Let’s get one thing straight: Nello Olivo’s Placerville wine cellar isn’t just a place to drink wine. It’s where you go to hear whispers of the Gold Rush era, taste Italian-inspired wines that punch above their weight, and—if you believe the rumors—share a glass with a spectral fan of robust reds. Closed for winter? Sure. But this spot’s temporary hibernation only adds to its charm.
The Wine That Doesn’t Play Nice With Boring
Nello Olivo’s Placerville operation is the kind of place that makes generic supermarket wines blush. They grow 11 types of grapes on-site, all destined to become Italian-style blends that’d make a Tuscan nonna nod in approval. Think wines that are bold but not brash, smooth but never snoozy.
Their secret? “The best Italian wines under the California sun” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a refusal to half-ass things. These bottles have won over competition judges and casual sippers alike, especially when paired with food. (Pro tip: If your charcuterie board isn’t laughing, crying, or writing poetry after a sip, you’re doing it wrong.)
Winter? More Like “Wine-ter” (But Actually, They’re Closed)
As of February 2025, Placerville’s tasting room at 643 Bee Street is hibernating like a bear with better taste. January and February are out, unless you’re one of two people:
- A fan of 1st Saturday Guided Tastings (2 PM sharp, no ghosts allowed… probably).
- Someone booking a private tasting for 10-16 friends who enjoy historic cellars and exclusive hauntings.
But mark March 1, 2025, on your calendar. That’s when the doors swing open again for weekend tastings in a cellar that’s been called “historic” by normal people and “definitely haunted” by everyone else. Rumor has it the previous owner still roams the racks, critiquing tannin levels.
How to Visit Without Annoying the Spirits (Probably)
- Location: 643 Bee Street, Placerville. Look for the unassuming spot that smells like ambition and old oak barrels.
- Hours: March–December: Fridays to Sundays. Closed Mondays–Thursdays unless you’ve booked a private shindig.
- Don’t Miss: The guided tastings. They’re like a wine class but with less homework and more “accidentally” drinking the teacher’s stash.
Camino: The Cooler, Less Ghostly Sibling
If Placerville’s winter closure has you weeping into your empty glass, drive 20 minutes to their Camino location at 3544 Carson Road. Open daily with live music on weekends, it’s where you can sip flights on the patio until 5 PM, then switch to bottles like a responsible adult. Or don’t—they won’t judge.
Why Nello Olivo Isn’t for Everyone
If you want a generic tasting room with beige walls and a soundtrack of elevator jazz, keep driving. This place is for people who like their wine with personality, their cellars with backstories, and their weekends with just enough intrigue to make brunch conversation interesting. Just don’t blame us if you leave with a bottle and a ghost story.
Sources: nelloolivo.com, Nello Olivo Wine Facebook Page, Nello Olivo Wine Instagram Page
Header Image Source: nelloolivo.com
