Kirigin Cellars

1950

1069

1581

13 years ago

An empty barrel sings in the wind --Croatian Proverb Sidney Gets Caught Up On Winery Reviews Part V Kirigin Cellars is definitely the little winery that could, a fun place to taste and a unique facility with attached Cricket and Soccer fields. Dog friendly too! The Founder, Nikola Kirigin-Chargin, came to America from Croatia in 1959 and after establishing himself as a winemaker, bought the former Bonesio winery in 1976. Making wines in a European style, and with a European philosophy of low prices, Kirigin quickly became a local favorite and helped establish Santa Clara Valley as a notable wine area. After several trips through the area I somehow missed them, but with a recommendation from Glenn G the Most Interesting Man Alive; I finally stopped in one Saturday to do a tasting. The tasting room has two facing bars with a TV and looks almost like an old west saloon. Very charming. My server was efficient without being overly chatty. A dead ringer too as a lost younger sister of another favorite Yelper Lori M. The eclecticism of Nikola, who sold the winery in 2000 and who passed on at the age of 95 two years ago, is still alive with the winery with Kirigin producing 13 types of wines at insanely low price points. No wine is over $20.00 plus they offer great discounts: 30% off of 6 bottles, 50% off of a case and 3 or more cases are priced at $100.00 each! Reserve Cabernet can be bought by the case at $200.00. Perfect wine to buy for a wedding...why? Because it is also very good! Excellent quality at that cost. You get 6 tastes for free. I tied 2 whites, 3 reds and their famous Vino de Mocca dessert wine. I enjoyed both of the whites: Pinot Grigio and Malvasia Blanca. They are both excellent summer sippers and because they are balanced would be a great match with Asian Food. From the reds I had the Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Petite Syrah. I liked both the Pinot and Petite Syrah and thought the Pinot, Estate grown from the Santa Clara Valley, was an outstanding value at $19.90. You just don't find that many good sub $20.00 Pinots. With my 30% discount, the Pinot became the best under $15 Pinot I have ver had. Phenomenal value and I also got the Petite Syrah, with the whites I enjoyed, because the cute server said it was her favorite :) Call me a sucker... The dessert wine, a port with essences of four flavors, had strong chocolate, coffee and spice notes and in my opinion was terrible. Of course I hate coffee so that may have had something to do with it. I bought a bottle anyway and I will foist this on my wine buddies to see what they think :) An enjoyable visit at this historic winery. Great, unpretentious philosophy that blows away a certain Napa wannabee down the road...The Winery That Shall Not Be Named. Kirigin Cellars is highly recommended! read more

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Jack L.

4 years ago

Great hospitality and great wine.. I'm a simple guy who appreciates simple, great service. It was my girlfriend and I's first time here and we will definitely be back. Make sure to go in the back where they have a HUGE open yard (for kids) and views! read more

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Darien G.

475

825

12 years ago

We moved to Gilroy a few years ago and just recently started checking out the wineries in the area. Who knew there were wineries in Gilroy? But if you travel down Watsonville Avenue there's a TON of em! The wife wanted to stop by this winery because they have a Malvasia Bianca. The only other winery we have had this wine at was Sterling in Napa and it was very good. Kirigin's isn't quite as sweet as the Sterling version but it was still pretty good. They give 6 complimentary tastings but tend to be a little lax with this rule, which is nice. The wife and I have been trying to get into red wines for years but haven't really been able to find one that we would just drink. I've had a light red with food that was good but nothing so far that I would drink on its own. Well Kirigin has a Petite Sirah that is very nice. Good nose, nice color and very soft on the tannins. I actually bought a bottle! My first red wine purchase ever! Well done Kirigin. Lindsay was very friendly and knowledgable about Kirigin and wines in general. Do yourself a favor and walk up the path past the tasting rooms and you'll find a hell of a view of the surrounding mountains. This would probably be a great spot for a picnic. Definitely check out Kirigin. Good wine, good people. read more

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Crystal H.

Elite 26 All-Star

116

1886

5599

15 years ago

2nd winery stop. Free tasting of about 10+ wines. Ok pour portions. I loved the champagne and white zin. Wines here are pretty good. Small tasting room and not that many parking spaces. Property is not as nice as Clos LaChance, but its not bad. Staff was nice and fairly attentive even though it was a bit busy 30 mins till closing time. There's also picnic areas and you can also do your tasting outside area. read more

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Lacy D.

441

501

463

7 years ago

The place is absolutely adorable! I loved driving up to it and walking up to the door to the tasting room which was shaped like a wine barrel. Super cute and cozy inside! It was pretty busy when I was there, but the service was great. The person explained the complimentary tasting to me and talked a bit about the wine varietals. I chose to stick with whites, sparkling, and a rose. To be completely honest, I wasn't a fan of the wines. They all tasted quite minerally and sulfuric. I'm not sure if this is because of the soil where the grapes are grown or what, but there wasn't one that I remotely liked. But hey, we don't all like the same things! Based on reviews, it looks like they're well-liked by others. Overall, I enjoyed my experience. read more

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Jodi H.

