Lecavalier Cellars — Attraction in Auburn

Perched on a small hilltop in Newcastle, Le Cavalier Cellars is more than a tasting room—it’s a thoughtful blend of history, innovation, and hospitality. Founded by friends with a shared passion for wine and a commitment to sustainability, the winery draws on Placer County’s rich viticultural past while embracing forward-thinking winemaking techniques. The result is an experience that feels both rooted and refreshingly modern.

We visited for an afternoon of wine and small plates, beginning with two different tasting flights: the White & Red Wine Tasting Adventure and the Journey Through Bold and Elegant Reds. Each pour showcased distinct character and complexity, from the bright, aromatic whites to the deep, layered reds. The craftsmanship was evident in every glass. A particularly delightful detail? Le Cavalier’s bottles are hexagon-shaped, a design that’s both striking and functional. They stack easily, and the base even includes a clever spot to store the cork—a small innovation that speaks to the winery’s creative spirit.

For food, we started with deviled eggs, followed by the Panzanella Salad, Avocado Shrimp Cocktail, and Crispy Potato Wedges. Each dish was plated with care, the presentation clean and inviting, and the flavors balanced and memorable. The shrimp cocktail was fresh and vibrant, the salad full of texture and tang, and the potato wedges crisp on the outside and soft within. The dishes paired beautifully with glasses of wine we selected after our tastings.

The setting adds to the charm. Large windows and an outdoor patio offer sweeping views of the surrounding foothills—perfect for lingering over a glass in nice weather. Inside, the space feels serene yet warm, the ideal backdrop for savoring both conversation and wine.

What truly set the experience apart, though, was the service. The staff were friendly, attentive, and clearly invested in making guests feel welcome. Their enthusiasm for the wines and menu was genuine, adding a personal touch to an already excellent visit.

Le Cavalier is a destination that blends exceptional wine, delicious food, and thoughtful hospitality. Whether you’re a serious wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique and enjoyable tasting experience, this is a place that will leave you impressed—and...

I realize this goes against the sea of glowing reviews on here, but I’ve got to share my experience....because wow.

The table next to us was so loud we couldn’t hear ourselves think, let alone have a conversation. The staff didn’t intervene, so we had to awkwardly shush them ourselves, and nothing says "fine dining" like playing hall monitor during your date night.

For $30, I was expecting a wine tasting, not a wine teasing. Four tiny sips—two of which were decent, and the other two tasted like someone forgot to rinse the dish soap out of the glasses.

It was 100 degrees outside. After hiking up a steep, sun-scorched hill (thanks to almost nonexistent parking), we arrived to a restaurant with the climate control of a greenhouse. A little AC or even a fan would've gone a long way toward preventing the slow roast.

And if I’m paying premium prices for a wine flight and a view, I’d rather not be sweating through my clothes while gazing longingly at I-80 traffic.

In short, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone unless your idea of a great evening is overpriced wine, rude patrons, and a good sweat. I won’t...

We made a reservation on a Saturday and headed the suggestion to carpool. We took an Uber instead. Our reservation was seamless and Cherry was our server. The tasting room is modern and elegant with a lively outdoor patio. It is easy to miss the right turn after the Valero so take it slow when driving there.

We all did the white and red tasting and everyone loved the wines. Our group all agreed on the Rose and Chardonnay. The Barbera needed to aerate a bit more and the Cab was solid. For a hot summer day (it was 100+ on our visit) the room was cool and inviting. We paired our wines with the meat and cheese platter and the Brie. While a bit more bread could be served (ask and they provide), the bites were delicious with our wines. The two all gender bathrooms were well maintained and clean.

Definitely Uber or make an early reservation to get a...