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El Dorado County Wine Country: Get Out Of That House!

Call some friends, go solo or gather the family and dog, then head to wine country. El Dorado County wineries are open and ready for guests.

With seventy wineries to visit, you will discover what you desire. Bad weather? You are in luck. Wine tasting is an indoor sport! Remember to check the winery website to learn if they require reservations to taste, and ask if they are family and/or dog friendly to prevent unexpected surprises.

Do you desire grand vistas?

Boeger, Lava Cap, Lewis Grace, Starfield Vineyards and Wofford Acres are spectacular choices. These wineries are along the Hwy 50 corridor, with craft breweries and hard ciders to try in that area as well. Grab a warm lunch at the Hwy 50 Brewery where dogs are welcome, and taste wines from Nello Olivio in the same building. Then walk around back to Bumgarner, Red Poet and Crystal Basin Cellars.

There are plenty more wineries heading southwest into Pleasant Valley, Somerset and Fairplay, all with stunning views to behold! I suggest visiting each section of the county’s wineries on different visits to allow for time to relax and steep yourself in the surroundings.

by Jolene Tompkins

A picnic in late winter or early spring with wines you have tasted and purchased creates experiences and memories you will never forget. A good thing to remember is to consume only wines purchased at that winery. Most wineries have picnic grounds and some have food for purchase as well. Some are dog friendly so remember to check into it ahead of time.

This time of year each winery is working on developing their personal products. Taste a barrel sample if offered. It is the subtle flavors that are developing in the barrel that the winemaker or cellarmaster is searching for before bottling. During the months of April and May, vineyard managers are watching for "bud break". When vines produce very small, insignificant flowers which will transform in later months to small tight grape bunches loaded with concentrated juice. It is a very precarious time in the growing process since these little buds can freeze and be lost, resulting in much smaller harvests. Winery owners pay close attention but know it is a part of raising an agricultural product. That said, the first few months of the year are quiet times in the tasting rooms with less visitors.

Joining a wine club is a way to have a connection with the wineries you fall in love with. Often your membership will have special discounts, parties and dinners. There is no better way to stock your favorite wines in your home, ready to enjoy all year long.

Remember the Six "S's" of wine tasting: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, Savor and Spend! CHEERS!

For more information, visit the El Dorado County Winery Association at eldoradowines.org

Jolene Tompkins is the former founder & editor of the Sierra Foothill Vine Times and grew up in the Foothills while the wineries were establishing and quietly evolving.

By Debbie

Events

December 31

Labyrinth Wander * 1p - 3p Celebrate the close of 2022 with a mindful labyrinth walk at the Abode of Peace Labyrinth in Georgetown, Ca. This is an easy 1-mile walk. Rain postpones. app.donorview.com/g9eNO

January

Every Tuesday

Tech Time * 10a - 11:30a

Placerville Senior Center - This is a free event, so please bring your tech devices and you can sit down with our volunteer for some one on one support. Questions? Call Andrea at 530.621.6150

Bingo Night * 6:15p - 9p

Pollock Pines Community Center

Every Thursday

Pickin on the Patio * 6p - 8p Smith Flat House - Live music in the courtyard. Reservations strongly encouraged. 530.621.1003

Every Friday & Saturday

Night Sky Viewing * 7:30p

Community Observatory - free public viewing with docents on hand. Clouds, bad weather cancels. Check website after 3p. CommunityObservatory.com

Every Sunday

Live Music * 5p - 7p Smith Flat House - Carol Tuttle & the Jazz Trio

January 2 - 14

The Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour * Federated Church - Celebrating 20 years of "Gratitude" and support. For a full schedule of events, visit placervillefriendsoftibet.org

January 7

First Saturday Garden Day * 9a - 12p Sherwood Demonstration GardenJoin Master Gardeners for a tour of the 16 gardens every first Saturday. Tours start 9a sharp. mgeldorado.ucanr.edu

Acorn Creek Hike * 9a-11a Pilot Hill - Join us for an introduction to hiking, and tips on taking nature photos. app.donorview.com/wkLzV

Heroes Night * 5p - 9p

Placerville Fairgrounds - Dinner, drinks, live, silent & dessert auctions and raffle to support the Boys & Girls Club. Tickets at bgce.org/heroes

January 8

Capturing Wakamatsu * 12p - 2p Wakamatsu Farm - Poetry Walk: explore the farmhouse, barn, and surroundings, then write a poem. app.donorview.com/6YrDv

January 10

Basic Research Skills * 10a/6p

Placerville Family History CenterCome and learn basic research skills that apply to all. 3275 Cedar Ravine Rd * 530.621.1378

Femme Trail Rippers * 11:30a - 3p

Interested in mountain biking? Beginner+, but know how to fix a flat. Free. app.donorview.com/LrvKP

January 14

Living History Days * 10a - 4p Marshall State Park - Hands-on history day features many historical interpreters who come out to demonstrate different aspects of pioneer life during the Gold Rush. $10/parking. Marshallgold.com

