that world.
Guests will have the opportunity to meet the friendly members of the Bacchus Winemaking Club, a community of passionate individuals who craft their own wines using Domenico Winery’s facilities. During the event, these winemakers will share the fruits of their labor while explaining the process behind their creations.
Visitors can barrel taste 20 Orphan Wines currently aging and looking for a loving home. Each wine tells a unique story, reflecting the creativity and dedication of the club members who crafted it.
For those who fall in love with a particular wine, there is also the opportunity to purchase it before it is bottled in July 2026.
What Is Orphan Wine?
The concept of Orphan Wine is both practical and fascinating.
Within the Bacchus Winemaking Club, members sometimes prefer to produce only half a barrel of wine rather than committing to a full barrel. However, for wine to age properly in a barrel, the barrel must be completely filled.
To make this possible, the remaining space in the barrel is filled with additional wine. That extra wine—without a designated owner—becomes what the winery affectionately calls “Orphan Wine.”
These orphaned wines are carefully aged alongside the others, developing rich flavors and complexity. Eventually, they are offered to guests during this annual tasting event so that someone can give them a permanent home.
Taste Award-Winning Wines
The Orphan Barrel Tasting is not just about sampling wine—it’s about discovering exceptional wines that have been crafted with passion and care.
Guests will taste premium, award-winning wines directly from the barrel, allowing them to experience the wine at an exciting stage of its development. Barrel tasting gives wine enthusiasts a rare opportunity to explore aromas, textures, and flavors before the wine is bottled and released.
If a particular wine captures your attention, you can purchase a half barrel, which will later be bottled and ready for pickup.
A half barrel contains:
- 12 cases of wine
- 144 bottles total
Prices start at approximately $16.49 per bottle, making it an incredible opportunity to secure premium wine at a significant discount. Half barrels start at $2,375, and many buyers choose to share the barrel with friends, splitting both the wine and the cost.
To make the experience even more rewarding, if you purchase a half barrel, up to two event tickets will be refunded per half barrel purchased.
Delicious Pairings Included
Your event ticket includes more than just the wine tasting.
Guests will also enjoy a selection of cheese, salumi, and assorted bite-size appetizers, carefully chosen to complement the wines being sampled. These savory pairings enhance the tasting experience, allowing visitors to explore how different flavors interact with each wine.
With great wine, delicious bites, and lively conversation, the event creates the perfect setting for an afternoon of discovery.
Ticket Pricing
Advance tickets are available until March 14, offering the best value for attendees.
Advance Ticket Pricing
- Bacchus Members: Free
- Domenico Wine Club Members: $30
- General Public: $40
For those who decide to attend at the last minute, tickets can also be purchased at the door.
Day-of Ticket Pricing
- Bacchus Members: Free
- Domenico Wine Club Members: $35
- General Public: $45
Members of the Bacchus Winemaking Club receive additional benefits. Those who produce a full barrel receive four free tickets, while half-barrel members receive two free tickets.
Important Event Information
Due to the nature of the event, all guests must be 21 years of age or older and should bring a valid ID.
The event will take place on:
Sunday, March 15
1:00 PM (GMT-07:00)
at Domenico Winery.
Transportation and Parking
Parking at the winery is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, additional parking options are available nearby.
Guests can park in another lot located in the business park just north of the winery, with signs visible from the street to guide visitors. Street parking is also available across the street on Bing Street.
To make things easier, attendees are encouraged to carpool or use rideshare services.
A Unique Wine Experience
The 2026 Annual Orphan Barrel Tasting is more than a wine event—it is a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and the joy of discovering great wine.
Guests will have the rare opportunity to:
- Meet passionate winemakers
- Taste wines directly from the barrel
- Enjoy delicious food pairings
- Purchase exceptional wines before they are bottled
And perhaps most importantly, they will help give these special Orphan Wines the loving homes they deserve.
If you enjoy wine, storytelling, and unforgettable experiences, this event at Domenico Winery is one you won’t want to miss. Raise a glass, discover a new favorite wine, and maybe even take home a barrel to share with friends. 🍷
See other interesting events in San Carlos. You may also check the main calendar for the dates of these, or to save them on your personal calendar.
About San Carlos
About Mark and Viv
Mark Martinho and Viv Kelvin are the owners of Vabrato Real Estate