582

1393

2812

10 years ago

Came here on a Monday late afternoon as Perri & Co. were about to close up at 4:30PM. As winetenders in the industry, we had gone on a tasting adventure through Hecker Pass and decided to stop by Kirigin last minute before heading back. My friend knew Perri, and she graciously allowed us to taste even when we told her that it was fine if she needed us to leave so she could do her duties. Nonsense, she said and wine began to flow. Our charismatic tasting room attendant was Rolly (sorry if I butchered your name!), and he was very kind and energetic given that they were about to close in half an hour. I looked at their menu and was shocked that they did complimentary tastings for 6 wines!! UM. That's crazy ridiculous, so Yelpers don't forget to MAD TIP your tender because they're not getting any benefits out of your drinking free wine. I had the Pinot Grigio, Chard, Malvasia Bianca (bought a bottle), Pinot Noir, Estate Red (bought a bottle), Zin, and a splash of the Vino de Mocca because Rolly said it was a must-have! I was pleasantly surprised by all of the wines and even though the descriptions for the flavor profiles were not very intensive on the menu, Rolly did a splendid job explaining the wines to us in person. My friend enjoyed the dry Champagne and also took home a bottle of the Estate Red. This was one of the first wineries where I actually enjoyed both a red and a white...and that's saying a lot coming from this wino. There was plenty of parking, and even space for prius and EV cars to plug in (or so I hear). I took a quick walk outside of their small tasting room, and saw another room where they hold private events. I'll definitely be back. Great job Dhruv and Perri on your staff and the upkeep on your quaint and magical little spot. read more

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Edwin B.

7 years ago

My wife and I have frequently visited this winery for several years now, but my review is not for their wines (which are absolutely fantastic!). It is about the total package the winery can offer. We decided to have our wedding here & celebrate my wife's 50th birthday celebration. The planning process was made very easy by Hannah, who is an ANGEL!!! She always responded to any queries I had promptly. Her suggestions to make our special event made it even better. The venue with its surrounding vineyards & hills only impressed our guests. Upon their arrival, they were shuttled to the clubhouse with champagne glass in hand. The staff were all courteous and very professional. Appetizers kept coming until everyone had enough. Dinner was served on time & was sumptuous to the last bite! Thank you, Hannah & staff for making our event a very memorable one. Kudos to Kirigin! You guys are the best!!! read more

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Kim D.

432

772

976

11 years ago

This review is for a wedding. My husband and I were venue researching, I think I may have stumbled across Kirigin Cellars by complete accident. All I remember is that I wanted something outdoors and not terribly far from the South Bay, and most important...within our budget. I even remember during the drive here I told my husband that I did not know much about this place and to not have too much expectations as I didn't myself. We arrived, the owner Dhruv introduced himself then showed us around in a golf cart. We had a blast touring the venue and seeing all it had to offer. The clubhouse was beautiful. Loved the wine colored floors and tall ceilings. They had a bridal room and a groom's room, though both were a tad on a smaller side. Not sure the purpose of the beds. The scenery was beautiful. This place was very flexible and chill. You could basically have your ceremony at any location. We originally wanted it INSIDE the vineyards (which is allowed), but our guest count didn't make that feasible so we chose another location which was equally beautiful. The location provided an on-site coordinator, Perri, who assisted with coordinating everything leading up the event and day of. She responded to my numerous emails with questions and scheduled a sit down with me, my now husband, and some vendors when we wanted to return for another on-site visit. They provided, wine, beer and soda into your fees. No caterers are provided (though they have one they work well with if you want to use) so you have the flexibility to choose any catering/food you want and are not restricted to their food. Guests had their own private parking lot and upon entrance they were greeted with a glass of champagne and a golf cart ride to the site (or walk as it wasn't a long walk). Staff were prompt and courteous. My guests has a blast. They all raved on how nice the venue was. And they also loved the wine. A huge consensus hit was the Vino de Mocca. I heard from multiple guests how surprised they were with this wine and how much they enjoyed it. Many purchased some bottles to take home after the reception. We had a great time with our reception. I loved the flexibility allowed here and the prices were reasonable. We stayed within budget. (Huzzah!) Logistics, weddings have to end by 10PM. Bummer for most but it worked naturally for ours. We had about 160 guests seated through 17 tables. It was a pretty full reception hall when I entered to see it. It left JUST ENOUGH room for a smaller dance floor area. This is with us having buffet style dining, and we had the food stationed outside. You would be told about noise levels during the intro process, but through my reception night, it didn't seem like we had any issues with noise levels. And I definitely did not feel we were quiet church mice so it was comfortable. I believe they do weddings Friday-Sunday (maybe other week days, I am not positive). But only one wedding per day. So no fear of running into another wedding taking place. They were pretty flexible with us arriving early in the morning to set up. And you could basically start your ceremony as early as you want, as long as your wedding ends by 10PM. During autumn time, they do have soccer in the field, so there are soccer lines near the clubhouse. That played a factor into where I decided to hold my wedding ceremony. They provided cold water and parasols for my guests which was a life saver as it was in the high 80's during my September wedding. AC through the guesthouse, no issues of sweltering heat for your reception. All in all, it was a great decision to have our wedding here. read more

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Annie A.

475

460

1889

12 years ago

First of all, this place has 6 free tastings. Second of all they have a wine that tastes like chocolate. Third, IT TASTES LIKE CHOCOLATE. FOURTH, IT'S FREE. And they were nice even though it was crowded. Winner. read more

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Amber B.

