By Visit El Dorado County
Fair Play Wine Country: A Hidden Gem for Wine Enthusiasts
Carissa More | SAC CITY LIVING
Published on October 04, 2024
Carissa More | SAC CITY LIVING
Published on October 04, 2024
Fair Play Wine Country in El Dorado County, California, is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. The area offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and exceptional wine experiences, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Fair Play is about an hour’s drive from Sacramento, making it a convenient yet off-the-beaten-path experience for wine lovers. The winding journey there is half the adventure in itself! You’ll pass through forests, cross rivers and gorges, and sometimes even spot local wildlife. The region also has an interesting history dating back to the Gold Rush era, with historical sites and old mining towns nearby. Whether you’re looking to explore new wines or just enjoy the picturesque landscapes, Fair Play Wine Country offers a unique and memorable experience for everyone to enjoy.
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Located in the Sierra Foothills, nestled between Amador County and the popular Camino/Apple Hill area, this region is known for its high elevation vineyards. Ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet, area vintners produce wines with excellent acidity and robust flavors. The region is renowned for its diverse terroir and its variety of wines. The region’s decomposed granite soils, layered with clay and loam, contribute to the rich, mineral-driven grapes. The cool air from the Sierras helps maintain acidity in the grapes, extending the growing season. Fair Play is known for its Mediterranean grape varieties like Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Also prominent are Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah, with some single varietal versions being highly acclaimed.
By El Dorado Winery Association
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Fun for the Whole Family | The area is home to more than 20 boutique, family-owned wineries that pride themselves on quality products and customer experience. Most of the area’s wineries welcome children and dogs, and upon arrival you’ll often be greeted by a winery dog or two. Many wineries feature lovely picnic areas where you can sit, relax and enjoy the scenery with friends and family…and a bottle of local wine of course. There are also several wineries that offer fire pits, and fun outdoor games such as bocce ball or pétanque courts. Just pack a picnic, buy some wine, and enjoy an entire day set amongst gorgeous vineyards! Fairplay offers a truly warm and approachable wine country experience, which a refreshing change from that of the more popular, yet often stuffy, Napa and Sonoma valleys.
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Festivals and Events | The Fair Play Winery Association hosts year-round events such as the popular, upcoming Harvest Festival. This year’s festival will take place on November 2 and 3, 2024 with tickets starting at $45. Over 20 wineries will be participating, offering visitors a chance to explore a variety of wines and experiences. The festival will feature wine tastings, food pairings, live music, games, and artisanal market vendors. You can aslo learn about the winemaking process through interactive harvest demonstrations. The association is an independent collective of wineries, and a separate entity than the larger El Dorado Winery Association. The Fair Play association strives to promote its region’s unique wine offerings, setting itself apart from the other nearby wine regions. They aim to provide an enhanced visitor experience, while also offering educational programs and tours for guests learn more about viticulture and winemaking.
By Airbnb
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Charming Hospitality | Overnight options like Lucinda’s Country Inn, Toogood Estate’s tiny homes, and various Airbnb accommodations make it easy to find a place to extend your stay and explore more of the region. There are even rumors that the beloved Gold Mountain Winery and Lodge (formerly Fitzpatrick's) plans to re-open in the not-so-distant future. While there are still very few dining options in the area, you can find some great local eats. Settle into a cozy pub offering delicious downhome food at the Creekside Cork & Brew, or, opt for a more upscale bistro-style experience at the nearby Gold Vine Bistro. There are even a few great cafes and markets in the area, where you can pick up fresh ingredients to make your own gourmet wine country meal. Or, simply grab takeaway at one of the local pizzerias or other restaurants.
