El Dorado County Wineries: A 2 Day Tasting Itinerary

California’s Gold Country is a wonderfully unpretentious place to visit for an escape from the occasional crowds found elsewhere in the region. With many tastings costing less than $10, your wallet will also thank you for heading toward the Sierras.

Day 1

1

Wineries /

Gold Hill Vineyard & Brewery

With terrific views of the rolling Gold Country hills, vineyards, and California foliage, Gold Hill Vineyard is a rustic addition to the El Dorado area’s wine country. Gurgling streams run through the grounds, and the wood-paneled tasting room recreates the mood of a 19th-century lodge. If you or any members of your party is less wine-inclined, Gold Hill Vineyard also has a craft brewery.

Insider Tip

If you brought a dog along, it is very welcome at Gold Hill Vineyard.

Directions

From El Dorado, merge onto US-50 E toward Placerville, take exit 37 toward South Shingle Road and turn left. Turn right onto Thompson Hill Road, turn left onto Cold Springs Road, and then right onto Vineyard Lane. The winery will be on the left.

Details

2

Wineries /

Boa Vista Orchards

While Boa Vista Vineyards hosts crowds of sweater-donning apple pickers in the fall, the vineyard is worth a trip at any time of the year. Some of Boa Vista Vineyards’ selection of wines are infused with apple, but they also bottle flavorful dessert and red wines. Both are available for tastings at the quaint and cozy tasting room at Boa Vista Vineyards, where the feel of a Midwestern barn mixes with Northern California sophistication.

Insider Tip

Boa Vista Vineyards isn’t just a vineyard and apple orchard—stop in for some fantastic, handmade pastries, including apple pies.

Directions

From Gold Hill Vineyard, head west on Vineyard Lane and turn left onto Cold Springs Road. Turn left onto Placerville Drive and then left onto CA-49 N/Spring Street. Turn right onto US-50 E/El Dorado Freeway, take exit 48 for Schnell School Road, and turn left. Turn right onto Carson Road and the winery will be on your right.

Details

3

Wineries /

diVittorio Winery

The tasting room at diVittorio Vineyard is simple and unpretentious, but the wines available are inventive, including Portuguese Port and Orange Muscat, as well as bottles made from nectarines and plums harvested straight from the grounds. Picnic at the shaded tables outside for panoramic views of the vineyards and orchards. With touches of Tahoe and rustic mining country décor, you’ll feel pleasantly off-the-beaten-path at diVittorio Vineyard.

Insider Tip

On occasion, diVittorio Vineyard invites a chef for a pop-up restaurant among the vines; the schedule is available on the website.

Directions

From Boa Vista Vineyards, head east on Carson Road toward Indian Lane and the vineyard will be on your right.

Details

Day 2

4

Wineries /

Boeger Winery

Enjoy authentic Gold Country living and drinking at Boeger Winery in a setting that is quiet and serene. The tasting room is housed in a building built in 1872, retaining the charm of the Gold Rush era. The grounds are similarly terrific, and are best seen during a hike around the waterfalls, beautiful trees, and peaceful gardens that dot the surrounding property. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the many varieties offered by the winery, where both the $5 tasting fee and the price of the bottles fit any budget.

Insider Tip

On Friday nights, Boeger Winery hosts a “Sunset Sippin’” event with live music outside.

Directions

From El Dorado, merge onto US-50 E toward Placerville. Take exit 48 for Schnell School Road and turn left onto Schnell School Road. Turn right onto Carson Road and left onto Boeger Lane. The winery will be one your left.

Details

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