How PourPlan Ratings Work

Base score (relative to regional average):

• 10: Free tasting
• 9: Well below regional average
• 8: Below regional average
• 7: At regional average
• 6: Above regional average
• 5: Well above regional average
• 4 or below: Significantly above regional average

Regional context matters: A $25 fee in Woodinville (where the average is ~$25-30) scores differently than in a region where $15 is typical.

Adjustments:

• Refundable with purchase: +1.5 points
• Generous pour size: +0.5 points
• 6+ pours included: +0.5 points
• Small pour size: -0.5 points
• 3 or fewer pours: -0.5 points
• Pressure to buy: -2.0 points

Example: A $25 fee in Woodinville (base 7.0 at regional average) that's refundable (+1.5) with 5 generous pours (+0.5) = 9.0/10

9-10: Outstanding value — High-quality wines (90+ critic scores) at fair prices ($25-45), or exceptional quality-to-price ratio

7-8: Good value — Quality wines (85-89 points) at reasonable prices ($35-55), or very good wines at mid-range

5-6: Fair value — Decent wines at market prices, or good wines priced slightly high ($55-75)

3-4: Below average value — Average wines at premium prices, or good wines significantly overpriced ($75+)

1-2: Poor value — Mediocre wines at high prices, or quality doesn't justify cost

Professional ratings (Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast) carry the most weight, followed by in-person assessments, then visitor reviews.

9-10: Exceptional — Staff goes above and beyond, highly knowledgeable, warm and engaging, makes you feel like a VIP

7-8: Very good — Friendly and attentive, knowledgeable about wines, welcoming atmosphere, no pressure

5-6: Adequate — Professional but not particularly warm, basic wine knowledge, serviceable but unmemorable

3-4: Below average — Rushed, inattentive, limited knowledge, makes you feel unwelcome or pressured

1-2: Poor — Rude, disinterested, or overtly sales-focused, actively detracts from experience

In-person observations weighted at 70%, visitor sentiment at 30%.

9-10: Outstanding — Consistent 93+ point scores from tier 1 critics, multiple awards, exceptional complexity and balance

7-8: Very good — Regular 88-92 point scores, well-crafted wines with distinct character and quality craftsmanship

5-6: Good — Some 85-87 point scores, solid wines that are well-made but not exceptional

3-4: Below average — Few professional scores or low ratings, noticeable flaws, limited complexity

1-2: Poor — No professional recognition, significant quality issues, poorly made wines

How we tier professional ratings:

Tier 1 (Highest confidence): Internationally recognized wine publications and critics with rigorous tasting protocols

Tier 2 (Medium confidence): Regional publications, established wine writers, reputable trade publications

Tier 3 (Lower confidence): Local competitions, small regional awards, self-reported scores

Not all 94-point scores are equal. A score from a tier 1 international publication carries more weight and higher confidence than the same score from a local competition. Professional ratings are primary; in-person tastings and visitor reviews provide supporting context.

9-10: Exceptional — Distinct, memorable atmosphere (romantic, lively, cozy), thoughtful design, music and lighting enhance experience

7-8: Very good — Inviting and comfortable, cohesive aesthetic, pleasant ambiance that encourages lingering

5-6: Adequate — Clean and functional but generic, nothing special about the atmosphere

3-4: Below average — Uninviting or uncomfortable, poor lighting/music choices, feels like an afterthought

1-2: Poor — Unpleasant atmosphere, dingy or neglected space, actively detracts from tasting experience

In-person observations weighted at 70%, visitor descriptions at 30%.

9-10: Stunning — Vineyard views, water views, or mountain vistas; beautifully landscaped grounds; architecturally distinctive building

7-8: Very attractive — Pleasant outdoor space (patio, deck, gardens); mature trees or landscaping; appealing architecture

5-6: Adequate — Basic outdoor area or no outdoor space but nice building; some landscaping; functional but not scenic

3-4: Below average — Industrial/warehouse setting with minimal landscaping; no outdoor space; uninspiring architecture

1-2: Poor — Unappealing location (strip mall, industrial park); no redeeming visual features; neglected exterior

100% based on in-person observation. Research cannot assess what you'll see.

9-10: Excellent — Large dedicated lot with ample spaces, easy entry/exit, clearly marked, always available

7-8: Good — Dedicated lot or close street parking, usually available, reasonably easy access

5-6: Adequate — Street parking nearby, may require short walk, limited spaces during busy times

3-4: Challenging — Limited street parking, often full, requires circling or walking several blocks

1-2: Poor — No nearby parking, extremely difficult access, major deterrent to visiting

100% based on in-person observation. Research cannot reliably assess parking.