Let me start by saying that I rarely write reviews, but after my experience at Lone Buffalo Vineyards, I felt compelled to share.
I purchased two of the Placer Wine & Ale Trail Sips & Suds Passports for $55 each, which includes discounts or complimentary items at 40 different breweries and wineries. On Sunday, July 13, 2025, I spent the afternoon visiting several locations around the Lincoln/Wise Road area. My final stop of the day was Lone Buffalo Vineyards. By this point, my wife and kids were tired and waiting in the car, so I simply planned to run in and get my passport stamped.
At other participating locations, I had received stamps without needing to make a purchase, so I didn’t expect an issue. However, when I approached the counter at Lone Buffalo, I was met by a woman I believe was Jocelyn Maddux. She asked if I wanted a tasting or a glass of wine, and I politely declined, explaining I just wanted a stamp since we were on our way out of the area. Instead of a simple yes or no, I was met with a lecture about how I was "cheating the program" and not honoring the intent of the passport. She asked if I had received stamps without purchase elsewhere, to which I answered honestly, "Yes."
She then told me she helps organize the event and that it wasn’t meant to be “just a game of collecting stamps.” I explained that we had visited several places already and that my family was tired, but I was still trying to support local businesses by participating in the event. Despite that, she continued the lecture, and when I thanked her and again asked for the stamp, she claimed I was the one being rude and coming in with an attitude.
At that point, she had stamped one of our two passports but refused to stamp the second. I told her I had considered returning another time to enjoy the wines properly, but after this experience, I had no intention of coming back. She doubled down and blatantly refused to give the second stamp.
Adding to the awkwardness, the owner, Phillip Maddux, who had been sitting quietly nearby, chimed in to back up Jocelyn—though she quickly dismissed him, saying she could handle it. Meanwhile, another individual, Matt Stone, was casually walking around the tasting room in faded swim trunks and a ragged t-shirt—not exactly the welcoming, professional atmosphere you’d expect from a winery.
What really stunned me was learning later that Jocelyn is the Director of the Placer County Visitor’s Bureau and the Executive Director of the Placer County Vintner Association. She is also the creator of Sac Wine & Ale. Her dismissive and combative behavior is not only off-putting but also completely out of step with the goals of a community-centered event like the Sips & Suds Passport.
This experience was deeply disappointing, and while I was genuinely excited to explore more local wineries, Lone Buffalo ensured I won’t be returning. If customer service and community engagement matter to you, I’d recommend skipping this one.
Ironically, with that kind of hospitality, Lone Buffalo might just live up to its name.
Emory Bouffard
Their Pawnee Tawnee sweet wine is amazing! Our go-to dessert wine!
Selina Somani
We had such a wonderful time! The winery was so accommodating of our group. The wines were fantastic and such a great value for the tasting price. We will definitely be back. Matt and Phil are the best!
Buddy Brown
Great winery. Has great character and real good wines.
Ronaldo Tellez lopez
Excellent ?
Dennis Olsen
Such an enjoyable atmosphere and good wine
Eastok Realty
Beautiful place, great people, delicious wine!
Laura R
We were honored to have Phil (owner, winemaker) be our pourer. We learned a lot about each wine and enjoyed each one! Will be back!
Scott Foss
Great place. Super popular and crowded. But the wines are just ok...just my opinion.
Virginia Boney
Met Phil and Jocelyn, very knowledgeable and helpful, very good wine. I would go back.
Wonderful wine, friendly staff, owner/wine maker a delight to chat with. Perfect way to spend a Sunday.
Glenn Mason
This was a disappointment as the wine flights we tried were not what we expected excluding the Tempernilo. Rhone style wines can be very good but not here.
sushma alphonsa
What an amazing winery with great staff and owner(phill who is extremely knowledgeableand makes all the wine). Excellent quality wines. Music on a Saturday and the perfect vibe. 10mins from I80.
Travis Choate
My wife and I visited recently and I couldn't have enjoyed our visit more. Each wine we tasted was delicious and made the decision of what ones to bring home a challenge.The staff were all very welcoming and friendly. While everyone we talked to was very welcoming and friendly, I really enjoyed talking with Matt. Not only was he very knowledgeable and informative but he shared that in a manner that was interesting and down to earth. While I know beer very well, I still have a lot to learn about wine and he didn't make me feel like I was in a pretentious environment like I have at other places over the years.I definitely plan on visiting again next time we're in the area.
Steve Morrow
Went wine tasting with several friends at Lone Buffalo Vineyards recently and had a great time sampling their many and varied offerings. Owner Phil was very helpful providing details and was a great host. We were inside, but they also have a large covered patio area to hang out and fully enjoy the rustic location.
