The Apple Hill/Camino/Gold Hill region of El Dorado County is marked by steep, diverse terrain. This is where the Sierra Foothills start to transition into the Sierras. The landscape is a mix of fruit orchards, vineyards, Christmas tree farms, and at higher elevations pine forests.
In the middle of the 20th century, this was pear country. At its peak, 52,000 tons of pears were produced before a pear blight devastated the industry. Apples saved the day, and now the region is dominated by apple orchards. In the fall, the area is teeming with tourists picking apples and gobbling up fritters, pies, and apple cider doughnuts in scenes that could come straight out of a Hallmark movie.
Apples are not the only crop that took advantage of the pear demise, though. In the 1970’s, Greg and Sue Boeger bought a Gold Rush era farm and abandoned winery/distillery and became the first post-prohibition wine producer in El Dorado county. Now, dozens of wineries and vineyards dot the landscape. Diversity is the key here. The geological activity of the Sierras has created hillsides and valleys running every which way, and the soils are just as varying. You can find alluvial deposits a couple of feet from quartz beds that are a couple of feet from a granite outcropping. The microclimate variation is tremendous here, as well. Because of the numerous nooks and crannies, you can find spots suitable to both Grenache and Pinot Noir… sometimes even within the same vineyard.
Conveniently, Highway 50, the main route for Californians to get to South Lake Tahoe, cuts straight through the region. Some of the region’s best customers are would-be skiers who can’t make it up to the slopes during a snowstorm. A recent shift towards higher quality wines and the influx of skilled winemakers is now starting to make this region a destination of its own for great wine rather than a mere stop off on the way to or from the high Sierras.
But if you visit this region during the fall, expect crowds and traffic from people coming up for the apple harvest. The trade-off, though, are the apples and apple goodies you can pick up while you are here (and do not miss out on the apple cider doughnuts at Rainbow Orchards… you can thank us later!). If you want to see our other suggestions, check out our Where to Stay and Eat page.
REGION: El Dorado County (Apple Hill/Camino)
1709 Carson Rd
Placerville, CA 95667
(503) 622-8094
Daily 11:00-4:00
9.00
Wine: 9.0 (Excellent)
Excellent wines from well-established vines
Facilities: 9.0 (Excellent)
Nice tasting room nestle in beautiful vineyard, outdoor picnic area
Hospitality: 9.0 (Excellent)
Friendly and knowledgable staff with a folksy flair
Reservations: Suggested
Pet Policy: Outiside, on leash
Sustainability: Sustainable practices
Carbon Usage: Undisclosed
Boeger Winery
Boeger Winery is an El Dorado county icon. Greg and Sue Boeger birthed the modern-day El Dorado county wine industry when they bought their Gold Rush era homestead and abandoned winery in the early 1970's. Greg first planted Bordeaux varieties, and the Boeger Merlot drew notoriety for being stocked for White House dinners during the Reagan Administration. He then found added success when he started experimenting with other varieties. The Zinfandel was served for the Queen during a White House visit, and the Barbera has become world renowned. Now Boeger has over thirty varieties growing in the vineyard and/or produced in the winery.
Even after nearly 50 years, the Boegers live on the property and remain active in the business and in the community. Greg still manages the vineyard and was recently awarded a Congressional Commendation for Wine and a lifetime achievement award from the California State Fair. Son Justin has taken over the winemaking responsibilities, along with assistant winemaker Clare Kessler.
The vineyard and tasting room are picturesque and quintessentially El Dorado county. Vines cling to steep slopes and narrow valleys that twist and turn in all manners of ways, and Greg has figured out the perfect spot for each variety. Justin and Clare trust the grapes coming from the responsibly-farmed vineyard and minimize all adjustments and manipulations to produce pure and excellent wines.
Tastings are offered 7 days a week in the tasting room or outside when the weather allows. They also offer a seated tasting in their historic cellar Friday through Saturday (reservations recommended). Grassy areas and tables make for ideal picnicking after the tasting.
9.00
Wine: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Intense and complex wines in several categories
Facilities: 9.0 (Excellent)
2 choices: Tasting Room in Camino, at Winery in Fair Play
Hospitality: 8.5 (Very good)
Very friendly staff
Reservations: Suggested
Pet Policy: Unknown, call ahead
Sustainability: Sustainable practices
Carbon Usage: Undisclosed
REGION: El Dorado County (Apple Hill/Camino)
3550 Carson Rd, Bldg B
Camino, CA 95709
(503) 303-3418
Daily 11:00-5:00 (7:00 on some Fri's and Sat's)
Bumgarner Winery & Vineyards
Brian and Jennifer Bumgarner have been making some of the most highly regarded wines in El Dorado County for more than two decades.
