United States
California (CA)
Placerville
Things to Do in Placerville
Narrow Gate Vineyards
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Narrow Gate Vineyards

See all things to do
See all things to do
Narrow Gate Vineyards
4.5
18 reviews
#19 of 53 things to do in Placerville
Wineries & Vineyards
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Thursday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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About
Here's the dirt...You've just found wine you can trust. We are a small, intimate, boutique winery and vineyard tucked away in Ponderosa pines just outside the historic town of Placerville, California, in beautiful El Dorado wine country. Visit our relaxing, unpretentious tasting room located in our candlelit cellar and experience our warm hospitality and delicious wines. Our hands-on involvement in all aspects of our family business includes Certified Biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking, creative food and wine pairing events, and an inspiring wine tasting experience in our romantic cellar. Wine Tasting only: Thursday - Sunday, Complimentary for Cellar Club up to 6 quarterly, $10 General Admission applied toward bottle of wine purchase per person Wine Tasting with Seasonal Picnic Box: Friday - Sunday (12:30pm to last seating 3:30pm) $20 Cellar Club/$30 Gen Adm, includes wine tasting flights.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
18 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
TravelingLaura
Santa Barbara, CA38 contributions
This may be top wine in California!
Jul 2020 • Couples
This may actually be the best wine in California. No joke. I’m not sure I have ever tasted a bad wine here. They are all so good, you simply can’t leave without buying a bottle, a case or signing up for their wine club membership. Atmosphere is fantastic, people are very nice and overall a great experience. This is out there. But....worth the drive. You will be absolutely amazed!!
Written July 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Todd T
Janesville, WI51 contributions
Food was amazing!
Jun 2020
Make sure you have a reservation that includes lunch. The owner's a chef and makes amazing food. Consider buying her cookbook. The wine of choice for me was the chocolate port!
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephanie C
Diamond Springs, CA243 contributions
great stop in wine country
Apr 2015 • Friends
Nice owners, great wine, and a lovely tasting room makes for a wonderful day. Oh, and be sure to sample the chocolate splash!
Written July 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
danielKeiran
Sacramento, CA433 contributions
Great Wines!
Aug 2014 • Friends
We just visited this winery last weekend to pick up some wine. They really have a lovely tasting room up in El Dorado county. Watch closely for their sign on the road or you might miss it. The staff here and the wine maker have always made us feel right at home. And their wines are really good. Just recently we tried a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon that was excellent. Come up and check this place out!
Written August 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SyrahFan
N. California10 contributions
Not To Be Missed in Pleasant Valley
May 2013 • Couples
I live around here, so I'm partial to our Pleasant Valley wineries. Frank and Tina have done a remarkable job building this winery from the ground up. The tasting room doubles as a barrel aging building, which is decorated with local artwork and tasteful finishes. Frank's wine making skills are now among the best and not to be missed. Like most Pleasant Valley wineries, there's a focus on Rhone varieties, which flourish at this elevation and climate.

There's a nice outside picnic area, but recommend Holly Hill, Sierra Vista, or Miraflores for better picnic views.
Written May 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jswinetravels
San Jose45 contributions
Great Wine, love the chocolate wine.
May 2013 • Couples
We enjoy wine tasting here with the owners behind the counter. The owners are friendly and make you feel welcome. The wine is very good and we love the chocolate wine. It is a dessert by itself. There are picnic table under the trees and on the tasting room patio.
Written May 28, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
calguyCalifonria
Placerville, CA234 contributions
Worth the Drive
Apr 2012 • Friends
I love visiting after the harvest because the tasting room doubles as the winery. The floor is covered with massive bins of fermenting grapes. The fruit is so fragrant it permeates the cement walls and lingers long after the fermenting ends. A great place to get out of the heat in the summer and retreat in the rain. Frank, the winemaker is often around and is willing to share his knowledge of vineyard management and wine making. The El Dorado wine district has several young well educated wine makers who believe in small production family oriented wineries. Their wines are an extension of their personalities. Great reds and our favorite Chardonnay of this region.
Written July 14, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
spankyandsarah
Spokane, WA388 contributions
First wine-stop on the trail
Feb 2012 • Friends
It was the first and still the favorite (usually they get better as you go along). Narrow Gate is a homey winery where the maker pours your vino. Great wine though the building is a little dark and chilly. The dessert wine is to die for, flecked with chocolate and perfect for drizzling.
Written February 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris D
7 contributions
Easily the best wine I've had in California
Dec 2020
I've been to over a dozen vineyards in California across multiple regions and Narrow Gate truly stands out as the best. If you are new to biodynamic wine, this is an excellent vineyard to visit and learn about the process of making biodynamic wine. The team is knowledgeable and on most days you can chat with the owners, Frank and Teena.

You'll taste both whites and reds, there are more reds to try. I wasn't a fan of reds until I had their red wines. No headache thanks to the biodynamic methods.

In 2020 they released a pétillant natural or pét-nat which is a naturally sparkling wine that was fantastic. Not sweet, incredibly crisp.

If you enjoy bold reds you'll be in the right place. Their Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah Viognier, and Cab Cab Franc are phenomenal wines. Their reds are released after 5 - 6 years of aging, this is very different from most vineyards I've visited. The 2020 Christmas tasting menu featured a 10-year-old Dunamis (their signature red blend) - wow.

Their Chardonnay is refreshing with floral and peach aromas - very different from the "buttery" Chards that are common in California.

Twice I've gone with friends and family and they left with a case.

Seriously, it's the best.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MarinCountyJohn
Bainbridge Island, WA161 contributions
Hidden Gem
Jul 2017 • Couples
We recently moved to the foothills after living for years in Marin County and also Napa. Looking to explore the area wineries we found Narrow Gate Vineyards on Trip Advisor and what a pleasant surprise! We have been to many wineries over the years, but this little boutique winery in Pleasant Valley now ranks among one of our favorites! The owners Frank and Teena are gracious and friendly at their small "boutique" winery, making you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the doors. Best thing is, their wines are GREAT, too! We enjoyed many of winemaker Frank's varietals and even brought home a bottle of their "special" Chocolate Splash port style wine! The nominal tasting fee of $5 is applied to any purchase, so you really can't pass up buying one of the many delicious wines they have to offer at this wonderful little winery! We're looking forward to going back for another visit soon to enjoy some more time in the quaint little tasting room amongst the towering oak barrels of wine!
Written July 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Narrow Gate Vineyards (Placerville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Narrow Gate Vineyards
Narrow Gate Vineyards is open:
  • Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Thu - Thu 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Fri - Sat 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM