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    Crystal Basin Cellars

    4.5 (154 reviews)
    ModerateWineries
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    Crystal Basin Cellars outdoor tasting area.
    Chuck J.

    Crystal Basin Cellars, EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS! Our second visit to Crystal Basin Cellars was as delightful as our first 5 years ago. We were greeted by Mike [owner], he led us not only through a wonderful tasting but also an educational conversation on grapes and wine making. ZEE our pup also enjoyed a delicious treat tasting [pup friendly]. The tasting area is warm and inviting lending itself to a causal relaxing environment for tasting. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you are in the South Lake Tahoe area stopping by Crystal Basin Cellars and enjoying their wide selection of excellent wines. We left with four cases and will be back our our next journey to the area. Chuck

    Award winning wines.

    Love their award winning wines! It's a must to come check out! Customer service was amazing! Mellissa and Mike are great to talk too!

    Grapes
    Cory D.

    Very friendly staff, but I probably won't come back due to an unrequited rant about recalling Governor Newson by the owner. We were not particular fond of the wine - I didn't finish my tasting. We got a white and red sampler. It was well priced for the sample, and they let you try six wines. I liked "Dozer" best, and the sparkling. Still, i found their wines a bit lighter than I like, and though lots of bright red fruit and acidity, not much complexity for the price point. Also, we we treated to a long rant about how Covid efforts are arbitrary, no one wore a mask there, and lots if hatred spewed about Governor Newsom's "reign" of terror. I'll take my wine free of political hatred and pandemic denial, thank you.

    She sells me my bottle of "Bubbly"! (Only
    Michelangelo S.

    Beautiful Scenery, Delicious Wine, HiLARious Owner - "What Could Be Better For A Wine-Tasting Experience?", I Ask, RIGHT?!? https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crystal-basin-cellars-camino?select=SZMTgFGXCdTpuqZ8N1dRFQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w SITREP I've had a couple of very fun opportunities to stop by Crystal Basin Cellars ("Crystal Basin") this Autumn season, and each time brought a greater, more indepth exposure to the wonderful vintages available here specifically, and they also gifted me with a more comprehensive understanding of wine-making in general here in the El Dorado County Zone. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crystal-basin-cellars-camino?select=GEHjD5gQxZSD8Hx_G3LOHQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE SETUP The knowledge I've gained indicates it is naive to think that operating a winery is a like a "little block box" that can easily be *turned on* successfully. But nothing could be further from the truth and does not take into account the blood, sweat and tears people put into the wine-making effort. As with Crystal Basin, so many factors come into play to ensure that a winery like Crystal Basin will succeed: * The investment of continuous capital to ensure necessary equipment is obtained and that daily operating expenses are met; * Ensuring that the vines are cultured, cared for meticulously and maintained by diligent staff and, of course, plenty of irrigation; * Having a wine-master who dispassionately tastes many varietals, approves barrels are good and which are not, approves which mixing of varietals will make an excellent blend - or not - and then approves the final vintages, etc.; * Cultivating customer satisfaction - and participation! - to develop that successful interface that will keep people coming back to tastings, to sign up for the wine club, to bring their friends, and to spread the word; * And also knowing what other competitive wineries are doing with their inventory of wines, and how to meet them in the marketplace head-on. Crystal Basin is firing on all pistons in this regard. EDUCATION AND WINE CLONING Huge kudos to Crystal Basin for not pushing away curious customers like me who are fascinated with the wine-making process such as they share with their wine-clones, and pressing ahead on different vintages of Zinfandel.T During my first trip to Crystal Basin, they opened the back to their Cloning-facilities and it was a delighted to see the various mixing bins. What we participated in was the 2018 Vintage Zinfandel barrel tastings: this featured three (3) separate Zinfandel "clones" - these included: (1) The Dupratt Clone (2) The Deaver Clone; and the, (3) Haywood Clone I had very different reactions to each clone: A. The Dupratt Clone I found sweet, light and crisp; B. The Deaver Clone was definitely lightly tart for my tastebuds, but still tasty; and, C. The Haywood Clone resided in more familiar, full-bodied vintage. From these 3, we were able to witness the "blending"-process firsthand as we got beakers with which to blend whatever percentages of each of the 3 clones we wanted. This was a LOT of fun getting to see the blending process that a wine-master does and then trying it for ourselves. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crystal-basin-cellars-camino?select=0IquCz6HdAWawMObiPnfBQ&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w I had a lot of fun crushing grapes as well, although it was a very strenuous work! [Think *bench-pressing!*] https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crystal-basin-cellars-camino?select=xrjIyEQ_rMVg5QCodHFA2w&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w OTHER WINE VARIETALS! Although Crystal Basin goes "ballz-to-the-wall" on different varietals of excellent Zinfandels, their "Quijote" - a wondrous Tempranillo and Grenache blend - is out of this world. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crystal-basin-cellars-camino?select=oJqXqJ8JI4VT20WB3a9T-Q&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w And besides the Zinfandels and Quijote, I loved their "Bubbly" (their version of Champagne) - actually my elixir of delight since I favor sweeter wines, and it has been a dynamic addition to a couple of dinner parties in the interim (and at only around $20/bottle, an extremely reasonable acquisition). https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/crystal-basin-cellars-camino?select=Y44ooULhNXgD3XWmXwLKww&userid=3mNz5nQFTIBQm0oU5mBR0w THE LOWDOWN Thanks to owner Mike Owen and his talented, warm staff for welcoming my friends and myself during our visits to Crystal Basin Cellars. They are an outstanding example of a dynamic winery that deserves your notice and patronage - you owe it to yourselves to go visit Crystal Basin!

