Vineyard Kitchen - Oliver

This was a more expensive tasting option, with 2 tiers of tasting options. The least expensive one was for 3 wines of their choosing. They seemed more concerned... read more This was a more expensive tasting option, with 2 tiers of tasting options. The least expensive one was for 3 wines of their choosing. They seemed more concerned with the amount you get to consume rather than the value of the wine and the experience. We opted not to do the tasting at this winery for that reason.

It may sound strange to have that opening comment about Black Hills but from the minute you walk in you feel that the exact purpose for your visit is to have as... read more It may sound strange to have that opening comment about Black Hills but from the minute you walk in you feel that the exact purpose for your visit is to have as much money as possible extracted from you. The wine tasting for I believe 6 wines amounting to about two glasses of wine in total was $20.00 per person. I asked about trying the Carmenere and was told the 2015 wasn't available yet but would be soon at roughly $50 per bottle. However if I wanted to buy a two pack containing a 2013 and 2014 bottle of Carmenere I could for $199.00. Apparently these two years are worth twice the price of the 2015. What I came to understand later is that this winery is offering to buy back older vintages of their top wines and reselling them at higher prices than what they originally sold for. My concern would be how do you know the expensive wine you bought could have been one of these bought back bottles that you have no idea who owned it or how they stored it. I will not be returning here anytime soon.

This winery is very pricey but if you want to treat yourself than the plunge is worth it. Upon entering the winery you are welcomed with a glass of white and ha... read more This winery is very pricey but if you want to treat yourself than the plunge is worth it. Upon entering the winery you are welcomed with a glass of white and have the tasting selection and prices explained to you. Tastings are minimum $10 per person (will not be exempt even if you purchased) and the portfolio tasting is $20 per person. You are then seated at the patio (unless you are a VIP member where you can sit pool side) and greeted by a wine expert. Each wine is poured into its own type of glass and the pours are generous. We loved the Notta Benne and had a good laugh at the huge glass it was served in - apparently large enough to hold a whole bottle of wine. While tasting you can enjoy the DJ playing soft music - it was our anniversary and made a song request but unfortunately it couldn't be accommodated as no vocal songs are permitted. The DJ was very kind and even came up to our table to explain. The wine expert gives you your space to enjoy yourself before tastings and when done, the clerk at the desk is ready to accept your purchases. As first mentioned, the tasting and bottles to purchase are expense but it can be a nice treat for yourself.

We have purchased Black Hills wines for years and picked this winery as the first of our week of wine tastings. We did both whites and reds and really enjoyed t... read more We have purchased Black Hills wines for years and picked this winery as the first of our week of wine tastings. We did both whites and reds and really enjoyed them. The gentleman (sorry, I'm terrible with names! who took us through the wines has a deep knowledge of wines and the region and taught us a lot in the leisurely tasting, it was a real pleasure. I don't believe any food is being served at this time but we were happy without it; getting to experience these wines was wonderful!

The staff at this restaurant was incredibly knowledgeable about their wine selection. They were very accommodating, even though we did not have a reservation. read more The staff at this restaurant was incredibly knowledgeable about their wine selection. They were very accommodating, even though we did not have a reservation.