I was so excited to see that Nello Olivo Tasting Room and Hwy 50 Brewery were still so hopping…read morearound 6 PM on a weekend. Hwy 50 Brewery has live music on weekends, so Nello Olivo stays open later to match their hours. 8 PM on Fridays & Saturdays and 7 PM on Sundays!!! I don't have to leave Apple Hill around 5 or 6 PM anymore. What a wonderful and inviting place to do a wine tasting! I received such gracious service from Mark and another male bartender. I was allowed several free sample sips before deciding what to order. If you want a proper tasting flight with a tray of 5 wine glasses (filled with 2 ounces or about an inch up the wine glass?), it costs $25 if you want to sit and drink at a table and only $15 if you are willing to stand and taste at the bar, assuming the bar isn't too busy. A glass of wine is $10 and a glass of premium wine is $20, as of 7/29/2023. There is also a Yelp check-in offer for a $15 flight of 5 wines. Mark recommended the 2020 PRIMITIVO, which is his favorite and ended up being my favorite. Smooth. The MALBEC was my 2nd favorite for its flavor. I also tried the Sangiovese, Barbera, Sinfonia, Chardonnay, and Cali Mojo. Kept on tap, the Cali Mojo tasting was ample and was served over ice cubes. So refreshingly sweet, fruity, and bubbly that I ended up ordering it! I was slow to realize you could order the CALI MOJO in colorful cans to take home. I should have done that. It's a lovely wine spritzer or wine soda. You can purchase snacks to go with your tasting. I forgot to take a look at the charcuterie offerings in a fridge, but the sweet treats are only 2 for $1. These include individually wrapped Ferrero Rocher, Madeleine cookies, and brownie bites. Very reasonably priced and thoughtful. You could also buy food from Hwy 50 Brewery next door (i.e., pizza, hot dogs, tacos, salad, fries), and you're welcome to wander, sit, drink, and listen to live music over there. Nello Olivo also sells attractive and affordable gifts. A cute blanket with cats or a pretty swimsuit or beach cover-up costs $20-$25. $6 bracelets. $8 dangling earrings. Nello Olivo is conveniently located less than 2 miles away from Boa Vista Orchards on Carson Road. I didn't realize Camino was that close. The parking lot is quite large and long, but I imagine it could get full if it's packed. Nello Olivo is in a plaza within walking distance of several other wine tasting rooms and restaurants. Do your fun wine tasting here!

I was at an event and the owner was completely inappropriate. He was visibly drunk making…read moreinappropriate comments about his wife and innuendos to the women in attendance. Someone needs to make an intervention with this old alcoholic man. It's sad to see a facility tolerate this behavior from anyone - particularly its owner. He needs some serious help and to lay off from the booze. Very sad to see.

What a marvelous moment we had at Red Poets & Skyhawk Lane!…read more Visiting Apple Hill with a friend on a Spring Friday, it's great to visit that area not during peak season to actually enjoy the scenery and some wares and local businesses without feeling like you're in the middle of a tourist trap. Feeling like doing some wine tasting, we chose Red Poets - a lovely name, tucked away in an unassuming little cottage as opposed to the semi-strip-mall vibe of other tasting rooms right in walking distance. Indeed, we took the road less traveled and it made all the difference. Owner Charlie welcomed us warmly and for the next 30 minutes or so he took us through a marvelous tasting. Big bold reds alongside impassioned conversation - not only did we learn about his relationship with the wine, we learned the history of the business and just exchanged fun life stories. I was captivated by their Pinot Noir, and bought their Albarino on good faith. The pinot has been glorious at home, gorgeously velvety and fruity! We also had the exquisite opportunity to try their apple liqueur, no longer available but Charlie advised he is also exploring distillery and there will be more goodness in that realm to come. Yet another reason to return! Red Poets is the perfect example of the magical greatness to be found in small towns, off the beaten path.

There's not much to this place. They have a wine tasting bar and products that you can take home…read morewith you. My hubby tried 5 different red wines for $10 and very much liked what he tasted. The guy at the counter was very informative about the wines and was thorough in his explanation of the differences and tastes of the wines. Overall this was an interesting experience that we would like to do again. Hopefully next time around we'll be able to take some wines home with us. I'd highly recommend this winery to anyone who's a wine fanatic. Thanks for the tasting RP&SL!!!

Gayle is extraordinary and converted me to a cider drinker! The wines are great and my favorite…read morebeing a red drinker were the Barbera and the cab but when I tried their ciders I was amazed by the ginger and aloha. Move over Napa, apple hill hosts some of the best vintners and it's still affordable. It's rustic and kind, good for families or couples. Gayle you made our day. We will share with our friends. What a great day to finish sunset with wine on this fall day.

This wine tasting room is always so fun. Great outdoor space to try wines and ciders. Bring your…read moresnacks or buy some from Bumgarner. They participate in Carson Rd winery events which are great. I love the addition of ciders to their wine line up. Always fantastic service!