Elite 21

148

8 years ago

I was really excited to visit this place based on previous reviews. It was moderately busy when we visited. They only had two people serving. The girl who served us mentioned multiple times how busy she was and how they didn't staff appropriately. We did have to wait awhile between pours but we didn't actually mind since we were having a leisurely day. We did mind the servers complaining though. It was a bit unprofessional. The setting was really cute. Enjoyed the decor. Looks like they're expanding/remodeling. So I'm intro see what that will look like. We had our kids with us and we didn't have any issues. As for the wines, we weren't impressed. They all tasted the same to both of us. None of them jumped out at us and we didn't buy anything. Not sure if I'd go back or not. read more

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Kristine A.

7 years ago

We had our wedding here on July 6, 2019 and it was truly a dream. Hannah, our event coordinator, worked with us while we were planning this wedding long distance (we live in NJ). She was always available to meet whenever we were in town, and answered our emails and calls very promptly. The venue is stunning, and all of our guests can't stop talking about how beautiful it was! The day of the wedding went incredibly smoothly, and I credit our dream team at Kirigin! Thank you Hannah! read more

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Cari K.

6 years ago

I love this winery because it is reasonably priced and the employees are always friendly. The grounds are very pretty and I enjoy their wine club events. read more

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Jemma B.

Elite 21

331

445

8 years ago

Such a lovely place to visit - for so many reasons. First off, the wines are delicious. They are the only winery I know that makes Malvasia (a white wine), which is perfect for a hot summers day (which we get a lot of in California). Secondly, the surroundings are picture perfect. Great for wedding venues, or just a quiet drink in the sun. But especially for taking friends who are visiting California to ;) Thirdly, the pouring staff are lovely!! I've been here a number of times with various friends/family, and each visit we've had someone different, and each time they have been fab. Lastly - and I know you'll love this - the tastings are free. To the best of my knowledge they are the only winery in gilroy to offer this, so you should visit, as it won't cost you anything. I defy you to leave without finding something you like though :) Price of wines (as of spring 2018) are between $19-25 a bottle. All round winning I think!! read more

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Amanda S.

7 years ago

Love this place for the wine quality and price! The only down side is the staff can be a bit complacent and don't always give the best customer service. If you've never tried their Vino De Mocha, it's a must! read more

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Jenn W.

205

995

2320

14 years ago

5 stars for free wine tastings! I was under the impression that you had to pick and choose only a few selections for the free tastings, but when the lady started pouring from the top of the menu, I had no complaints. They have a pretty large menu for tasting so it is a good idea to start your Gilroy wine tasting adventure with this winery. I am not a fan of reds, but for some reason, all of their reds tasted really good and I wanted to bring them all home. The champagne was definitely my favorite from the tasting. We left with two bottles of their famous vino de mocca and a bottle of champagne which they have chilled if you want to enjoy it that day. read more

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Nicole Z.

12 years ago

This was one of my favorite wineries that we visited. I've been here before and done the tasting in the cellar room which was nice but it was much nicer in the main tasting room. The staff was really great and out of all the places they had my favorite wines! Def a must stop for your next wine tasting trip. Tip: use one of your sampling for the champagne. Have them pour a splash of the vino de mocha in it. Soooo gooood! read more

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Tom W.

12 years ago

Well ELIZABETH W. as of now AND in the past this Winery does give you one of the best experiences for CUSTOMER SERVICE (ESPECIALLY AT THIS AREA! ) as well as everyone there I had met is very friendly, the property is "always" clean & VERY beautiful...it's never a dull moment while visiting there and Drew the owner ALWAYS has a moment to chat in his very busy days there. Thanks to Drew and his staff, I encourage anyone and everyone who isn't a fan of wine but you'll will be! read more

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Terri M.

152

15 years ago

My hus & I didn't expect very much for this place from Yelp reviews, but since my Groupon is expiring soon, we decided to go. It's a small place, sort of like Rogue said it's cozy when she first saw Logan's car in X-men (1), only this place is clean, and well-kept. As far as wine goes, my hus says it's not bad, but not good, average or below. He only bought a bottle of Zinfandel with Groupon. Later on, he said he thought about buying Cabernet because it was the most expensive one (Groupon allowed any one bottle), but he said Zinfandel wasn't as bad as Cabernet, so. He also said their Chardonnay was much too young with not enough aroma. Please excuse me for not saying anything about their wine, knowing I can't make a fair judge. My advice is don't expect Sonoma type winery, just enjoy drive around the area, visit other wineries, and stop by at some Strawberry stand. The season has just started, and it's already sweet. Welcome to Morgan Hill & Gilroy, the land of fresh fruit & veggies. read more

Kirigin Cellars - Behind the cozy drinking/eating area this is H-U-G-E. - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

Kirigin Cellars - Drinking/eating area - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Amber C.

