We went to Neely's after seeing their ¡Cinco de Vino! (May Wine Wednesdays) initiative. On this special occasion, the chef served some hors d'oeuvres (Guacamole—shallot / lemon / Fresno chili, Salsa Verde—tomatillo / cilantro / jalapeño, Prawn Ceviche—achiote / lime / jicama, Strawberry Paleta) to accompany a bottle of wine (we chose the Chardonnay). We liked it so much that we returned the next day for a proper tasting of five wines, along with sundries, cheese, and charcuterie. The staff was amicable. We talked with the chef about the food. The person who served the wine explained the winery's history (the first vines were planted in 1980, but a new phase of vineyard planting began in 2017). The tasting room only opened recently. On our second visit, we also met the owner. Reservations are required because the town of Portola Valley mandates them. Same-day reservations aren't a problem for the owners. When you arrive, your table is ready, and you don't have to wait long for your food (if you order it while making your reservation). I like the concept at Neely's. Other wineries often offer crackers, cheese, or charcuterie that you can also buy in a grocery store, but Neely's is next level because of the presence of an actual chef who prepares the platter and explains what pairs best...
Read moreNeely Winery exceeded all expectations for my husband's surprise birthday celebration! A close friend highly recommended it, and it was the perfect choice, especially being so conveniently close to home. Despite the rainy weather, the atmosphere was magical and serene--it truly felt like we had traveled to another time and place.
The stunning scenery was only rivaled by the warm hospitality of our hosts, Mary and Isabelle. They went above and beyond to make us feel at home and comfortable. A special thank you to Isabelle for her thoughtful effort in getting the heart lamp working--it added such a lovely touch to the experience.
The small bites paired perfectly with the wine, and the Pinot Noir was absolutely outstanding. We're already looking forward to coming back in the summer to enjoy the vineyard's beauty in the sunshine--and this time, we'll bring our fur babies along!
Highly recommend Neely Winery for anyone looking for a peaceful escape, excellent wine, and unparalleled hospitality. Thank you for making this...
Read moreHad a wonderful afternoon here and almost reluctant to share this hidden gem of a place. I’m honestly not a big wine drinker, but the setting and service are just great. Thomas is an absolute rockstar of a host and I loved his knowledgeable but approachable and authentic personality and service style. Also really loved that you could walk around the vineyard/trails and really appreciate the beautiful land around you. Note that it’s by appt only but absolutely worth the trip. Also random side note from a fellow hospitality guy, but their bathroom is also very nice, clean and well thought out - just shows again their exceptional...
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