    One of the non-alcoholic treasures we found.  These have a mild kick that builds after you eat them.
    John C.

    We spent a very enjoyable hour talking about and sampling a variety of wines. Chris was very helpful and did not steer or push us in any way. We will be back!!

    Pamela F.

    Crystal Basin recently threw open its cellar doors to welcome a group of enthusiastic Yelpers for a terrific midday tour. The event included some initial bubbly tasting, a few welcome remarks from the event hosts, then a stroll across Carson Road for some Zinfandel grape tasting straight from the vine. We then sampled some fine 2015 Zinfandel right there in the vineyard. Upon returning to the main barn where the cellar and tasting room are located, we had the opportunity to taste 2018 Zins from three different blocks and then the really fun part commenced: we got to play mad wine scientists and make our blends! The owner, Mike Owen, told us about the process of "punching down" to mix the macro bins of grapes, which hold a half ton of what is arguably the ~real~ magical fruit. After the official event ended, we bellied up to their tasting room bar and tried all of their offerings. Ended up with a half case and new members of CBC's Ascendance Club. Thanks, Crystal Basin Cellars!

    Mimi N.

    Ahhh man, whats not to love about this place? Delicious wine in Apple Hill? Count me in! I haven't been in this area for years and so glad I got invited to the Wine Yelp Event. Although I love drinking wine, I'm still very new and know little about the wine making process. Mike was super informative and was able to show us the vineyard right across the street from the place. We were able to taste the grapes straight from the vine! Whatt?? Being a new wine lover, I haven't developed a taste for red wines yet BUT after tasting a few of their samples, I had to stay after the event to do another tasting. I bought me a bottle of Merlot and the bubbly which were both yummy! I would definitely be back in this winery, despite the terrible Apple Hill traffic, my experience here was great.

    Julie B.

    What a beautiful day to spend learning about the making of wine in the enchanted Apple Hill area. We were graciously invited to spend the day with a walking tour of the winery and an educational presentation filled with information about the wine making process and a chance to be one on one with the experts at Crystal Basin Cellars This is my first time officially doing the wine tasting thing and it was a pleasant surprise nestled along the trees in the beautiful Camino, California area. The winery itself has the amazing aroma of wine, grapes and oak wine barrels that I have learned last usually around 5 years or until they begin to leak. We tasted a multiple variety of red wines and got to see how the wines were processed and how the origin of the names of the wines were given. Mike the owner was very informative and answered many of the groups questions and even gave every one of us a Passport for future wine tastings. The winery also has lots of wine oriented items for sale. I definitely will be visiting again soon.

    Barrel Room
    Amy C.

    This is by far the best winery I have ever been to and the wine was delicious! We got to go back into the barrel room for barrel tasting. Super educational, fun, different experience, personalized, relaxed, engaging and mind blowing. So FREAKING cool!!! The vibe here was super relaxed and fun! Delicious wines! Affordable tastings, bottles and cases. LOVED all the home decor and unique gifts! Super fun!!! Right off Hwy 50 AND delicious BBQ next door! Loved this place! We will be back for sure!

    Kristin B.

    Like another reviewer stated, "I'll take my wine free of political hatred..." I concur. I have been a regular at Crystal Basin in the past, so much so that the owner, Mike Owen was one of my Facebook friends. In fact, we had planned to go back up to Crystal Basin for a visit in 2 weeks to replenish our wine supply. That all changed when I recently posted on my personal Facebook page about the Supreme Court confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett. Mr. Owen posted a comment in response, to which I replied with a respectful comment. I was dumbfounded when Mr. Owen responded by saying "yeah, I hate women judges almost as much as you." Let this review serve as a warning to future patrons of Crystal Basin (especially women). I think the attached photos speak for themselves. The wine at Crystal Basin isn't good enough to subject myself to abuse from its owner.

    Salma A.

    My babe and I were in Placerville doing some work, on our way back home (Reno) we decided to stop and had some wine tasting. The Place: It was a cute bar? I think there was an event going on at the cellar and we were just admitted at the bar. The bar has their wines, a great collection of all kind of souvenirs and goodies to bring home. We stood by the bad and asked to do wine tasting. The Wine: This is just my opinion (I do drink wine frequently and belong to a Wine Club in Calistoga) the wine was just OK, honestly I can't think of a sample I had that I could say it was great or delicious. I felt like waiting to see if the next one was going to be better or less worse. We first started with "Sparkling wine" was just ok, a little too sweet. Then the "Chardonnay" that one had no flavor, was like drinking old water. Then we had others...nothing nice to say. Finally we had the "Mystery Juice" and the Merlot I think that's the only ones I would consider buying. Other than that, I think is cool they make wine in bags, so you can bring them to places like the park or the lake. I heard they won an award on some wine at the State Fair but we didn't get to taste because we were not members. So maybe they do have good wine. We were just not lucky to try it. The Service: Service was ok, I understand a lot of locals go and drink there. So the guys giving us the wine didn't care to much to talk to us, instead he focused on his old customers. Later when everybody left he tried a bit harder to made conversation with us. Overall: 3 Stars, Cool place to hang out and drink. Wine wise, I was not impressed at all. I'm not a wine snob, I've had house wine from restaurants and never felt they were that terrible.

