Sometimes, a break from the stresses of everyday life is warranted, and there’s no place better for a respite and road trip to experience the tremendous bounty of Apple Hill and the glorious wineries of Shenandoah Valley. Both regions are full of good old-fashioned activity and fine vintage that you will appreciate and remember for years to come.
Apple Hill
Beginning after Labor Day, you can spend a relaxing day in Apple Hill and take your time to enjoy its beautiful surroundings. A prime place for the bounty of agriculture and nestled in the Sierra Foothills between Camino and Placerville in El Dorado County, there’s no place like it in the world. You’ll delight in the baked aromas of apple pie and fritters, freshly pressed apple cider, fine wines aged in oak barrels, and Christmas tree farms getting pruned and ready to cut during the holidays.
According to the Apple Hill Growers Association, last year more than 500,000 visitors came to Apple Hill on a mission to taste the best of the best. The 2,500-3,000 foot elevation marks an ideal growing season, along with a cold dormant season that ranchers certainly appreciate and take advantage of. Simply put, the apples grown here are some of the best you’ll ever taste.
It’s like stepping inside a Norman Rockwell painting— The winding country roads bordered by pine trees will lead you to quaint roadside stands that boast the best of their bounty. According to Apple Hill Growers Association Executive Secretary Linda Lindner, “There are cherries in June, berries in the summer season, pumpkins in October, and Christmas Tree cuttings beginning the day after Thanksgiving.” Aside from several different varieties of apples, the area is also known for growing crisp pears, plump peaches, ripe plums and sweet cherries.
The region itself is rich in history. It did not earn its reputation as a tourist destination until 1964, even when it was an agricultural center since the California Gold Rush in the early to mid 1800’s. Starting out with 16 ranches, they are now boasting 37 apple ranches, almost a dozen Christmas tree farms, four vineyards and a brewery.
Denver Dan’s is one of the half-dozen or so places where you can choose and pick your own apples, including their popular bananas apples, known for its yellow color and banana-like taste.
High Hill Ranch is a wonderful place to enjoy trout fishing, fudge tasting and craft bazaars. Not only will you find fresh produce here, you can purchase hand-crafted momentos to bring home to your family.
Honey Bear Ranch provides a restaurant with grilled cuisine and a bake shop filled with apple desserts and products made with home-grown honey. In addition, their craft and food stalls are open on weekends so you can bring home some of your favorites.
Many of the Apple Hill orchards are perfect for family fun. There are petting zoos, miniature horse wagon rides, nature trails and gorgeous areas for picnics. Moreover, at the Argyres Orchard, daffodils and other flowers abound as you pick your own apples and concord grapes.
But that’s not all—Apple Hill is also the setting for numerous award-winning wineries. Try the aromatic gold-medal winning 2004 LaMancha at Wofford Acres Vineyards, the delectable Muscat from Lava Cap and fine Cabernet from Boeger.
If that weren’t enough, you can also book a day of luxurious spa treatments at Apple Hill’s Time Out Spa. They offer just about every treatment you can conjure up, such as massages, facials and body wraps. You can soak in their hot tub and indulge in decadent desserts while you’re surrounded by their lovely flower gardens and apple orchards.
Apple Hill is the ideal weekend getaway. It’s almost therapeutic and the perfect place to recharge and refresh. Life is much slower here, and you are reminded of days gone by. The trees and altitude temperatures mark the changing seasons, so will want to bring a light sweater or cardigan as well as an appetite for the good life. Take a breather and enjoy a drive to Apple Hill. You will not be disappointed.
WHAT’S HOT IN APPLE HILL
Boa Vista Orchards
Open all year, Boa Vista is the place to buy the freshest of fruits and vegetables. Organically grown, they offer cherries, Apricots, peaches, nectarines, Asian pears, canning pears and 16 varieties of apples. You’ll also discover apple wine, syrah red wine and wine tasting. Arts & Craft Vendors are here during Autumn. Visit their cider mill and bake shop for mouthwatering pies. Boa Vista is located at 2952 Carson Road, Placerville. See www.boavista.com or call (530) 622-5522.
