A barrel full of fun, California style

There are few things in this world that I enjoy more than strolling up and down the aisles of a wine shop, perusing labels and fantasizing about the contents inside the bottles. (I know, I need to get out more.) The only thing that could possibly make this pastime more enjoyable is to be able to actually taste the contents. And if I could buy these wines before they are even released to the general retail-buying public — at a discount no less — then you’re talking my kind of nirvana.

Last Saturday afternoon, I found it at the 22nd Annual California Barrel Tasting, the brainchild of the late Addy Bassin, the original owner of MacArthur Beverages in the District.