Amador and El Dorado Wineries Welcome Winter With the Warmth of Wine

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, imagine what a daytrip to Apple Hill could do for you. Refresh, rejuvenate and reinvigorate by taking a step back to a slower time in the Sierra Foothills. The change of season from fall to winter ushers in cool, crisp days that beg for the foods of harvest season and the warmth of a cozy wine tasting room – not to mention the perfect wines that come out of these once gold-laden mountains.

Start your adventure in Apple Hill, where there is something for everyone and where, by this time of year, the spirit of the holiday season comes alive.

This list of things to do in Apple Hill comes from the Apple Hill Growers Association, located in Camino, Calif., which began as a fledgling association comprised of 16 original ranches. Today it boasts more than 50 ranches including Christmas tree growers, wineries, a micro-brewery, spa and vineyards. For more information, contact the Apple Hill Growers office at 530-644-7692 or visit their website at www.applehill.com. You can also find information about Apple Hill in the 2008 edition of the Cider Press, available through the association. As you can see below, the ranches are each numbered and correspond with a number on the Apple Hill map offered by the Apple Hill Growers Association.

Got Kids?

Time to treat the kids or grandkids to a day out? Kid’s Inc. #5, Mother Lode Orchards # 8, El Dorado Orchards #19 and Plubell’s Family Orchard #20 have kid-oriented activities to show the younger crowd how it was in the days before electronic toys! And don’t forget to treat everyone to a donut from Rainbow Orchards #10!

Off the Beaten Path

Want to go for a drive with beautiful scenery and a slower pace? Upper Apple Hill Ranches (Patrick’s Mountain Grown Berries #16, Grandpa’s Cellar #17, O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch #18, Mill View Ranch #23, Bill’s Apples/Felice’s Dolls #35 and Marvin Larsen Ranch #49) offer u-pick fruit, baked goods, crafters and gorgeous flowers in a stress-free atmosphere.

One Stop Shopping

Looking for crafts and pies and apples and kid activities? Abel’s Apple Acres #38, Boa Vista Orchards #3 and High Hill Ranch #1 have more of everything and are located within sight of Highway 50.

Visiting in the Spring and Summer?

If you want to make this adventure a Spring or Summer journey, High Sierra Iris Gardens #29 is breathtaking in May. Sun Mountain Farm #28, Pine O’ Mine #41 and Bolster’s Hilltop Ranch and Winery #45 have blueberries, blackberries and gorgeous peaches. Honey Bear Ranch #24 (with Thomas Mountain Organic Farm #13 and Goodness Orchard #48) and Willow Pond Farm #34 open their organic markets on June weekends.

Feeling Picky?

U-pick ranches are a great way to get a “back to the farm” appreciation for what our ranchers do all year long. Ralph’s Apple Ranch #7, Hangtown Kid Apple Orchard #15, Goyette’s North Canyon Ranch #21 and Argyres Orchard #22, let you choose the fruit you want right off the tree.

Time to Cook

Now that you’ve bought it what do you do with it? Denver Dan’s #14 and Celtic Gardens Organic Farm and Learning Center # 43 offer cooking classes for kids so they can help with dinner!

Ladies Day Out

Every woman needs to be pampered, and Time Out Resort and Day Spa #27 specializes in treating you like the princess you are. Indulge yourself with candy from the
Fudge Factory Farm #40 and fruit from Goldbud Farms #39 and you’ll be ready to face the world again.

History Lesson

Larsen Apple Barn #9 is one of the original 16 ranches, and home of the oldest apple tree in the area. Check out their two water wheels and their Farm Museum. Need another classic car fix? Apple Pantry Farm/ Hidden Valley Orchards #37 has Model As to look at while you sample pie.

Couples Date

There is romance in the air at the Apple Hill Wineries... Madroña Vineyards #6, Primus Vineyards #12, Wofford Acres Vineyards #25, Lava Cap Winery #26, Boeger Winery #32 and Fenton Herriott Vineyards #50 invite you to visit with your sweetheart all year long.

Christmas is Coming...

And it is time to cut the tree. The ideal one for your family is at the Apple Hill Tree Farms. Santa’s Acres #81, Hillside Tree Farm #82, Harris Tree Farm #84, Roberts Christmas Tree Farms #87 & #88, Crystal Creek Tree Farm #89 and Rapetti Farms #90 have the fir that will make your holidays sparkle.

