Exploring the Charm of Apple Hill Wineries

A Scenic Route to Apple Hill's Wineries

Visitors can access the Apple Hill wineries through three different exits off Highway 50. Each exit leads to a unique cluster of wineries, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region:

• Schnell School Exit: The gateway to the west end of Carson Road, where you'll find the historic Boeger Winery, along with nearby Fenton Herriott Vineyards and Lava Cap Winery.
• Carson Road Exit: This exit can be bustling in autumn, the peak of apple season. It leads to a collection of tasting rooms, including Jodar Vineyards, Auriga Wine Cellars, Ursa Vineyards, Illuminare Estates, and Coulson Winery.
• Cedar Grove Exit: Located at the east end of Carson Road, this exit is close to Primus Vineyards.

Boeger Winery: A Blend of History and Innovation

Boeger Winery stands out with its award-winning Estate Zinfandel and Barbera wines. The winery also crafts a Merlot and other innovative blends from over twenty-five grape varieties. The original tasting room, built in 1872 from stones cleared for the vineyards, adds a touch of history to the wine-tasting experience. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque grounds, complete with a tranquil pond.

Lava Cap Winery: Elegance in Every Glass

Turning onto Union Ridge Road and then onto Hassler Road, wine lovers will find Lava Cap Winery on Fruitridge Road. Renowned for its rich and elegant wines, including Petite Sirah, red Bordeaux varietals, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, Lava Cap boasts a spacious tasting room and an outdoor deck with stunning vineyard views.

Stones Throw Vineyards: A Family-Friendly Destination

Further along Hassler Road and onto North Canyon Road, Stones Throw Vineyards offers a "family-friendly" atmosphere where wines are handcrafted in the old-world style. The winery's selection includes Port, Muscat, Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, and even apple wine. Next door, the Apple Pantry Farm invites guests to indulge in apple pie or cider.

Wofford Acres Vineyards: Wine with a View

Just up Hidden Valley Lane, Wofford Acres Vineyards specializes in both white and red wines. Their motto, "Come for the wine and stay for the view," rings true as visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of pine-covered hills from the picnic area.

A Relaxing Getaway Close to Sacramento

A mere 45-minute drive from Sacramento, the wineries of Apple Hill offer a serene escape in the pine-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. To learn more about this area and other wineries in the Sierra Foothills, wine enthusiasts can visit SierraWineries.com.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• El Dorado County boasts over 70 wineries, with the Apple Hill region being a significant contributor to the area's wine tourism. (Source: El Dorado Winery Association)
• The Apple Hill Growers Association, which includes wineries, reports that the region attracts over 1 million visitors annually, especially during the fall harvest season. (Source: Apple Hill Growers Association)
• The Sierra Foothills AVA, which includes El Dorado County, has a wine history dating back to the Gold Rush era, with a resurgence in winemaking beginning in the 1970s. (Source: Sierra Foothills Wine History)

Visiting Apple Hill wineries is not just about the wine; it's an experience that combines the pleasures of viticulture with the rustic charm of Northern California's countryside.