231

8 years ago

Location, location, location!!! This place is absolutely beautiful!! We had our wedding here this May and it was everything I dreamed of. There are so many places on the property for pictures we could have been there all day. The price was reasonable and when I found out it included beer and wine I was sold! We had our reception in the club house which is absolutely gorgeous. I cannot say enough about how beautiful this location is. Camille was our coordinator the day of; she was excellent and took care of everything! Overall it was a great experience! read more

Kirigin Cellars - Our Wedding at Kirigin - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Travis N.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

11 years ago

It seems this place has two separate tasting rooms, but may not be exactly correct. Looking at the front there is a barrel entry way which is the one we went into. The other is through a door or double doors which is maybe for members only but not sure, will check next time I go. Tastings are free here which is nice. However it makes you feel guilty not buying at least something while you are there. We bought a glass of wine and bought two of the glasses they had which had their logo on it. Wine is one of the better places in the area in my opinion. The great thing about wine though is everyone has different opinions, so the more places you try the better! Great place to hit while tasting in the area. Don't be the people that come and get the free tasting but not spend at least some money. read more

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C A.

5 years ago

We have watched Kirigin go down hill as of late. The tables were dirty and in disrepair (not very inviting during a covid scenario), the planters have all died and the landscaping has been let go. The garbage was over flowing and the venue definitely needs upkeep! Went to use the hand sanitizer at the door and it was empty....and no other bottles on the counter or in site! It is my hope that as they are allowing groups to gather, and the warm weather is ahead, they will focus on the safety and environment! read more

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Leah A.

Elite 25

1921

611

628

9 years ago

Found this place looking for stuff to do before the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Thought it would be fun to stop by a winery, have a little picnic and a bit of pregaming before heading to the festival. They had around 8 picnic tables in a shaded area that was adorable. We had a party of about 10 ppl. We did wine tasting in the smaller tasting room, but they open up a larger one right next door too. My favorite one was the Malvasia. It was white, crisp, lychee and not too sweet 5/5. My second favorite was the Rose 5/5. I did not care for the dessert wine; there was a lot going on and it tasted like cake in a bad way, if that even makes sense. It was too much for me 1/5. We had 6 tastings and they were free. We ended up getting the case of wine because it was 50% or pretty much BOGO prices. It was about $20 bottle but BOGO is 2 bottles for $20! The prices were awesome. I had fun eating and drinking here. They also have the lines of grapes growing and some pretty grassy gazebo areas to take pictures at which was fun. I recommend coming here once to check it out. read more

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Ming C.

321

2414

15168

15 years ago

Not the prettiest place around. The parking lot is small and hard to find parking. The wine tasting room is not the nicest and had a dog walking around. The wines were nice. They had a nice cheese, crackers and brownie corner for people to refresh themselves between tastings. Some wine are much better than others and the Vino de Mocha at $19.99 is a deal. $20 wine that taste like coffee.. read more

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Amanda M.

109

9 years ago

Went on a wine tasting tour last month and this was one of the wineries we visited. Kirigin was definitely my favorite winery of the day. The tasting room is beautiful, the employees were super welcoming, the wine was amazing, and they have great deals on wine the more you buy. I plan on taking my fiancé there soon to picnic and buy a case of my favorite wine Vino de Mocca!! 5 stars! read more

Kirigin Cellars - Menu - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

Kirigin Cellars - Love the tasting room - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Karen L.

7 years ago

We came here today for a wine pickup and tasting. The lady we spoke with was rude and told us we had to pay $20 a person for a tasting if there were 7 people in our party, even if all weren't tasting . The lady we dealt with and the manager we talked to later were so rude and condescending. We canceled our membership there and will never go back again. read more

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Starr b.

7 years ago

AMAZING!!!! Absolutely perfect day The staff here is just awesome. My son had his wedding there Saturday and if I could give more stars I would. Every single person involved in this day was a first class act. Venue just stunning went above and beyond what I expected. Food was delicious!Hannah the even coordinator was truly the best! I am picky and wanted things a certain way and she made sure it exceeded my expectations. She gave my son and his bride the absolutely perfect day and never stopped making sure we were always happy and taken care of throughout the day. PERFECTION! Hannah we could never thank you enough. read more

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Bella C.

6 years ago

The best winery around! Super friendly and welcoming environment. Pretty views and nice options for picnicking. By no means pretentious like some of its neighbors. I've yet to find another place that offers complimentary tastings. Very affordable! read more

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Waxy T.

7 years ago

This is a topnotch winery. Let me rephrase that in a more sophisticated fashion...As for California vinyards, this is a special locale where the soil has been blessed by Bacchus himself. My wife and I are members and every bottle we receive is really tasty. Try the Vino de Mocca dessert wine! Whoa, pardon me, I'm trying to move up in society here. Let's give that another go shall we: In terms of enological offerings, Kirigin and its vinmasters have achieved near perfection in their varietals that tease every tantric tastebud of those in the know. For my spouse enjoys her wine like her men...white...with an elegant aftertaste. And me, well, I like my wine like Yelp stars, red. Their tribute concerts are fun and they welcome dogs on the premises. It's a great venue to have a picnic with the family and enjoy chatter with other winos....I mean fine wine afficionados. You don't have to be a wine snob to have fun here. Just drink a bottle to yourself on 90 degree summer day and the fun will come to you. Enjoy. read more

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Michael A.

