Visited on 11/21/2023.
This winery is truly a gem and one of the most beautiful wineries I have been to. The owners plan for this is stellar. I was there in the day time so unfortunately did not get to experience the night views which would have lightening everywhere.
The trails are unique and gorgeous at this time of year with the color changing of leaves. Everywhere you look there is a gorgeous view 365 degrees around. It feels so calm and refreshing.
Although the winery itself I would give 5/5, I am giving a 3/5 stars due to the lack of hospitality and feeling they cater more towards wine club members than those of us who are not. I’m also comparing this to other wineries in the area. I arrived at the winery around 1:30 PM. No tasting availability although they did not seem too busy to do a tasting.
We were asked to sit anywhere we would like outside, no restrictions given, so we sat on the sofa patio furniture. Host stated he would come bring us water. It was 19-20 minutes after did we receive water. He did say he was sorry but got busy with others. There were two individuals working. 1 group outside, 1 tasting being done inside, our group, and maybe 1-2 other couples and group of 3- I’d say this is a manageable.
We must have been sitting outside for 30-35 minutes when the host comes to us for the second time (first time to give us water) to let us know we had to move seats because our seats were for wine club members only, so had to move to the patio table and chairs. Again, host stated he was sorry he didn’t tell us earlier- which tells me he was aware since 1) we were there for 20 minutes and then he brought water and 2) did not tell us to move at the time water was brought. Moving was not an issue but rather the lack of care or hospitality felt- again catered towards wine club members. This was a Tuesday afternoon and not busy.
Again, this place is gorgeous. Photos do not do it justice! Truly a place to visit because it is a unique winery and a favorite of mine in terms of what it offers, but if you are looking for a welcoming feeling as most wineries in Placerville provide, do not expect that. Just enjoy the views and you will not be...
Read moreAs many of the reviews this place has great views and beautiful grounds. My just bought a weekend home in the are and were looking for a winery that matches the vibes that I am use to in Sonoma. This place checked all the boxes and the wine was good. My husband and I opt in on a membership on our first tasting! This were going well until we invited some of our friends to join us. We had a total of 7 people and we only wanted to have the wine but because of the size of our party we can only get a table if we order food. I was very confuse because we even booked it well in advanced. Any way a brushed it off and maybe this was just a one time coincidence. NOPE! it happened again. Also their booking system is a set back in time. Why does someone have to email to make a reservation, is this the 90s?! As much as the beautiful scenery I cancelled my membership.
Change of heart - This place is definitely growing on me, as i said boastful grounds the staff on the floor working are very nice. The chef is EXCEPTIONAL! He is one of the main reasons why I keep going back. Of course the wine is great as well. The booking policy just needs to be changed! I cry every time i have a group of 6 or more adults visiting because i cant take them here. They limit you to sit away from the tasting area, no food just snacks and buy bottles even if you are a member. I just want my friends to experience a beautiful winery besides Napa or Sanoma. I come here with one other most of the time so its not an issues. Also, i would suggest adding stools inside the tasting room because its the only are to have wine when its...
Read moreWent to Starfield again this afternoon, 11/03/22, and had starters along with tasting the new releases. Reservations were available and the entire experience was scheduled over 90 minutes. As always, the views were great. The server was exceptional. She remembered us from last time and welcomed us warmly. The starters we chose, the smoked salmon plate and mushroom toasties, were excellent. Toward the end, the chef came out and spoke with us. We also had a dessert, the white chocolate panna cotta, and it was exceptional. A good place to spend some time in the afternoon.
After reading reviews about this winery, we made reservations for lunch and went on a Saturday. The grounds are beautiful and walking around the grounds, they are well laid out and very well kept. The views of the surrounding areas are great. We had lunch which was very good and well prepared and presented. The carrots and peas appetizer was very good and we were especially impressed by the mousse in candy apple shell dessert. After visiting the winery, I can see why they don't take large groups and they request a reservation. The setting is very relaxed. Reservations and limited group size allows the guests to eat and sample in relaxed and pleasant surroundings and allows the staff to take time with the guests. They take time with the guests and describe the winery and the wines and make suggestions based on the guest feedback. This could not be done with a large unplanned group. Empty tables do not necessarily mean they are available as a reservation...
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