Fall, Winter and El Dorado Wine

For many of winery owners and winemakers (often one in the same), the fall season is their favorite time of year. There’s just enough of a nip in the air to put one small log in the fireplace and throw on a cozy sweater.

Autumn provides the perfect preview to months of slow cooked, stick-to-the ribs food and casual bottles of wine. Deep and hefty reds are often the classic choices, but why stop there? Why not add diversity to the wines you choose for your fall and winter fare?

For instance Gewürztraminer is a wonderful wine to pair with pumpkin soup or a traditional turkey seasoned with sage. Or a Pinot Gris works well if you simply want to tuck into a meal of Chinese takeout (perfect after a busy day of shopping).

That broth-based seafood stew on the stove will be enhanced with a white Rhone varietal such as Roussanne, or baked squash with a vibrant Viognier.

Think pink for pasta with a tomato-based seafood sauce or that Indian curry you crave. Rose´ is becoming an increasingly popular choice for cooler months.

And, of course, the luscious, casual reds that worked so well during barbeque season hold more than their own during the chillier months when the menu includes heavier, more intense flavors like spicy chops, lasagna or aromatic stews. You just can’t go wrong with a hearty Zinfandel or Barbera, a food-friendly Syrah or a full-bodied
Cabernet Franc.

These varietals, and many more, are handcrafted by vintners at more than two dozen El Dorado wineries. The region’s high elevations and diverse microclimates provide the perfect conditions for creating a wide variety of wines with distinctive and unique characteristics — the best to offer for casual, cool weather entertaining or cozy meals.

Interested in trying any of these wines, and more? Complimentary tastings are offered at El Dorado’s wineries throughout the week. Located in California’s scenic gold country in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, this award winning wine region is an easy drive from nearby Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe or the San Francisco area.

El Dorado’s luscious wines — and the friendly demeanor of its winemakers and tasting room staffs — would certainly help take the chill off the coming months.
While many of the El Dorado wineries have scheduled special events throughout the next two months, you might want to save Dec. 5 for the Repeal of Prohibition Day at Boeger, David

Girard, Gold Hill, and Wofford Acres wineries.

The winemakers will be pulling out special wine selections in honor of the historic Repeal of Prohibition. Come and party in period style as you travel back in time to visit these rebellious wineries while enjoying fine wines. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit Mother Lode Rehabilitation Center of Placerville. Vintage cars and costumes encouraged. Tickets can be purchased at the door of participating wineries that evening for $15 per person or $20 per couple.

The Historic City of Placerville

El Dorado’s county seat is Placerville, a charming California "gold rush" town named after the placer gold deposits found in its’ river beds and hills in the late 1840’s.
The City of Placerville is centrally located between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. The locals love to say that their town is situated above the fog line and below the snow line, boasting an ideal climate with four distinct seasons. Accessibility to Placerville is via State Highway 49 and U.S. Highway 50, along one of the most traveled corridors in California. Placerville’s treasured heritage is reflected in the historical, nineteenth century architecture of its downtown core.

While each of the four seasons offer unique getaway experiences, this month promotes warmth from the heart (not necessarily for the air) and the spirit of the season.
On Nov. 28, Placerville hosts the Festival of Lights, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Historic Main Street. The old-fashioned festivities will close Historic Main Street and begin around at various locations up and down the street with music, entertainment, Santa, stagecoach rides, Holly Jolly Trolley rides (to outlying parking lots), and the tree-lighting at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse. This event is sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association and more information can be obtained by calling (530) 672-3436.

On Nov. 28-29, the Downtown Association hosts the Merchants Open House with extended store hours. Historic Main Street merchants welcome visitors with coffee, cider and seasonal goodies. Enjoy hometown holiday shopping and hospitality in one convenient setting. Free parking, entertainment, stagecoach rides and visits with Santa are offered. For more information, contact the association at (530) 672-3436.

And on Dec. 7, the 31st Annual Christmas Parade begins at 1 p.m. on Historic Main Street. This big parade takes place rain or shine and starts at the Mountain Democrat parking lot on upper Broadway in Placerville and continues down Main Street. The event is sponsored by Jim and Cathy McIntire. For info call (530) 621-5885.

