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Set in the close-knit wine community of Livermore Valley, the
winery's tasting room is a charming converted barn that is
big on personality. Far from the tailored, grandiose wineries
in other regions, Big White House and John Evan offers a
comfortable—and educational—approach to wine. Guests are
encouraged to belly up to the bar with their lists of questions
for the staff. From the technical to the philosophical,
inquiries come in all forms, and the Big White House team
members (who consider themselves ever-evolving students
of the process) embrace the opportunity to share insight and
knowledge.
The tasting room's artwork is hard to miss upon entering,
with roughly 40 images adorning the walls. Striking and lively,
the works are made by John's sister, Laura Marion. The art
changes and rotates, showing off wine labels from past and
present vintages. Often times, the featured art reveals what is
being sampled at the bar.
TOP: The spectacular Petite Sirah from the head-trained Davis-King Vineyard
is made into The Talking Bull.
Photograph by Fenton Kremer
BELOW LEFT: The patio has a gorgeous vineyard vista. It's a fantastic spot for
a picnic.
Photograph by Adam J Clark
BELOW RIGHT: Winemaker John Evan Marion examines the newly set grape
crop that will become The Talking Bull with his son John IV.
Photograph by Fenton Kremer
