General Questions:
What are your hours?
We are open daily from 11am-5pm. Last tasting reservation is from 3:30-5PM. We close on major holidays.
Do you require reservations?
Yes, we recommended reservations. Weekdays are more flexible, but to guarantee your spot, especially on weekends, please book a reservation. We offer several different experiences every weekend and our tastings book up a few days in advance for the busy weekends. We do our best to accommodate walk-in guests when availability permits.
Where do I go when I first arrive?
As you enter the property, please head down the walkway on the right side of the building and then toward the fountain. To check in for your reservation or as a walk-in, please head to the Hostess stand which is located inside the tasting room to the far left. (Occasionally, we have it outside the front door as well)
Can we bring outside food or a picnic?
Outside food and sealed bottled waters are allowed on-site during normal business hours; however, we do offer salads, wraps, and dips for purchase from Color of Fresh catering, as well as charcuterie boxes from local cheese shops. Please note, we check coolers and and we do not allow any outside alcoholic beverages to be brought on-site (this includes pre-purchased McGrail wines). Please dispose of your trash if you bring in a picnic.
Are pets allowed?
Only certified service animals are welcome. All other pets must stay home. While we love pets, for the safety of all of our guests, we ask that you keep yours at home.
Can we bring our children or infants?
Our Front Lawn area is open to families including children and infants. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Our tasting areas are for guests over 21 years of age, with the exception of infants.
Questions specific to Views and Vino on the Front Lawn:
Does everyone need a reservation for the lawn area?
Yes, all guests enjoying the front lawn need a reservation. That includes children and all kids over the age of 1 years old. Wine Club members get up to 10 guest complimentary, non-members pay $10 per person for the front lawn area space. Our front lawn area is open on non-event days. We have several special events monthly and close off the Views and Vino on the Front Lawn Reservations when we have live music or special events.
Is there shade on the lawn?
Our front lawn area has expansive views with very limited shade. If you are sun sensitive we do not recommend you book this experience. You are welcome to bring parasols or hand umbrellas, but pop-up tents are only allowed when their is no wind.
Is there guaranteed seating available on the front lawn?
We have extremely limited picnic benches on the front lawn and cannot guarantee seating for the Bottle Service on the Front Lawn experience. We recommend you bring blankets or low back chairs to enjoy the lawn area, or you can rent a cabana for guaranteed seating and shade. Rentals available by calling [925-215-0717] or booking online HERE.
Can we bring balls or frisbees for the lawn area?
No hard balls or frisbees are permitted on the lawn area.
Questions specific to Panoramic Patio Tastings:
Are kids allowed on the patio?
Our panoramic patio is strictly for adults 21 and over. The only exception is infants under 1 years old.
Do Wine Club Members get Complimentary Tastings?
Yes! Wine Club members receive 4 traditional tastings per month. When booking your reservation, please select Club Tasting. Upon arrival, if you would like to upgrade to the Elevated tasting, you are welcome to do so at a discounted rate of $15.
How long is my tasting experience?
Tastings on our Panoramic Patio are up to 90 minutes. If you are late, we cannot guarantee the full time, since we have tables booked over for the entire day and need to sanitize between guests.
Can we bring picnics or nibbles for our tasting?
Yes! Small bites are welcome, but remember we offer salads, wraps, charcuterie, and dips from Color of Fresh catering and local cheese shops.
Questions specific to Cabana Rentals:
What is included in my cabana rental?
Shade and comfort for up to 4.5 hours. The best views in the Livermore Valley and bottle service by one of our tasting room attendants.
Are the Cabanas Weather Dependent?
Yes! They provide great shade, but they have an open roof, so you are not protected from the rain and shade. We allow bookings May-October online. For the months of November-April, we will book 1-2 weeks out over the phone depending on the upcoming weather forecast. Please call [925-215-0717].
Can I pick the Cabana I want to be seated in?
We will do our best to accommodate requests. They are numbered 1-6, with 1 being the closest to the winery building. Cabana 1 and 6 have a large dining table with benches. Cabana 2-5 have large couch sets with a smaller patio table.
How big are the cabanas?
Each cabana comfortably seats 12 guests. There is additional space to stand.
Can I move the furniture around in the cabana?
No, the furniture is set and we ask that you do not move any pieces of furniture inside the cabana. If you need an additional 6’ table, please ask and we can bring a folding table out to your Cabana.
Questions specific to EVENTS at McGrail:
What time can ticket holders enter the property?
Each event is a little different, so please check with the specific event you are attending.