123

9 years ago

Amazing. Perfect. Best day of our lives. I cannot find enough adjectives to describe how wonderful our wedding day was. The whole Kirigin staff was so easy to work with and made our day stress free. The views and flowers were beyond beautiful. They were so flexible and helped make our dream wedding come to life. People are still raving about how amazing the day was. The wedding coordinator at Kirigin was Kayce and she was nothing less than spectacular. She was so helpful and made sure that every little detail was taken care of. A true professional and overall great person. Thank you to everyone and I hope other people get the opportunity to experience everything about Kirgin Cellars. We will be drinking their wine and attending wine club events forever!!!!!! read more

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Brittney L.

179

9 years ago

My husband and I got married at Kirigin a month ago and we are so happy that we chose this venue! Trying to find a venue in the Bay Area that is not only beautiful, but is within a good price range is VERY hard. Thankfully, we stumbled upon Kirigin! I knew right as I visited the venue, this would be the perfect place! The event coordinator, Samantha, was so helpful, patient, and responsive. Coordinating all of the vendors, times, schedules, etc. was so easy. I keep hearing from guests how beautiful the venue was as well! Overall, this was the perfect place for us -- it was beautiful, in our price range, and easy to work with. Thank you to Samantha and her team for helping us with everything!! Best, Ryan & Brittney LaCorte :) read more

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Dennis O.

Elite 14

653

408

14 years ago

Ive been here twice and its a very welcoming place, they just renovated the tasting room and they now have 2 (the previous one that's inside what looks like a tree trunk and a new one inside the huge warehouse). I always say hi to their winery dog who likes to play fetch and likes to come up next to your car after you park. They were very warm to everyone and they have a nice list of wines, both red, white and sparkling as well as the famous Vino de Mocca which seems to be a fortified wine good for sweets. I came here during Passport weekend and they really came out a great spread. They were having barrel tastings, ice cream sundae and hot links. Quite a difference from Clos La Chance winery which I went before and you know what they were serving to Passport holders? Tiny cheese cubes in one plate for everyone. Just one tiny plate for all and it was right in front of their server. Maybe Clos La Chance has a fancy sounding name and a pretty looking winery but Kirigin is where the heart is. read more

Kirigin Cellars - Passport weekend - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

Kirigin Cellars - Barrel Tasting - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

Kirigin Cellars - The most friendliest dog ever! - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

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CM W.

Elite 14

217

407

13 years ago

I absolutely loved this place when I visited a couple weeks ago with a large group for a birthday. They accommodated our group of 14 really well, gave us a tour of the place, and explained all the wines really well. Here's the way it works at Kirigin: There is a long list of all of their available wines, and you get to choose six to taste. We had a variety of whites and reds to taste and loved most of them! We ended up buying three bottles! They offer a great discount for purchasing lots of bottles at a time, which our group took advantage of. The grounds are rustic, not too polished, and homey, which we liked, and the staff is friendly and sweet as well! We will return soon. read more

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Steve S.

13 years ago

My wife and I wanted to visit a local winery while traveling to Gilroy for a wedding scheduled for the following day. We checked Yelp reviews and Kirigin Cellars seemed like an intriguing destination. We brought some great deli sandwiches from the Morgan Hill Nob Hill market and made the scenic drive to Kirigin Cellars. If you're looking for an ostentatious high tech or fashionable winery this is not the place for you. However, if you're seeking great wine in a comfortable, relaxed setting, this is the place. We bought a bottle of great, chilled Chardonnay and enjoyed our lunch while enjoying the view of the foothills with groomed athletic fields at our feet. The Zinfandel is beyond reproach. For such a young wine (2011) this Zin is so delicious that you'll wonder why you didn't purchase more. Regarding your purchase, bring a vehicle with space for cases as you'll want to buy a few. The tasting is free (!) and case price is discounted 50 percent from the already reasonable price. I rarely write reviews but this fine winery deserves praise. Try it......you'll love it. read more

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Berg W.

Elite 10

298

16 years ago

I already knew I didn't really want to go here, based on the poor reviews, but I thought hey, I may as well give it a go during passport weekend. Anybody who buys a winery to put in a cricket pitch has their priorities way screwed up, if you ask me. And as you may guess, the wine wasn't very good. The tasting room is very small, and is littered with ribbons from the Orange County fair. Maybe the judging is done by OC cougars who took one too many Xanax before they filled out their score cards...I don't know, but nothing seemed close to medal-worthy, in my judgement. It was a little odd for them to serve a dry sparkling wine at the end of the tasting...a mouth full of tannins doesn't help your cause there. The fabled Vino de Mocca was interesting, but weird. Coffee, chocolate, and orange were fighting to overpower the cheap-tasting wine. And I like dessert wine. This is a recipe for a nasty hangover. All-in-all, there is nothing positive I can really say about this place, beside the nice people who were pouring. read more

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Meghan H.

113

10 years ago

My husband and I had the pleasure of having our wedding at Kirigin Cellars on October 1st and it was the best decision we could have made. We worked with Perri and Samantha throughout the process and they were both so easy to work with and very accommodating. Perri was amazing and helped us every step of the way. She was quick to answer emails and was happy to meet me on numerous site visits to help answer all of my questions. She made the whole experience so much more enjoyable and stress free. The staff the day of our event was also excellent. Everyone was so eager to help and always had smiles on their faces. I especially want to say thank you to Sarah who was there bright and early Saturday morning to help set up the reception area. She was so nice and even checked in with me as she was leaving. All in all, our experience with Kirigin was wonderful. If you're looking for a gorgeous venue, with great wine and a great staff, Kirigin is your place! Thanks again! Meghan and Greg Herman read more

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Steve Y.