At first, Brian sourced all of his grapes from various high quality vineyards across El Dorado County and rented production space to produce his wines. He maintained an exceptionally high quality level even then. Recently, the Bumgarners purchased their own vineyard and production facility atop Slug Gulch Ridge in Fair Play, and the quality has gotten even better, even though they've had to weather some challenging vintages, a raging wild fire that knocked on the door, and a global pandemic. They now operate a tasting room at their facility in addition to their original one in Apple Hill/Camino.
All of the Bumgarner wines are outstanding and span a wide range of varieties. They are famous for their Tempranillo, Barbera, and Zinfandel, all of which are amazing, but their Rhone and Bordeaux wines are equally as enchanting. Oh, and they also make perhaps the best hard apple cider in the Foothills.
REGION: El Dorado County (Apple Hill/Camino)
3020 Vista Tierra Drive
Camino, CA 95709
(503) 644-2016
Daily 11:00-5:00
9.00
Wine: 9.0 (Excellent)
Hand-crafted with minimal intervention, deliciously unique
Facilities: 9.0 (Excellent)
Funky and magical, very nice outdoor space
Hospitality: 9.0 (Excellent)
Winemakers and family members pour, great pizzas some Fridays
Reservations: Needed for large groups
Pet Policy: Dogs on leash welcome
Sustainability: Organic practices
Carbon Usage: Undisclosed
Chateau Davell
Chateau Davell is admittedly a little bit quirky and off-center, but that is one of the things we like about it. The wines are what we love about it.
Eric and Emily Hays completely embody their philosophies. They are dedicated to sustainable, organic, and biodiversity in their vineyard, in the cellar, and in their lives outside of the wine world. For the wines, the focus is centered around a strong belief that great wines are made in the vineyard. Their vineyard is at a lower elevation than most other El Dorado vineyards, giving the wines an Amador-esque quality. They also source from other high-quality growers.
The tasting room is interestingly appointed and one of the few on the south side of the Highway, making for an easy on/off when you are heading up the mountain. Original art of family members graces the labels. The Bordeaux varieties and the Zinfandel are excellent. The Gaia is a proprietary blend of the best of the best from each vintage and can be transcendent.
During the summer months, a Friday night concerts with personal pizzas is a local favorite.
REGION: El Dorado County (Gold Hill)
741 Cold Springs Rd
Placerville, CA 95667
(503) 295-1833
Fri-Sun 11:00-5:00
9.67
Wine: 10 (World Class)
Impeccable Rhone-style wines with a distinctive Foothills signature
Facilities: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Beautiful, rolling vineyards, Mediterranean-villa-esque tasting room
Hospitality: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Perfect flights poured by skilled staff, with perfect pairings
Reservations: Recommended
Pet Policy: Unknown, call ahead
Sustainability: Organic practices
Carbon Usage: Undisclosed
David Girard Vineyards
This beautiful 85 acre estate, 35 acres of which is under vine, was not included in our original ratings because its Gold Hill location was outside our coverage area, but it is time to rectify that. The David Girard wines and experience are simply too good to not be highlighted.
Owner David Girard bought the property in the late 1990's and first planted Merlot vines. The quality of even the young fruit was impressive enough that the entire batch was bought by Mondavi. That's when David realized he had discovered a prime grape-growing spot on decomposed granite soils with cooling influences from the nearby American River. After a trip to the Rhone Valley, David got the feeling Rhone grapes would thrive on his land. He was right, and he planted 22 acres and grafted over most of the Merlot to Rhone varieties, meticulously planning the perfect spot and microclimate for each.
The entire focus at David Girard is centered around the production of quality wine. The production size is sufficiently small, they do not need distributors and are easily able to sell through their lots direct to consumer, thanks in large part to an avid and loyal club member base. Longtime winemaker Grayson Hartley, who established the high-quality reputation at David Girard, left to go to Sonoma. David Girard brought on locally trained Jorden Mingle in 2018, and the wine hasn't skipped a beat. Jorden brings a fresh view, a perfect palate, and tutelage under local winemaking legends like Tom Jones, Joe Norman, and Marco Capelli to the table.
The tasting experience itself is worth the trip. A lovely drive up and over the hills of the estate transports you out of the Foothills to a Villa that could be in the South of France. The interior is soft, warm, and inviting, and the presentation of the wines is confidently understated. A vintner table tasting is available by reservation (pricey but worth it), but the standard walk-in tasting is also delightful and worth the trip. You'll want to buy a lot while you are there because you won't easily find it elsewhere.