Zen Meditation, Qigong * 1p - 2:30p Wakamatsu Farm - Join us for a peaceful and relaxing event. Includes sessions of Qigong, mindfulness meditation and walking meditation. app.donorview.com/N7kge

Snowshoe Gerle Creek * 9a - 4p Snowshoe hike (5-6 miles) on the El Dorado NF near Wentworth Springs. app.donorview.com/y9Vgn

New Year Cleanse Hike * 11a - 12:30p 2.5 mile hike to the South Fork of the American River near Greenwood Creek. Includes light Tai Chi. Free. app.donorview.com/oGxDo continued on page 29 continued from page 28

Art & Wine w/ Something More * 6p - 9p

Placerville Fairgrounds - featuring art, wine, local brews and eats, and raffles & auctions. morerehab.org

January 15

Sogeetsu Ikebana Class * 10a - 1p Wakamatsu Farm- Create your own New Year flower arrangements app.donorview.com/WGk89

January 17

Femme Trail Rippers * 11:30a - 3p Interested in mountain biking? Adult Beginner+, know how to fix a flat. Free. app.donorview.com/LrvKP

January 20

Homegrown Comedy * 8p - 10p The Stage at Burke Junction - Happy Hour 6p-8p,comedians at 8p. Tickets at stageatburke.com

January 21

Fruit Tree Pruning Demonstration * 9a - 12p

Sherwood Demonstration Gardenlearn the basics and general sanitation of fruit tree pruning. mgeldorado@ucanr.edu

Gold Discovery Days * 10a - 2p Marshall State Park - The discovery of gold is commemorated every year with living history, interactive period trade demonstrations, music and Gold Rush Symposium featuring noted authors and scholars on gold rush history. $10/ parking. Marshallgold.com

"Green Room Confidential"

Auditions * 2p - 5p

Crocker Creative House - Original script by local women produced by Theater One. Performances 4/21 - 5/7. Questions: jeankopania@att.net

Before you head to an Event

Check the website or call ahead to make sure it’s still on!

Events

Placerville Art Walk * 4p - 8p Main Street - Placerville Art Walk takes place 3rd Saturday of every month. Galleries stay open late and often have special events like music, preforming arts, and artists’ reception. For more info, visit facebook.com/ PlacervilleArtWalk

Spaghetti Dinner * 5p - 7p El Dorado Community Hall - raffle prizes, dinner and live music. Start the year right! Tickets available at the door

January 25

Burn's Night Dinner * 6p - 9p Placerville Shakespeare Club - 7 course dinner with wine pairings, whiskey samples, dancing and entertainment. kiltandcork.com

January 27

Homeschool Fridays * 9:30a - 12p Wakamatsu Farm - Join us for a hike around our lake trail, where students will explore tree interactions."Tree Stories" will transport participants through time as they experience the history of the land from the perspective of our living trees. Best for K-6. app.donorview.com/WGOXy

January 28

EDC Swap Meet * 9a - 1p Placerville Fairgrounds - Held in Pavilions if bad weather.

Learn About Cole Crops * 9a - 12p 311 Fair Lane - Learn about Cole Crops (Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower & Brussel Sprouts) when the Master Gardeners and Master Food Preservers team up for this class. Learn how to grow these healthy veggies and how to prepare, preserve and enjoy these veggies. mgeldorado@ucanr.edu

Mushrooms in EDC * 10a - 1p

Wakamatsu Farm- Basics of mushroom identification, local botany and hike. App.donorview.com/EWL55 www.eldoradolibrary.org/

Do you know who has something happening six days a week!? The El Dorado County Library. Their calendar is chock full of activities!

Family Center Open House * 10a2p

Placerville Family History Center - Our facility includes; computer stations, scanners, large printers, and a library of books and resources. Consultants will be on site to demonstrate and help visitors. 3275 Cedar Ravine Rd * 530.621.1378

Search & Rescue Crab Feed * 5:30p - 11p

Placerville Fairgrounds - No host bar, dinner, auction and dancing. For tickets, call Christi at 530.626.7111

January 29

Murder Mystery Luncheon * 11a3p

Placerville Shakespeare Club - You're invited to experience Engagement of Murder, lunch and silent auction! Tickets are $35, call 916.337.5045.

February

Every Tuesday

Tech Time * 10a - 11:30a

Placerville Senior Center - This is a free event, so please bring your tech devices and you can sit down with our volunteer for some one on one support. Questions? Call Andrea at 530.621.6150 continued on page 30

Continued from page 29

Events

Bingo Night * 6:15p - 9p Pollock Pines Community Center

Every Wednesday

Farm Work Days * 10a - 12p Wakamatsu Farm - improvement projects include: weeding, native plant cultivation, orchard care, trail maintenance and upkeep tasks within the Outdoor Learning Campus. stewardship@arconservancy.com

Quilt Silent Auction

On Sunday, February 12, 2023

Sierra Wildlife Rescue and the Placerville Shakespeare Club are co-hosting a one day only “QUILT SILENT AUCTION”. A large selection of quilts of various styles, patterns, sizes and colors will be available for purchase. Several other quilted items will also be a part of the auction. A number of the quilts are from the Alice Henry Estate. Alice, an avid quilter, was a beloved and active member of both organizations for a number of years. Each stitch of Alice’s quilts was made with love and care. Also available for the silent auction bidding is an all-time quilters’ favorite from the 1950’s, a Singer Featherweight 221K sewing machine with attachments and case, in excellent condition.