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Scenic Beauty to Behold | We just can’t say enough about the area’s picturesque landscapes that can be found around every corner. Nestled in the foothills, Fair Play oozes with small-town charm and offers stunning views of rolling vineyards, lush forests, and mountainous backdrops. The area offers a serene environment, making it a perfect destination for wine tasting and relaxation. If you’re visiting during the autumn months, be sure the check out the region’s seasonal display too--particularly when the vines begin to change. The region’s natural beauty changes with the seasons, providing a vibrant display of colors, especially during the fall harvest. You can also enjoy hiking and nature walks with numerous trails offering opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the great outdoors. And don't miss the Cosumnes River, known for it's dramatic rock formations and fantastic swimming holes in the summer.
Fair Play offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and exceptional wine experiences, making it an ideal spot for a memorable road trip or weekend getaway. With over 20 diverse wineries, Fair Play offers a wide range of wine tasting experiences, from boutique family-owned vineyards to larger estates. Fair Play Wine Country boasts many popular wineries that offer unique experiences and exceptional wines. Here is a complimentary list of wineries and tasting rooms you should check out on your next trip:
Bumgarner Winery
Location: 7380 Vineyard View Dr, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Family-owned and operated, emphasizing a personal touch and a commitment to quality.
Busby Cellars
Location: 6375 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Known for its beautiful views and friendly atmosphere. They produce a variety of wines, including Zinfandel and Syrah.
Cantiga Wineworks
Location: 5980 Meyers Ln, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Focuses on extended cellaring to produce food-friendly wines.
Cedarville Vineyard
Location: 6320 Marestail Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Known for its Rhone wines, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards
Location: 8221 Stoney Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Known for their barrel futures tasting and excellent customer service.
Conduit | Divergent Vine
Location: 6100 Gray Rock Rd, Somerset, CA
Hightlights: We believe a minimalist, light-handed approach in the cellar is the only way to showcase the individuality of the grapes.
Cielo Sulla Terra Estate Vineyards and Winery
Location: 8061 Perry Creek Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Combining a passion for healing, equestrian pursuits, and winemaking, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
E16 Winery
Location: 8085 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Offers a range of wines with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
Fleur de Lys Winery
Location: 7696 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Specializes in Old World-style wines that are aged to perfection.
Golden Leaves Winery
Location: 3625 Omo Ranch Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Producing a variety of wines including French and Spanish varietals.
Gwinllan Estate
Location: 7060 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Features estate wines and a unique tasting experience in a wine cave.
Mastroserio Winery
Location: 7351 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Produces exceptional wines with a focus on quality and craftsmanship. Their new releases are often highly praised.
Mediterranean Vineyards
Location: 7449 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Specializes in Mediterranean varietals, offering a taste of the Old World in the Sierra Foothills.
Mellowood Vineyards
Location: 2979 Mellowood Dr, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Known for its exceptional Zinfandel and Syrah, which have won multiple awards.
MV Winery
Location: 7263 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: A small family winery producing full-bodied wines that are highly praised.
Oakstone Winery/Obscurity Cellars
Location: 6470 Irish Acres Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Known for its robust, full-bodied wines and a welcoming tasting room.
Perry Creek Vineyards
Location: 7400 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Beautiful grounds and a variety of wines that are well-regarded. They’re also known for their famous Cobra auto club.
Polynesian Girl Wine
Location: 6020 Grizzly Flat Road, Somerset, CA
Highlights: It started with a Tahitian girl who dreamed of living on a vineyard and was fascinated with watching her father make wine.
Saluti Cellars
Location: 7505 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: We enjoy providing our guests with an exceptional experience by sharing our love of good wine.
Sentivo Vineyards & Winery
Location: 7460 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Known for its spectacular Sierra Foothill vineyard views and award-winning, limited production wines.
Shadow Ranch Winery
Location: 7050 Fairplay Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: A delightful combination of excellent wines, beautiful scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Single Leaf Vineyards
Location: 7480 Fairplay Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: A small, family-owned winery that focuses on producing high-quality red wines. Their Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly noteworthy.
Skinner Vineyards (Rumored to Be Closing)
Location: 8054 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Offers amazing views and a focus on Rhone varietals.