208

16 years ago

This review is based solely on one wine they have - the Vinno De Mocha. I have tried their other stuff and didn't find them to be worthy or worth the review time. The Vinno De Mocha is a coffee flavored dessert wine infused with a few other flavors. Best served chilled with Chocolate, it's quite delicious and unique. If you get anything from this vineyard, the Vinno De moccha is your choice. Edited/Updated: Some of the bottles I got were a bit subpar, some were really good...really inconsistent. read more

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Bert K.

Elite 23

1523

9 years ago

Tried five kinds of reds and I enjoyed the Malbec. It's a winner, both medium tannins and good body, nice finish. $19.00 Customer service: the assistant wine maker is both very knowledgable and not stuck up, but willing to explain wine art to regular silicon valley Joe, like me. Parking: easy. Tip: there's a nice place to enjoy your picnic foods. There must be seven tables. Tip: cops all over the road, about a mile away. Don't earn a ticket! read more

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Celia G.

9 years ago

My husband and I got married at Kirigin Cellars in May of 2015. We were frequent visitors at the winery, and literally only toured this location when looking for wedding venues. It sounded crazy to some people, but we just knew there was no reason to look anywhere else! All of our wedding prep was easy, and we felt very well taken care of during our rehearsal and on our wedding day. There is so much space at the winery (it feels really open) and the grounds are perfectly maintained. Your guests will truly tell you over and over how beautiful it is. We loved the variety of wines served, and by the end of the evening our guests were purchasing bottles, even shipping cases home! Many guests have returned and rave about the fact that tastings are still complementary. My husband and I are members and visit the winery often, and like fine wine it only gets better! We love Kirign Cellars! read more

Kirigin Cellars - Our favorite local winery was the best wedding venue! May 2015 - Wineries Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Page 3 of 7

11550 Watsonville Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
Directions
(408) 847-8827
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.kirigincellars.com

Hours

What time does Kirigin Cellars open?

Kirigin Cellars opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Kirigin Cellars close?

Kirigin Cellars closes at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Kirigin Cellars take Bitcoin?

No, Kirigin Cellars does not take Bitcoin.

Does Kirigin Cellars take credit cards?

Yes, Kirigin Cellars takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Kirigin Cellars have catering options?

No, Kirigin Cellars does not have catering options.

Services

Is Kirigin Cellars by appointment only?

No, Kirigin Cellars is not by appointment only.

Indoor Amenities

Does Kirigin Cellars allow dogs?

Yes, Kirigin Cellars allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Kirigin Cellars have bike parking?

Yes, Kirigin Cellars has bike parking.

Does Kirigin Cellars have parking?

Yes, Kirigin Cellars has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Kirigin Cellars wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Kirigin Cellars is wheelchair accessible.

Does Kirigin Cellars have free WiFi?

Yes, Kirigin Cellars has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Kirigin Cellars offers delectable wines, an oasis of hospitality, and exquisite scenery. One of the oldest wineries and an enduring but little-known landmark in California's wine country, Kirigin Cellars is located fewer than 30 miles south of downtown San Jose. The winery offers complimentary wine tasting, including its famous Vino de Mocca, and is known for bringing old world European winemaking techniques to the United States. The winery also offers nine acres of manicured cricket fields and a beautiful setting for picnics and recreation. The winery is family-friendly, as well as dog-friendly. Those interested in a winery wedding or hosting a corporate event or private occasion at Kirigin Cellars have access to the newly-built, 7,000 square foot, Tuscan-style Club House building, in addition to patios, arbors, terraces, and vineyard areas.

History

Established in 1916.

Kirigin Cellars was owned and operated by Croatian native Nikola Kirigin-Chargin for 25 years. Nikola brought his family's old world techniques and wisdom from its vineyards in Croatia and expertly combined them with modern American technology. Since its establishment, the winery has produced a number of popular wines, including its famous "kissing wine" Vino de Mocca, under the guidance of its expert wine crafter, Allen Kreutzer. The current owner of Kirigin Cellars, Dhruv Khanna, is a pioneering telecommunications attorney. He has retained Allen Kreutzer's viticulture and wine-making experience and expertise, replanted the vineyards, restored the winery's tasting areas and preserved the traditions of Kirigin Cellars while also revitalizing the property with a new Club House building, and adding sports fields. Dhruv remains passionate about producing excellent, high-quality wine and maintaining Kirigin Cellars as an old-fashioned, complimentary wine-tasting sanctuary.

Meet the Business Owner: Dhruv K.

Born in India, Dhruv Khanna completed high school in England before traveling widely in Europe and North America. He came to the United States in 1979 to attend Dartmouth College, and received his law degree from Stanford Law School in 1986. He is a telecommunications attorney and was one of the founders of Covad. Dhruv was attracted to Kirigin Cellars because of its rich history and stunning beauty. Dhruv's passions for excellent wine, the outdoors, sports and dogs inspired him to replant the deteriorating vineyards, add sports fields, build a new Club House building, and restore old wine tasting areas. The winery has become a prime destination for wine-tasting, picnics, weddings, dog shows, car shows, soccer, cricket and archery. His daughters support their father's vision for Kirigin Cellars, and plan to continue to operate Kirigin Cellars as one of California's most hospitable wineries.