Amador ‘s Golden (Wine) Charm

Visiting the wineries of Amador County is a delight. Like neighboring wineries in El Dorado, most are small, family operations where unpretentious hospitality is the norm. All are located along scenic backroads in some of California's most picturesque rural settings. You can sip wine while gazing at the beautiful, snow-capped Sierras and picnic under grand old oak trees surrounded by vines. The wineries are easy to reach, nestled between highways 50 and 88 along historic Highway 49.

If you need an excuse beyond the beautiful scenery… here’s one: Amador County Arts Council Winefest 2008 on Nov. 8 beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the old-fashioned, charming town of Sutter Creek. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

You begin your Winefest experience at the Sutter Creek Auditorium when you pick-up your wine glass and a map between 4 and 4:30 p.m. Sample food provided by Sutter Creek's fine dining establishments. Wineries will be located in the auditorium and downtown shops. Some of the wineries that will be pouring this year are Amador Foothill Winery, Amador Cellars, Deaver Vineyards, French Hill, Montevina Winery, Nine Gables Winery, Renwood Winery, Rocco’s Com e Bella, Vino Noceto and Wilderotter Vineyards.

Return to the auditorium at 7 p.m. for a silent auction, dessert and dessert wine tasting. The silent auction features art pieces, items donated by local merchants and holiday décor.
Tickets may be purchased on line at the Amador County Wine Council’s website or in person at Sutter Creek Wine Tasting, The Squirrels Nest or Cabbage Rose in Sutter Creek. For information or to charge (using Mastercard or Visa) by telephone call (209) 223-9038. Winefest participants must be at least 21 years old to attend.

While all the little towns in Amador County have something special to offer, Sutter Creek is a nice place to call home base for a couple of days. The shopping is fun, the dining is fine and there are wine tasting rooms right in town. Since sleeping is also in order, consider the historic Sutter Creek Inn in historic downtown. This was California’s first bed and breakfast inn.

Built before the Civil War, the Inn has been open and serving guests for more than 40 years. There are 17 rooms, nine patios, hammocks, fireplaces, and some 80 trees on spacious grounds. Their breakfasts are outstanding and their rates moderate.

The Sutter Creek Inn is set in a sprawling New England style home. The 17 charming rooms and cottages provide guests with a choice of accommodations to delight and enjoy. Ask them about their swinging bed. It was so popular that four rooms now have them. Wander the garden and find hidden alcoves where one can relax and get away. Discover a hammock for napping, favorite spring and summer flowers, fall foliage and winter delights.
The Sutter Creek Inn can be visited online at www.suttercreekinn.com or by telephone at 209 267-5606.

Spend the Night…

Other B&B’s in the area include Amador Harvest Inn, which is tucked serenely amidst the beauty of rolling vineyards, elegant oak trees, and shimmering lakes. Amador Harvest Inn is owned and operated by one of Shenandoah Valley's oldest farming and winemaking families, the Deavers.

The Gate House Inn is a beautiful Historic Jackson mansion set amidst an area of landscaped lawns and gardens and surrounded by quiet and serene countryside.
Grey Gables Inn, located in the town of Sutter Creek, in the heart of the Mother Lode, brings a touch of the English Countryside to the Gold Country.

The Hanford House Bed & Breakfast Inn is a classic ivy covered red brick inn filled with light, laughter, great food, and personal attention. Nine spacious rooms blend the elegance of a gracious past with present day comforts.

Amador City's Mine House Inn Bed & Breakfast is a peaceful oasis located in the heart of the gold country.

The Plymouth House was originally built by the late Dr. E.V. Tiffany who practiced medicine in Plymouth. He found gold under the house while digging and today you can see this mine shaft which is now the Mine Shaft Bar.

And, Foxes' Bed & Breakfast, located in Sutter Creek, is a Victorian Jewel dating from the mid-19th century and has been extensively renovated. It offers guests a unique blend of graceful hospitality in idyllic surroundings.

Whether going for the history or the peacefulness, be sure to take in the wineries, and of course, the wine. While these Sierra Foothill vineyards are known to produce some of the best Zinfandel in the world, all the wines pumped out of the golden hillside vineyards are worth tasting and pairing with favorite foods. Plan your trip to the El Dorado and Amador county wineries for a pre-holiday shopping spree or melting-into-spring wine thaw.