9.50
Wine: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Fresh, clean, and complex. Don't miss the Albariño
Facilities: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Sleek and modern but without feeling out of place
Hospitality: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Attentive and knowledgable staff, wonderful pairing options
Reservations: Suggested
Pet Policy: Outiside, on leash
Sustainability: Organic practices
Carbon Usage: Working on it
REGION: El Dorado County (Apple Hill/Camino)
3205 N. Canyon Rd
Camino, CA 95709
(503) 622-0184
Thurs-Mon 11:00-5:00
Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms
This new winery has the elusive trifecta: top-level facilities and hospitality, amazing wines, and an incredible story. The story is straight out of a Hallmark movie… grandkids get together to take over and expand the family farm started by iconic grandfather… but this one is absolutely true. Italian immigrant, Edio Delfino, became legendary in the 1960’s when he spear-headed the planting of apple orchards to deal with the county’s ongoing and devastating pear blight. Edio created Defino Farms, and when his French wife, Joan, started making pastries to sell on the farm, Apple Hill started to take shape. Apple Hill would go on to become one of the largest agro-tourism events on the planet each fall.
Fast-forward a few decades: three grandkids, who grew up working the farm and idolizing their grandfather, along with their dad hatch a plan to continue the family tradition and add a wine operation. They planted five new acres of vines at the farm to go along with some old vines Edio had planted nearby. Christine, at the age of 17, orchestrated a let’s-do-this plan where she would handle the hospitality side, younger brother Peter would handle winemaking, and youngest brother Derek would take care of the vineyard. Then off the three went to Cal Poly to study and learn their respective specialties.
The new facilities are sleek, open, and inviting, and the tasting experience is delightful. There is an upscale feel while also maintaining an homage to the past. Peter’s wines are amazing… be sure to try the delicious Bandol-ian rose, the Albarino, and the GSM (when it is in stock!). There is also a very interesting delicate, old-worldish Cab Sauv from Edio’s nearby 3000-ft, own-rooted, low-yielding and cantankerous vineyard.
Oh, and did I mention the pastries made from Joan’s recipe? Oh-la-la!
REGION: El Dorado County (Apple Hill/Camino)
2221 Fruitridge Rd
Placerville, CA 95667
(503) 621-0175
Daily 10:00-5:00
9.00
Wine: 9.0 (Excellent)
Excellent wines across several categories, we love the Cab and Cab Franc
Facilities: 9.0 (Excellent)
Wonderful outdoor patio with a view of the vineyard
Hospitality: 9.0 (Excellent)
Friendly and attentive staff
Reservations: Required for groups of 10 or more
Pet Policy: On leash in certain areas only
Sustainability: Conventional farming practices
Carbon Usage: Undisclosed
Lava Cap Winery
As geologists, the Jones family knew exactly what they were looking for when they bought the property that would become their vineyard and winery in 1981. As the name suggests, the land sits on a lava cap, and the resulting volcanic soils have proven to be ideal for supporting the growth of vines and for imparting character into the grapes from those vines.
Since the first vintage in 1986, the Lava Cap wines have been as highly-regarded as any in the Foothills. Charlie Jones continues to run the vineyard and does so with an emphasis on the maintenance of a healthy ecosystem. The cellar was turned over to winemaker Joe Norman in 2013, who was formerly a winemaker at Heitz Wine Cellars in the Napa Valley. His experience with Cabernet Sauvignon is evident in the Lava Cap version which was named our Foothills Wino Cabernet Sauvignon of the Year and which can pass as a dead-ringer for a hillside Napa Valley Cab (for a fraction of the price). The Cabernet Franc is also excellent, as are the Rhone-style varieties. Lava Cap makes some of the best white wines in the Foothills, as well. Joe has recently retired, but fortunately his will continue to be released for several more years.
The winery is beautifully located in the middle of apple orchards and Christmas tree farms. The tasting room staff is friendly and knowledgeable. A large outdoor patio peacefully looks over the vineyard and out towards the valley of the South Fork of the American River. It is one of our favorite spots to spend an afternoon.
