Thomas O’Neil Cellars

Although wine was good, food wasn’t as good as expected. The sausage Kale soup was yum but when we asked what kind of sausage (pork or chicken) we got a stunned look from the server she came back after checking with the cook and said «Italian» for type of sausage. Seriously?

The location of this winery is fantastic. I’ve liked all the places that I’ve tried in this little area (2 breweries and a bakery). We went here pretty late in the day and it seemed like they were in between closing the tasting room and opening for dinner, but they made an exception to stay open a bit later to let us taste! We tried a lot of wines here and the tasting was free. Of course if the tasting is free, I still feel like at least some one in the group needs to buy a bottle or two, and we did. In general I think there wine was a bit overpriced, but there were so many of us that wanted to buy something we combined to get a case and with the case discount I think the wines were a bit closer to what they are worth. The tasting room attendant was friendly and provided us with any information we wanted to know about the wines!

How good is this. Within the last year or so, we’ve had three awesome businesses open up in this wee out-​of-​the-​way corner or Richland. You already know I love Ethos Bakery (
) and White Bluffs Brewery (
). Last night I finally made it to Thomas O’Neil Cellars.
This little winery is pretty cool. I arrived on a chilly winter Friday night (sadly I didn’t get to lounge on the patio outside like what Adam suggests, but I will be back in the spring/​summer!). I wanted to have a quick tasting and pick up a bottle of red for a party. The tasting room is in the back. The room is high ceiling-​ed, there are several tables, a very cool hanging light, and then the area opens into their working winery. There was a big stainless steel vat which I can only assume housed some upcoming vino (the jazzy/​rock band was setting up in front of this equipment).
They do serve food here, but it they are tapas (and they don’t make it to-​go). From what I saw, the options looked amazing. I could definitely go for ordering a few tapas here and having a glass of wine and listen to some music — next time.
For the tasting, there were two whites and two reds in the line-​up. Now, I don’t have the veteran palette or words to describe the wines… I never do. I mean, they ALL tasted great. Upon reflection, I can now remember distinctions between them, but when I finished the tasting, I was stressing over what to pick — mainly because I’m a bad decide-​er! I ended up going with the Cabernet Sauvignon. It was $ 21 in total.
Now I was a little tipsy at this point (Yo, I’m not going to spit out my wine. That’s just plain gross, and a waste. You know I like to be eco-​friendly and not waste things!). After picking up my bottle I wanted to go to Ethos to pick up a Baby Blue pizza I had ordered. I didn’t want to drive over since I could practically see it from the winery. So I walked out near the sagebrush in the dark. I was wondering if I was going to hoof it past a coyote and a rattlesnake, and trip on a rock, but wouldn’t you know: THERE WAS A PATH!
Yup, there was a gravel path between these three establishments. Yup, you’re going to find me here much more often. I can just tell.

This is a great addition to the Tri-​Cities’ winery selection. There is a cute tasting and sitting room inside, but the patio is where it’s at. The comfy furniture and beautiful Rattlesnake Mountain sunsets are a great way to end the day. There is also a little live music weekend evenings, so it’s a good after dinner date spot as well.
The wine is good overall. I think the Fusion and the Chardonnay are the high points (particularly the fusion). There is a light menu as well, and all the food I’ve ever ordered has been top notch.
Most importantly, the owners are a lot of fun. They have always made me feel at home and do what it takes to keep you happy.

My wife and I went there last Saturday evening. We enjoyed 3 appetizers and a desert along with their wine. The food, drink and live music was great. Meet and greet with the owners and friendly /​knowledgeable wait staff. It was a great night, we’ll definitely return.