    Wine-tasting menu

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    It makes us happy when you're happy! Thanks Craig!

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    Thank you Cory for the kind words!

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Crystal Basin Cellars

    Review Highlights - Crystal Basin Cellars

    We bought the Groupon and did the barrel tasting early on a Saturday and were thoroughly entertained by Chris and KZ.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Nello Olivo Tasting Room, Camino - Some red wines I got a small taste of while standing at the bar. Primitivo was recommended and my favorite. Malbec  was my 2nd favorite.

    Nello Olivo Tasting Room, Camino

    4.0(33 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    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.

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    Nello Olivo Tasting Room, Camino - Today's Wines menu on 7/29/23. Cali Mojo in the colorful can is a red wine spritzer or wine soda.

    Today's Wines menu on 7/29/23. Cali Mojo in the colorful can is a red wine spritzer or wine soda.

    Nello Olivo Tasting Room, Camino - Tasting flight glasses

    Tasting flight glasses

    Nello Olivo Tasting Room, Camino - Jewelry for sale on 7/29/23. $6 bracelets. $8 earrings.

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    Jewelry for sale on 7/29/23. $6 bracelets. $8 earrings.

    Lewis Grace Winery - Front of the property

    Lewis Grace Winery

    4.3(100 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$

    We were on our way to another orchard and decided to stop by this winery for a tasting! The main…read morebuilding had a cute patio right outside that overlooks their vineyard. We ordered at the bar inside and then the wines were brought out to us on the patio. It took longer than expected to get our flights, and then we were a bit disappointed that the sommelier didn't spend much time telling us about the wines. She brought them out and told us what each wine on the flight was, then left and we never saw her again. We've had several amazing tasting experiences in wine country where the sommelier tells you many more details about the wines including where on the property the grapes are grown, how it is made, and what different notes we will taste in each wine. It was a pretty basic explanation and we didn't feel that it was very personable despite it being a slow weekday. We ordered two tastings but all the wines were brought out in small carafes, we couldn't tell if each one held enough wine for one of us or both of our tastings combined. This wasn't ever explained either, so we assumed it was for both of us to share. We still enjoyed having our wines on this beautiful property, and we were able to have our baby with us which was nice. We weren't very impressed with the wines themselves and did not have any favorites that we needed to purchase bottles of. It is $10 for a glass or a tasting which was quite the deal. The prices and atmosphere were great, but the wine and overall experience was average.

    What a beautiful place to taste some wine. The views were ever so beautiful. The way they served…read morethe 6 wine tasting was unique where we could control the amount each one of us got without the staff having to come out for each glass. Nice touch. The only thing that didn't allow me to give them a 5-star review was the wine itself. The Pinot Gris was exceptional, so we bought a couple of bottles. The rest was merely okay. That being said, I would highly recommend coming if just for the atmosphere. Everyones wine taste is different and you may like some of the ones I didn't.

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    Lewis Grace Winery
    Lewis Grace Winery
    Lewis Grace Winery - Front entrance of the building

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    Front entrance of the building

    Blue Barn Provisions - Caprese sandwich

    Blue Barn Provisions

    4.3(78 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Stopped by with my large family Saturday morning, and we are so glad we did!…read more Blue Barn Provisions is the perfect way to start your day at Apple Hill, with filling portions and delicious food items. The barn itself has a good amount of seating both indoors and outdoors, and it feels cozy overall. The staff is wonderful, cheerful, and so friendly! There were 9 of us, but they were thrilled to take our order and happily offered recommendations. I ordered the apple pie French toast on brioche bread, and it was so good! The bread was fresh and the apples paired so well with the sweet whipped cream. It didn't taste too eggy, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was very soft as well, and had a melt-in-your-mouth type texture. I highly recommend starting your day here and trying the French toast!

    The young lady who took my order was really nice. I had looked up farm to table in area on way to…read moreTahoe. Unfortunately, I would say food is 4-5 of 10. Got brisket sandwich and turkey brie sandwich. Both of them lacked meat:(I am not a huge meat eater, but it was minuscule amounts. Onions on brisket were not what I expected. &season greens on turkey was lettuce? The best part was home made pickles. That being said I would not go here again. Right by highway50&super loud. I have not experienced any noteworthy food in that area:( Pretty flowers on hill near exit:)

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    Blue Barn Provisions - Plenty of seating in or outdoor

    Plenty of seating in or outdoor

    Blue Barn Provisions - Avocado Toast

    Avocado Toast

    Blue Barn Provisions

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    Crystal Basin Cellars - wineries - Updated May 2026

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