8.50
Wine: 9.0 (Excellent)
Solid wines reflective of Foothills terroir across several categories
Facilities: 8.5 (Very good)
Mountain feel tasting room, Outdoor seating under the pines
Hospitality: 8.0 (Good)
Friendly staff with local, folksy vibe
Reservations: Suggested
Pet Policy: On leash
Sustainability: Conventional farming practices
Carbon Usage: Undisclosed
REGION: El Dorado County (Apple Hill/Camino)
2560 High Hill Rd
Camino, CA 95709
(503) 644-5948
Daily 11:00-5:00
Madroña Vineyards
Madrona is a highly reputed winery situated in the middle of Apple Hill. You'll have to wind your way through Apple-town-orama as you work your way to the tasting room that is nestled amongst some ancient pines and cedars. In the middle of apple season, you might want to go to their co-owned Rucksack Cellars instead to avoid some of the crowd. They have vineyards surrounding the tasting room and in Pleasant Valley. The vineyards total 85 acres planted to 29 varieties. Bordeaux varieties predominate, but there is a wide range of offerings including Rhone varieties, Nebbiolo, and age-worthy Rieslings.
Madrona is part of the old guard here. Owner/winemaker Paul and his wife Maggie have been running the place for decades, but before that it was Paul’s parents, Leslie and Dick, that planted their first vines in 1973 and opened the winery in 1981. As Foothills wine pioneers, it was a learn-as-you-go operation. Some variety experiments have worked and others haven't.
Paul is a gracious, salt-of-the-earth winemaker who has grown up immersed in the wines and soils of El Dorado County, a human embodiment of El Dorado terroir, so humble that there is hardly a mention of himself on the winery’s website. Not surprisingly, he makes deep, soulful wines. These are not knock-your-socks-off wines but subtly grow on you much the way Paul does. Madrona offers a lot of interesting programs, such as their blend-your-own workshop, so keep an eye out.
9.67
Wine: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Clean wines respectful of the immaculate vineyard they come from
Facilities: 10.0 (World Class)
Stunningly beautiful vineyards and grounds, Outdoor seating
Hospitality: 9.5 (Exceptional)
Impeccable service, nice pairings, delicious food offerings
Reservations: Highly recommended
Pet Policy: Outiside, on leash
Sustainability: Sustainable practices
Carbon Usage: Undisclosed
REGION: El Dorado County (Apple Hill/Camino)
2750 Jacquier Rd
Placerville, CA 95667
(503) 748-3085
Daily 11:00-4:00 (tastings)
(Lunch available Thurs-Sun)
Starfield Vineyards
This property is nothing short of amazing and beautiful. Owner Tom Sinton has meticulously and obsessively designed every inch of the vineyard. The rows of vines lie so naturally and gracefully on the rolling hills, they look as though they were placed there by the hand of god. The vines themselves are immaculately maintained. The vineyard is parklike with paved and unpaved walking paths that take you through canyons, to lakes, and to an amphitheater. A rose arbor guides you from the tasting room to a lakeside pavilion
The vineyard has 17 different varieties planted over 31 acres. The mix of Spanish, Southern France, and Italian varieties creates the potential for a wide range of offerings and for some interesting blends. Included with the standards are some less-grown varieties, such as Aglianico, Tannat, Cinsault, Counoise, Fiano, and Vermentino. Starfield also produces a delightful sparkling wine made from Marsanne/Fiano/Muscat and some excellent dessert wines. As the vines have matured and as the house style has evolved, the wines themselves have become a reason to visit the winery on their own right.
A visit to Starfield offers many options. In addition to traditional tastings with optional cheese and charcuterie plate, you can walk the trails or stroll to the lake, have a picnic (bring your own or order one in advance), or have lunch prepared by Executive Chef Yutaro Tachibe. Tastings are available seven days a week. Lunch and preordered picnics are available Thursday through Sunday. Though walk-ins are accommodated when possible, reservations are highly recommended, especially on the weekends and holidays, and almost always for lunch (though you might luck into a Thursday walk-in slot). Advanced reservations can be made on the website and you can call for same-day reservations.
Lewis Grace Winery requested to not be rated. That's too bad because their wines and facilities are wonderful. You should visit them anyway.
Rucksack is a sister winery to nearby Madroña Vineyards. Rucksack is an easier-in, easier-out stop, especially during the traffic of apple season. In addition to using grapes grown by Madroña, Rucksack also sources grapes from elsewhere in the Sierra Foothills. This is a fun, quick stop for excellent wines.
Wofford Acres is a small winery located off the beaten path and with beautiful views of the South Fork of the American River valley. Lifelong winemaker Paul Wofford and his wife Ann decided to get out of the hustle and bustle of the California wine industry and start their own small batch winery. They make an excellent Viognier, do some very interesting things with Nebbiolo, and have a delicious Port-style wine. It is well worth the effort getting there.
Thurs-Mon 11:00-5:00