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Kirigin Cellars

Is this place open for outdoor patio dining/wine tasting during COVID19?

Are you opening weekend for wine tasting? Any food offerings? Can we bring our own food?

We are open for picnics with the purchase of two bottles of wine per household. Folks may bring their own food and we also offer cheese-and-meat platters for purchase. On July 4, 2020 there will also be tacos and burritos! There is limited wine… Read more

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Do they sell food or allow to bring outside food?

Generally we allow outside food to be consumed outdoors at Kirigin Cellars. Through the end of June 2020, we offer single household picnicking by reservation with an advance purchase of a picnic platter plus a single bottle of wine, or a purchase of… Read more

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Are you open on President's day?

Yes

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Can we bring kids and pets?

Yes, absolutely! We are kid and dog friendly.

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Review Highlights - Kirigin Cellars

“They have several great wines including an audacious coffee-infused port wine called Vino de Mocca.”

Mentioned in 28 reviews

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Kahili Ginger bloom on the Tropical Lanai

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Sarah's Vineyard

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Miramar Vineyards

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Tuscan House Vineyards

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We were invited to this vineyard by one of our friends and so glad we were able to make it. When…read moreyou think of wine, you often think of heading to Napa or Paso Robles, but you'll never think that deep in the hills of Gilroy (borderline Morgan Hill), there's this small and beautiful vineyard. I haven't been to Italy but having seen it in movies, this place sure gives you the feels of having traveled that far for a glass of wine. It's a small vineyard with such an intimate and relaxing setting. The owners, Drew and Tiffany, are friendly, chill, and easygoing. Even though we've met them for the first time through a mutual friend, my husband and I felt comfortable talking to them as if we've known them for some time. They're very personable and well versed with their wines, and I love the stories behind some of the names for their wines. You'll also be greeted by their sweet and gentle black lab, Bear, who walks around saying hi to the guests. My husband and I both did the Estate Reds tasting as we love reds, especially Cabernets. I'm not a wine connoisseur at all, but I do like to enjoy a glass of wine here and there. The reds were delish, though I enjoyed The House (light) and Vino Nona (deep and bold) best. However, given another couple of years, I think Vino Nona would have an exceptional taste. And oh, you must try the Frozé (Frozen Rosé) or that I hope you get the chance as I heard they do run out of it fast. Such a yummy adult icee that is so refreshing with a good taste of the Rosé wine. I have 2 young boys, so I always love places that are kid and family friendly! This place is big enough for the boys to run and explore with areas for pictures and games. There's also a cute swing for anyone needing that nice picture to post. And one more thing, the portable bathroom is amazing! I'm never a fan of portable bathrooms, but this one is not a bit scary at all. It kinda reminds me of the bathroom on the airplanes but much nicer. Great escape for a few hours to enjoy with your significant other and/or with friends. Definitely nice place for small events. P.s. There is also a menu for light snacks, which I forgot to take a picture of.

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Verde Vineyards

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Loved the carefree atmosphere at this winery and vineyard on a Sunday afternoon. There was a range…read moreof seating options available for enjoying the beautiful setting, including high tables and stools, picnic tables in the grass, and comfortable adirondack lounge chairs with wide armrests that could be used as tables for our wine glasses and flight boards. The venue features live music regularly. Hank Terlaje entertained the crowd with lovely renditions of iconic tunes in various genres, like soft rock and pop, country, and oldies. He performed an awesome song list on the guitar and vocals, including Elton John's Tiny Dancer, Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight, I Can't Tell You Why by the Eagles, Dream On by Aerosmith, Come Together by The Beatles, Listen to the Music by the Doobie Brothers, and Total Eclipse of the Heart. He even took song requests and had the crowd singing out loud to classics like Sweet Caroline. We did the premium tasting, consisting of six different wines for $25. There were various snacks available for purchase, like dried fruit, trader joe's chocolate bars, pita chips, and even dog treats too. But we stuck with the wines, sampling a syrah, dornfelder, merlot, and red blends. So many layers of flavors. My fave was Bella's Reserve Merlot (2021). We purchased a bottle of Sophie's Estate red blend to take home as well. Nothing too fancy about Verde Vineyards, but we had a positive experience and appreciated everything this place had to offer.

The staff is amazing. They know their wine every time I go I feel like I'm welcome to my family. I…read morebecame a member if I wanted to be a part of it thank you Verde for all the amazing wine is a great serve.

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Regular menu

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15 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

David D.