Toogood Estate Winery
Location: 7280 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Features a 5,000 square foot underground wine cave and a variety of wines including Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Petite Sirah.
Van der Vijver Estate Winery (Temporarily Closed)
Location: 7350 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Offers bold and complex wines designed with food pairing in mind. The owner is known for his engaging and entertaining wine tastings.
Windwalker Vineyards
Location: 7360 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Offers a variety of wines and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Location: 7380 Vineyard View Dr, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Family-owned and operated, emphasizing a personal touch and a commitment to quality.
Busby Cellars
Location: 6375 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Known for its beautiful views and friendly atmosphere. They produce a variety of wines, including Zinfandel and Syrah.
Cantiga Wineworks
Location: 5980 Meyers Ln, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Focuses on extended cellaring to produce food-friendly wines.
Cedarville Vineyard
Location: 6320 Marestail Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Known for its Rhone wines, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards
Location: 8221 Stoney Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Known for their barrel futures tasting and excellent customer service.
Conduit | Divergent Vine
Location: 6100 Gray Rock Rd, Somerset, CA
Hightlights: We believe a minimalist, light-handed approach in the cellar is the only way to showcase the individuality of the grapes.
Cielo Sulla Terra Estate Vineyards and Winery
Location: 8061 Perry Creek Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Combining a passion for healing, equestrian pursuits, and winemaking, creating a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
E16 Winery
Location: 8085 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Offers a range of wines with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
Fleur de Lys Winery
Location: 7696 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Specializes in Old World-style wines that are aged to perfection.
Golden Leaves Winery
Location: 3625 Omo Ranch Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Producing a variety of wines including French and Spanish varietals.
Gwinllan Estate
Location: 7060 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Features estate wines and a unique tasting experience in a wine cave.
Mastroserio Winery
Location: 7351 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Produces exceptional wines with a focus on quality and craftsmanship. Their new releases are often highly praised.
Mediterranean Vineyards
Location: 7449 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Specializes in Mediterranean varietals, offering a taste of the Old World in the Sierra Foothills.
Mellowood Vineyards
Location: 2979 Mellowood Dr, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Known for its exceptional Zinfandel and Syrah, which have won multiple awards.
MV Winery
Location: 7263 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: A small family winery producing full-bodied wines that are highly praised.
Oakstone Winery/Obscurity Cellars
Location: 6470 Irish Acres Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Known for its robust, full-bodied wines and a welcoming tasting room.
Perry Creek Vineyards
Location: 7400 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Beautiful grounds and a variety of wines that are well-regarded. They’re also known for their famous Cobra auto club.
Polynesian Girl Wine
Location: 6020 Grizzly Flat Road, Somerset, CA
Highlights: It started with a Tahitian girl who dreamed of living on a vineyard and was fascinated with watching her father make wine.
Saluti Cellars
Location: 7505 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: We enjoy providing our guests with an exceptional experience by sharing our love of good wine.
Sentivo Vineyards & Winery
Location: 7460 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Known for its spectacular Sierra Foothill vineyard views and award-winning, limited production wines.
Shadow Ranch Winery
Location: 7050 Fairplay Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: A delightful combination of excellent wines, beautiful scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Single Leaf Vineyards
Location: 7480 Fairplay Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: A small, family-owned winery that focuses on producing high-quality red wines. Their Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon are particularly noteworthy.
Skinner Vineyards (Rumored to Be Closing)
Location: 8054 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Offers amazing views and a focus on Rhone varietals.
Toogood Estate Winery
Location: 7280 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Features a 5,000 square foot underground wine cave and a variety of wines including Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Petite Sirah.
Van der Vijver Estate Winery (Temporarily Closed)
Location: 7350 Fairplay Rd, Somerset, CA
Highlights: Offers bold and complex wines designed with food pairing in mind. The owner is known for his engaging and entertaining wine tastings.
Windwalker Vineyards
Location: 7360 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA
Highlights: Offers a variety of wines and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
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Any suggested edits? Contact Carissa at [email protected] |