Let me start by saying that I rarely write reviews, but after my experience at Lone Buffalo Vineyards, I felt compelled to share. I purchased two of the Placer Wine & Ale Trail Sips & Suds Passports for $55 each, which includes discounts or complimentary items at 40 different breweries and wineries. On Sunday, July 13, 2025, I spent the afternoon visiting several locations around the Lincoln/Wise Road area. My final stop of the day was Lone Buffalo Vineyards. By this point, my wife and kids were tired and waiting in the car, so I simply planned to run in and get my passport stamped. At other participating locations, I had received stamps without needing to make a purchase, so I didn’t expect an issue. However, when I approached the counter at Lone Buffalo, I was met by a woman I believe was Jocelyn Maddux. She asked if I wanted a tasting or a glass of wine, and I politely declined, explaining I just wanted a stamp since we were on our way out of the area. Instead of a simple yes or no, I was met with a lecture about how I was "cheating the program" and not honoring the intent of the passport. She asked if I had received stamps without purchase elsewhere, to which I answered honestly, "Yes." She then told me she helps organize the event and that it wasn’t meant to be “just a game of collecting stamps.” I explained that we had visited several places already and that my family was tired, but I was still trying to support local businesses by participating in the event. Despite that, she continued the lecture, and when I thanked her and again asked for the stamp, she claimed I was the one being rude and coming in with an attitude. At that point, she had stamped one of our two passports but refused to stamp the second. I told her I had considered returning another time to enjoy the wines properly, but after this experience, I had no intention of coming back. She doubled down and blatantly refused to give the second stamp. Adding to the awkwardness, the owner, Phillip Maddux, who had been sitting quietly nearby, chimed in to back up Jocelyn—though she quickly dismissed him, saying she could handle it. Meanwhile, another individual, Matt Stone, was casually walking around the tasting room in faded swim trunks and a ragged t-shirt—not exactly the welcoming, professional atmosphere you’d expect from a winery. What really stunned me was learning later that Jocelyn is the Director of the Placer County Visitor’s Bureau and the Executive Director of the Placer County Vintner Association. She is also the creator of Sac Wine & Ale. Her dismissive and combative behavior is not only off-putting but also completely out of step with the goals of a community-centered event like the Sips & Suds Passport. This experience was deeply disappointing, and while I was genuinely excited to explore more local wineries, Lone Buffalo ensured I won’t be returning. If customer service and community engagement matter to you, I’d recommend skipping this one. Ironically, with that kind of hospitality, Lone Buffalo might just live up to its name.
Their Pawnee Tawnee sweet wine is amazing! Our go-to dessert wine!
We had such a wonderful time! The winery was so accommodating of our group. The wines were fantastic and such a great value for the tasting price. We will definitely be back. Matt and Phil are the best!
Great winery. Has great character and real good wines.
Excellent ?
Such an enjoyable atmosphere and good wine
Beautiful place, great people, delicious wine!
We were honored to have Phil (owner, winemaker) be our pourer. We learned a lot about each wine and enjoyed each one! Will be back!
Great place. Super popular and crowded. But the wines are just ok...just my opinion.
Met Phil and Jocelyn, very knowledgeable and helpful, very good wine. I would go back.
Restaurantji Recommends
Wonderful wine, friendly staff, owner/wine maker a delight to chat with. Perfect way to spend a Sunday.
This was a disappointment as the wine flights we tried were not what we expected excluding the Tempernilo. Rhone style wines can be very good but not here.
What an amazing winery with great staff and owner(phill who is extremely knowledgeableand makes all the wine). Excellent quality wines. Music on a Saturday and the perfect vibe. 10mins from I80.
My wife and I visited recently and I couldn't have enjoyed our visit more. Each wine we tasted was delicious and made the decision of what ones to bring home a challenge.The staff were all very welcoming and friendly. While everyone we talked to was very welcoming and friendly, I really enjoyed talking with Matt. Not only was he very knowledgeable and informative but he shared that in a manner that was interesting and down to earth. While I know beer very well, I still have a lot to learn about wine and he didn't make me feel like I was in a pretentious environment like I have at other places over the years.I definitely plan on visiting again next time we're in the area.
Went wine tasting with several friends at Lone Buffalo Vineyards recently and had a great time sampling their many and varied offerings. Owner Phil was very helpful providing details and was a great host. We were inside, but they also have a large covered patio area to hang out and fully enjoy the rustic location.
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