1 year ago

We returned to this winery to celebrate our 6-year wedding anniversary -- this estate holds special meaning for us as it was the location of our wedding. Sadly, our experience this time left a sour taste. While strolling the grounds with our 5-year-old son, we walked past the building where we had once prepared for our ceremony. The back door was propped open, and our son was curious to peek inside. Within moments, a staff member with peppery hair -- hosting a wine trolley event -- abruptly approached and said, "This is a private event, can I help you?" I calmly replied, "Just looking around." Without another word, he closed the door in our face. This kind of cold and dismissive interaction is not how you treat returning guests -- especially ones who chose this estate for their wedding day. Despite that moment, we chose to stay, enjoy a picnic, and even purchased two bottles of wine. But the tone of the day had already shifted. The tasting room didn't feel much better. No one greeted us as we walked in -- it felt more like we were interrupting than welcomed. That lack of warmth leaves you wondering which wine attendant you're about to inconvenience by simply being there. It's clear the culture here has changed. A look through recent reviews will show a growing pattern of poor customer service. What's more troubling is the owner's response to those reviews -- often defensive, filled with excuses, and focused more on policies than people. As someone who comes from a company that prioritizes continuous improvement and customer experience, I find it frustrating to see a business disregard honest feedback. The focus here seems to be on protecting labor costs rather than investing in a team that's happy, empowered, and motivated to create positive guest experiences. We won't be returning -- and that's a shame. This place once meant something to us. Now, it's just another winery that's lost its way read more

Will M.

1 year ago

As a long-time club member of Kirigin Cellars, I rarely feel the need to write reviews, but my consistent positive experiences here warrant one. For years, I've enjoyed their fantastic wines, which are offered at a great price point. The winery grounds are beautiful and provide a lovely setting for picnics, a feature I greatly appreciate. Their tasting fee is a reasonable $10, and unlike many other wineries, you have the freedom to choose the wines you wish to sample. The staff has always been friendly and helpful. Recently, during a visit with my wife, we witnessed an incident that prompted me to share my perspective. While enjoying a picnic after purchasing wine, we observed a large group with numerous unsupervised children running around while the adults socialized. A staff member politely informed the group that winery policy requires guests using the grounds to be paying customers. Unfortunately, the group was rude to the staff member, stating they used to be members and that the lawn wasn't busy. Despite being reminded of the policy, they threatened to leave a bad review and mention the staff member by name. This incident highlighted something I've noticed in other online reviews - some negative feedback seems to stem from the winery's policy regarding paying customers using the grounds. As a loyal customer, I find this policy to be entirely reasonable. It ensures that the beautiful facilities are primarily for those who support the winery. My wife and I have always had wonderful experiences at Kirigin, and we appreciate the staff's dedication to maintaining a pleasant environment for paying guests. read more

Marilyn M.

1 year ago

This review is primarily based on the service provided by the staff. The rudeness was very unprofessional and not the way you want to start a nice afternoon at such a lovely winery. It was my family's first time visiting this location. Due to overwhelming visitors for Mother's Day, there was no parking available in the designated area or handicap spots. Since I had my elderly parents with me, I temporarily parked in the handicap zone just to drop them off. Two ladies came running and verbally attacked me, insisting I couldn't park there. I was shocked by their treatment and lack of professionalism. Once I explained about my elderly parents, the lack of parking availability, and my minimum $200 spending reservation, their approach changed slightly and we were shown where we had two tables reserved. While waiting for the restroom, I noticed many others encountering very unpleasant treatment as well. I didn't want to make a big scene as I hoped to enjoy an afternoon of relaxation with some good wine, especially since it was Mother's Day and I had been gifted their wine and liked it. It's unfortunate, as I would have rated this review much better if it weren't for the lack of the welcoming approach. If I were rating the wine and the location alone, it would be much higher. The winery has a beautiful, large green area perfect for enjoying with family, where you can bring your own lawn chairs, canopy, and tables. while enjoying the winery scene. With the minimum spednding we were able to try a few wines and my favorite white was the Pinot Grigio! read more

Debbie D.

10 months ago

I recently had the absolute pleasure of attending a sold-out champagne tasting with small bites event at our local winery, and it was truly an exceptional evening from start to finish. Our host, Rob, was simply fantastic. His knowledge of champagne was extensive, and he shared it in such an engaging and approachable way. He managed to keep the entire audience captivated throughout the tasting, striking the perfect balance between being incredibly informative and wonderfully entertaining. You could feel his passion for the subject, and it was infectious! The selection of champagnes was exquisite, each perfectly paired with thoughtfully crafted small bites that truly enhanced the tasting experience. Every sip and every bite was a delight, and Rob's explanations of the nuances of each champagne made the experience even richer. It's clear why this event was sold out - it's a testament to the quality of the wines, the delicious food, and especially to Rob's incredible ability to host and educate. I left feeling not only satisfied but also much more knowledgeable about champagne. If you ever have the chance to attend an event hosted by Rob at the winery, do not hesitate! It's an experience you won't want to miss. read more

Raj D.

11 years ago

Recently TiE Silicon Valley, the largest entrepreneural organization with chapters in 18 countries, hosted their premier annual Holiday party at Kirigin Cellars. Our invited guests of 200+ represented highly accomplished and successful entrepreneurs of SV. What an amazing experience we all had at Kirigin Cellars. The owner Dhruv Khanna and his energetic team delivered beyond all of our expectations from serving their best wines, opening up their entire facility including a tour of the winery and being totally flexible in dealing with last minute changes. To top this off, being a not for profit organization, our costs were well within budget simply because Kirigin Cellars did not surprise us with additional costs which other venues are in the habit of doing. Highly recommend Kirigin Cellars if you are looking for a unique experience for your next event or even for a casual wine tasting visit which is free ! Raj Desai Executive Director, TiE SV read more

Wesley C.