Jack Russell Brewery
Beer lovers unite: It’s an exciting mix of pilshner malts, red ale and lager with several different choices to choose from. Their English-style brew is darker and thicker than what you would find from most domestic beers. Their brown ale won the first-place gold medal at the California State Fair. Located at 2380 Larsen Drive, Camino. Open year round, Sunday through Friday 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Visit www.jackrussellbrewing.com or call (530) 644-4722.
Apple Mountain Golf Resort
Take a break from casino action and tee-off this season at Apple Mountain. Their 18 hole course offers breathtaking views, and their restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch.
Located at 3455 Carson Road in Camino. Visit www.applemountaingolfresort.net or call (530) 647-7400.
Barsotti Juice Company
You may have seen their wide array of fruit juices in grocery stores and markets, and if you haven’t yet tasted them, this is a must for those of us who appreciate overall crispness and quality. They manufacture the most delicious and refreshing Apple juice, apple raspberry juice, apple cranberry juice, lemonade and carrot juice. Barsotti’s is located at 2239 Hidden Valley Lane in Camino. Email: jb.barsottibooks.com or call (530) 622-4629.
Abel’s Apple Acres
Look no further for a smattering of just about everything Apple Hill represents. There’s wholesome recreation and quality homemade baked apple pie, donuts, apple butter and jam along with glorious candied apples. Plus, they have great country cooking and BBQs. The four-generation family-owned affair brings a rich heritage of strong family ties and hospitality to this old fashioned ranch. Open year-round, they are located at 2345 Carson Rd in Placerville. E-mail info.abelsappleacres.com or see www.abelsappleacres.com. Call (530) 626-0138.
Fudge Factory Farm
If the penchant for chocolate should arise, you simply must stop by the Fudge Factory Farm. It’s as good as it sounds, with 65 different flavors of fudge and 15 kinds of candy-coated apples. You can purchase fudge by the bulk or delve into other chocolate candies including truffles, handmade chocolates and chocolate-covered oreos. They also ship anywhere in the U.S. Located in the picnic area of High Hill Ranch, 2860 High Hill Road. Call (530) 644-3492 or (866) FUDGE4U.
Shenandoah Valley
Natural beauty, serenity and perfect weather is the backdrop of Shenandoah Valley in Amador County, in the Sierra Foothills just east of Sacramento. Wineries were a big industry here back from the time of the Gold Rush. Many European fortune seekers gathered here, and small wineries opened to quench their thirst. Within just a few decades, there were more small wineries in the Mother Lode area than in any other region in the state. In fact, many of the vineyards that were planted in that era are still here today. Presently, close to 30 wineries are at the heart of this breathtaking valley, but again, it wasn’t always this way. The wine industry faltered in this particular region several years back, but thanks to the introduction of Zinfandel grapes in the 80’s, Sutter Home winery began to use them for a regionally-labeled wine. Today, there are over 10,000 acres that encompass the valley with more than 2,000 acres under vine.
Although Zinfandel is the primary grape here, lately there has been much work done with Syrah, and wine producers have achieved amazing results. Most recently is the introduction of wonderful wines from Italian varietals and the Rhone Valley, including Viognier, Barbera and Sangiovese which have received quite a bit of praise from wine connoisseurs all over the world.
Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place to pack a picnic lunch and cruise through the picturesque foothills, all throughout scenic backroads. Most of the wineries here offer tours and tastings, with the best time to go on the weekends. It’s certainly a delight to visit the wineries because many of them are small, family operations big on quality and service.
