The first impression of Tobin Wines is that the place operates out of a shed. A neat shed, but hardly an establishment to cause concern among the châteaux of Bordeaux. Inside, the tasting area looks a bit like an addition to a shed. No matter, this is one of the most enjoyable visits available on the Granite Belt. The money here has been spent on making certain the wines are as fine as possible. While more money would seem to have been spent to achieve this than is ever likely to be recovered in sales, Adrian Tobin loves what he does. All-round owner, winemaker, and bottle washer, Adrian is on hand to guide you through his wines. He simply does not trust anyone else to do the job and to tell his story. Sit down at the bar and you are provided with Tobin bottled water, and every wine is served in a fresh Riedel glass. Don’t plan on a quick visit here. You’ll soon be swept up in the tasting and the tales, as conversations between Adrian and visitors are likely to roam far and wide. Best of all, the wines are superb, some of the finest in the region. Ken Garrett