Before You Book
Can I bring my kids?
Yes! Children are absolutely welcome. This started as, and still is, a family business, so kids have always been part of life around here. Camille and Henri Cherry grew up helping with harvest and running feral around the property, so we know firsthand how fun it can be to explore a working farm!
We just ask that kiddos stay supervised and stick to designated areas. We’re on a working farm with equipment, uneven ground, rattlesnakes, and plenty of wildlife, so a watchful eye is important.
Children should be included in your party count, but no tasting is needed for them. Just let us know they’ll be joining you in the optional comment box when booking or by email after your reservation is confirmed.
Can I bring my dog?
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, with a limit of two per group. Just keep a close eye on your four-legged friends. We’re a working farm with sheep, chickens, wildlife, and the occasional rattlesnake.
We have two livestock guardian dogs who take their job very seriously. They’re friendly with people, but not so friendly with unfamiliar dogs approaching their sheep. We also have a few cellar pups who may wander over to say hello, and our resident dogs are not leashed.
Can I bring outside food?
We ask that outside food not be consumed during your tasting so you can fully enjoy the experience and let the wines speak for themselves.
After your tasting, stay awhile and enjoy a bottle with your own picnic! Picnic tables are available by reservation from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for one hour. A tasting reservation is required. To reserve a table, just email us.
Do you allow shared tastings?
Absolutely! Shared tastings are welcome, with a limit of two guests per tasting.
When booking, select the number of tastings you’d like and let us know how many guests will be sharing in the optional comment box or by email after booking.
I have a party larger than 6. What is your policy for bigger groups?
We’d love to host your larger party! We are best equipped to accommodate groups of more than six guests between 10:00 pm and 12:00 pm.
If you would like to bring a larger party, please don’t book multiple reservations. Just email us and we’ll help plan the visit for your whole group.
How long does a tasting at Villa Creek Cellars last?
Our Flagship and Vault tastings typically take 45 minutes to an hour, including checkout. For the Higher Place Experience, we recommend allowing 1.5 to 2 hours.
Visiting multiple wineries? We recommend leaving about 1.5 to 2 hours between reservations, including drive time, so you’re not rushing from one appointment to the next.
Why do you use pre-paid reservations instead of regular reservations?
Pre-paid reservations allow us to thoughtfully prepare for each visit and give every guest a more personal experience. Knowing who’s coming and when helps us plan seating, staffing, and tastings so everything is ready when you arrive.
Planning Your Visit
What if I'm running late? Will I still be able to taste?
Running late? No worries! Give us a call at 805.712.8038 and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Depending on how late you are, we may need to adjust or reschedule your tasting, especially for our final seating at 3:00 pm, Thursday–Sunday.
A quick heads-up helps us keep things running smoothly for you and everyone else.
Can I reschedule my reservation for a different day?
Plans change. We get it!
You’re welcome to reschedule your reservation for a different time or day, based on availability. If you’re unable to make it on the day of your reservation, we offer a one-time courtesy reschedule to a future date.
Just a heads-up: if the rescheduled reservation is later cancelled, it will not be refunded.
What is your cancellation policy?
We completely understand that plans can change, so we try to keep things as flexible as we can whenever possible.
• Flagship Tasting: Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance receive a full refund.
• The Vault + Higher Place: Cancellations made at least 72 hours in advance receive a full refund. Cancellations made 48 hours in advance receive a 50% refund.
• Same-day cancellations + no-shows: Charged in full.
• Club members: Same-day cancellations and no-shows are charged to the card on file.
Need to make a change? Give us a call at 805.712.8038. Same-day rescheduling is always subject to availability.
Can I get a refund once purchased?
For our Flagship Tasting, we’ll waive one tasting fee for every three bottles purchased during your visit. A little thank you for taking some wine home with you!
Tasting fees for The Vault and Higher Place are not waived with wine purchases.
A Few Other Things
Industry Tastings
We welcome industry friends who work at fellow wineries, as well as restaurant and wine-shop professionals who currently carry our wines, and offer complimentary tastings in recognition of your support.
Every winery defines “industry” a little differently. Our approach focuses on those who directly produce and sell wine, fellow winery employees and restaurant or retail partners who actively carry Maha® or Villa Creek wines (or are in the process of placing them).
Please provide a business card or proof of current affiliation when booking.
We are happy to comp up to two tastings per industry guest. Any additional guests in the party will be charged our standard tasting fee.
Event tickets
For special events, all sales are final and tickets are non-refundable.
We completely understand that sometimes plans change. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to transfer your tickets to a friend. If you do so, please just let us know who will be joining us in your place, we’d love to greet them properly!