Some of the best wineries to visit are Amador Foothill Winery, Villa Toscano and
Deaver Winery. Amador’s Sauvignon Blanc is rated a “best buy” in Wine Enthusiast magazine. Villa Toscano is absolutely breathtaking, a definite “must see.” They offer wine and food pairings and an excellent gift shop for wine enthusiasts. Says Villa Toscano’s founder Erika Wright, “To me, wine is heart and soul. It is happiness and joy. It is important to us that our guests be surrounded by exceptional wines, good food and an atmosphere filled with old world charm and elegance.” At Deaver Winery, winemaking has been a family tradition for over 100 years. They often feature live music, and have an exclusive wine club that you can join so you can taste the very best vino, month after month.
Thankfully, traffic is relatively light in Shenandoah Valley. Clustered between Highways 50 and 88, along historic Highway 49, it’s perfect for a leisurely bike ride or by car in the heart of California’s Motherlode. At just about any time of the year, you will find special events in the region, such as arts and craft shows, fairs, festivals, races and games, community theatre, dances and concerts—everything you can imagine to enjoy under grand old oak trees and a view of the Sierras.
Both Apple Hill and Shenandoah Valley offer unique experiences for the savvy traveler. Immerse yourself in the rich history of these beautiful gold rush regions that is simply flourishing on the nectar of fine fruits and world-class vintage.
WHAT’S HOT IN SHENANDOAH VALLEY
The Imperial Hotel
You’ll step back in time to 1879, when the Gold Rush was in full force. This lovely restaurant and B&B has retained its character over the years, and is indeed a fine dining experience. Elegant and whimsical, their décor is both rich and seductive in its opulence. Gather around their bar for a cocktail before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Located at 14202 Hwy 49, in Amador City. E-mail info.imperialamador.com or call (209) 267-9172. Reservations are recommended. Visit their website at www.imperialamador.com.
Shenandoah Vineyard and Sobon Estate
In 1977, Leon and Shirley Sobon founded the winery. It has since become quite the family affair, with a portfolio of wines growing steadily at 30,000 cases per year.
Only their own organically grown grapes are used to create their incredible selection of
Sauvignon Blanc, White Zinfandel, and their own unique Zingiovese. Sobon Estates is known for their lusty 2005 Rousanne. They are located at 12300 Steiner Road in Plymouth. Fort details, e-mail at info.sobonwine.com or call (209) 245-4455
Charles Spinetta Winery
Visit Charles Spinetta for a wine-tasting. In 1984, Charles Spinetta Winery released its first three premium wines. While their case production is limited, it does allow the winery greater attention to craft their high quality red wines and fabulous sweet wines. Very exclusive, their wines are only available at their winery and are not sold in stores. They can also ship wine to your home. Open Weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.-4p.m. Charles Spinetta Winery is located at 12557 Steiner Road in Plymouth. Visit www.charlesspinettawinery.com or call (209) 245-3384
Amador Flower Farm
Where else can you find 800 different varieties of daylilies? A beautiful country drive will bring you to twelve acres of peaceful gardens. Pack a lunch and enjoy their picnic areas under Heritage Oak trees, adjacent to their potted plant station. In addition to their endless varieties of daylilies, their gift shop offers an array of gardening and statuary items for you to bring home. Open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily, Amador Flower Farm is located in Plymouth, approximately one hour southeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Foothills at 222001 Shenandoah School Road. Visit www.amadorflowerfarm.com or call (209) 245-6660.
South River Lavender
A tranquil, purple paradise, South River Lavender is situated on the South Fork of the Cosumnes River between the Shenandoah Valley and Fair Play wine regions. You can delight in picking your own fresh bundles of lavender, or visit their gift house for a wide array of products. Fill your basket with fragrant soap, hand and body lotion, sachets, and lavender bath salts. South River Lavender is located at 6021 Dean Road in Mount Aukum, CA. Dean Road is located on E-16 (Mount Aukum Road).
E-mail: info.southriverlavender.com or call (530) 620-1178.
Connie Werner Reichert is the President of Write Side Up Travel Journalism. The former TV and Radio Newscaster is honored in Who’s Who in American Women, among mnay other editions. She may be reached at Connieis.pacbell.net. Her blog is at http://conniereichert.livejournal.com.