We stopped in with friends who are club members to pick up their wine. Had a fun barrel tasting…read morewith Mike. Small and cozy tasting room. Enjoyed learning about their primarily red wines. Brought home half a case of varied vintages. The wine club is a good value. We were treated well and had a great conversation with other guests and the cellar staff. Lots of fun. Closed the place down.

Crystal Basin: Where the Wine is Bold and the Vibes are Chill…read more Tucked away in the Sierra Foothills like a hidden gem with a cork in it, Crystal Basin Cellars is my go-to wine tasting room when I want great wine without the snobbery. My husband and I have been members of the wine club for years and do kazoo caroling with the kids with them every year! This place is and amazing low-key--no pretense, pours and plenty of personality. The owner? Hilarious. Think part-winemaker, part-stand-up-comedian. The staff? Super friendly and genuinely happy to talk wine, life, or the weather in Camino. You'll feel like a regular even if it's your first visit. Now let's talk wine--because wow. Mostly reds (and they're all fantastic), but they've got a few whites that hold their own. Some standouts: Pommie: A pomegranate champagne that's basically a party in a bottle. Bubbly, fruity, and dangerously easy to love. I love them all! Just a few favorites: Dolce Bottino: A red with a name that cheekily translates to "sweet booty" . It's rich, smooth, and just a little bit flirty--like the wine version of a wink. Château Mau Faux: ( read that slow and twice ) The ultimate "any night" red. Whether you're Netflixing, grilling, or just unwinding, this one's your new best friend. Crystal Basin isn't just a tasting room--it's a vibe. Come for the wine, stay for the laughs, and leave with a bottle (or three... or a case)

The major feature of Starfield Vineyards is obviously their vineyards and gardens, but this…read morememorial weekend, their pizzas were a highlight!! My personal favorite was the Artichoke Florentine because the mint pesto is so refreshing for the summer. I also appreciate the low alcohol options, as it allows me to join in the fun despite my alcohol sensitivity. The vineyards and gardens are spectacular as usual; I highly recommend the main lake trail/loop for the shade it offers during the hot summer. The turtle pond is secluded and pleasant, but it's further and lacks shade, so I recommend bringing a parasol.

I took my husband out on the town for his birthday, and Starfield was one of our first stops--what…read morea fabulous choice. The ambiance, the guided experience, and the overall vibe were exactly what I had hoped for. Our waitress was exceptional--knowledgeable, incredibly friendly, and she made us feel right at home. We truly couldn't have started his birthday any better. As for the food, I was a bit bummed that there wasn't a lunch or more robust meal offering. It slightly diminished the overall poshness of the experience, as we would have loved something beyond charcuterie while enjoying the wine. That said, we still had a wonderful time--and even became members--so that says a lot. I do hope they expand their food options in the future. If you're looking for a great atmosphere and delicious wine, I would absolutely recommend checking them out.

This place is a recommended stop while doing a wine tasting tour or bar hop. Friendly staff and…read morecozy atmosphere goes well here for an intimate gathering or romantic date. They offer local handcrafted beers, wines, ciders and other beverages. The food menu has a nice selection of delicious sounding comfort foods, snacks and appetizers. We couldn't resist checking them out during my wine tasting birthday tour by having a few beers and sharing a combination appetizer plate. Each choice from the menu is $6.00. Joe K and my brother-in-law are the beer drinkers of the family while my sister and I are the shoppers, as we ducked into the connecting, adjacent boutique to browse and gaze at all the hand made items, clothing, artwork and jewelry. This pub and winery knows how to make a patron feel welcome and appreciated! They were the only ones who wished me a happy birthday!

Findleton Pub is the perfect place to go if you're looking to try local beers and ciders all in one…read moreplace with memorable staff and a warm family feel. The food is delicious too! A rustic barn-house feel gives an old fashioned vibe that allows you to step out of your busy day for a good ol' fashion drink and burger. The place to go if you want good beer, delicious food and better company ~

My photos truly don't do this place justice. This is a beautiful location with mature trees that…read morehelp it be 10-15 degrees cooler under their shade on a warm day. We were welcomed to bring our picnics/outdoor food here while they came by and poured us wine as we listened to the live band. Their Migliore 2020 red blend was particularly good that we took home a case!

The winery is just beautiful outside. I wouldn't spend time inside unless there was an open couch…read moreand maybe some bar stools, so only go when the weather is nice, but outside is just beautiful. The service is friendly and the pours are heavy. The price is pretty reasonable.

Great wine and a beautiful location/scenery. I heard about this place from a friend. You can…read morepurchase snacks or bring your own

It was a beautiful location and gorgeous weather. There wasn't wine that we loved enough to…read morepurchase, but the ambience was lovely. You can bring in food and there are plenty of tables on the patio and the grounds to eat at.