The sale will be held at the Placerville Shakespeare Clubhouse at 2940 Bedford Ave. All sale items will be on full display and open for Silent Auction Bids beginning at 10:00 A.M. Bids will close at 3:00 P.M.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to purchase a one of a kind treasure. For further information call 530-644-4565.

Every Thursday

Pickin on the Patio * 6p - 8p Smith Flat House - Live music in the courtyard. Reservations strongly encouraged. 530.621.1003

Every Friday & Saturday

Night Sky Viewing * 7:30p Community Observatory - free public viewing with docents on hand. Clouds, bad weather cancels. Check website after 3p. CommunityObservatory.com

Every Sunday

Live Music * 5p - 7p Smith Flat House - Carol Tuttle & the Jazz Trio

February 4

First Saturday Garden Day * 9a12p

Sherwood Demonstration GardenJoin Master Gardeners for a tour of the 16 gardens every first Saturday. Tours start 9a sharp. mgeldorado. ucanr.edu

Can We Plant...? * 9a - 12p 311 Fair Lane - Considerations when determining which plant to choose, appropriate species and desired outcome. mgeldorado@ucanr.edu

Before you head to an event, check the website or call ahead to make sure it’s still on!

Buck Stop Gun Show * 9a - 5p Placerville Fairgrounds

Roots Man Project * 8p - 10p Green Room Social Club - California based band with fun, upbeat reggae vibes. Tickets at clubgreenroom.com

February 5

Buck Stop Gun Show * 9a - 3p Placerville Fairgrounds

February 7

Basic German Research * 10a/6p Placerville Family History CenterWhere can you look to find German records? What resources are there that will help you get started and move forward in finding more about your German ancestry? 3275 Cedar Ravine Rd * 530.621.1378

Class will discuss the basics and share ideas.

Femme Trail Rippers * 11:30a1:30p

Interested in mountain biking? Adult Beginner+, know how to fix a flat. Free. app.donorview.com/LrvKP

February 8

Gardening in Small Spaces * 9a Cameron Park Community Center - covers site location, design, raised bed options, container gardening and other methods that will allow anyone to have a vegetable garden in a small backyard setting. mgeldorado@ucanr. edu

February 11

Living History Days * 10a - 4p

Marshall State Park - Hands-on history day features many historical interpreters who come out to demonstrate different aspects of pioneer life during the Gold Rush. $10/parking. Marshallgold.com continued on page 31 continued from page 30

Zen Meditation, Qigong * 1p - 2:30p

Wakamatsu Farm - Join us for a peaceful and relaxing event. Includes sessions of Qigong, mindfulness meditation and walking meditation. app.donorview.com/N7kge

February 11 & 12

Jurassic Empire * 10a - 8p

Placerville Fairgrounds - Check the website for information as it becomes available. eldoradocountyfair.org

February 12

Quilt Silent Auction * 10a - 3p

Placerville Shakespeare Club - Silent auction bids start at 10a and close at 3p. For information call 530-6444565.

February 17

Homeschool Fridays * 9:30a - 12p

Wakamatsu Farm - Learn orienteering: use a compass, orient the map, read the symbols and practice a small course within our fenced Outdoor Learning Campus. For grades 4-12. app.donorview.com/ WGOXy

Monthly Presentation * 1p - 3p

Mother Lode Lions Club - Speaker: El Dorado Community Foundation. Free to members; non-members may attend two presentations/year at no charge. SRS is dedicated to Life Long Learning. Visit srsedc.org

February 18

Battle of the Badges * 4p - 8p

Placerville Fairgrounds - Chili cookoff with vendors, auction & raffle items, kid’s activities, local beer, wine, music, live entertainment and hosted by KCRA’s Ty Steele. 911chili.org

Even more up-to-date events on the website! AroundHereMagazine.com/ Events

Events

Placerville Art Walk * 4p - 8p Main Street - Galleries stay open late and have special events: music, preforming arts, and artists’ reception. For more info, visit facebook.com/PlacervilleArtWalk

February 19

Sogeetsu Ikebana Class * 10a - 1p Wakamatsu Farm - Create your own arrangements using flowering branches. app.donorview.com/ WGk89

February 21

Femme Trail Rippers * 11:30a - 3p Interested in mountain biking? Adult Beginner+, know how to fix a flat. Free. app.donorview.com/LrvKP

February 25

Snowshoeing w/ a Forester * 9a - 4p Foresthill - Easy-moderate introductory snowshoe hike to learn about the ecology of forests environments in the winter and basic winter back country awareness. app.donorview.com/rORq1

Crackin' Crab for Kids * 4:30p - 7p Placerville Fairgrounds - Fundraiser for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. More info available soon. bbbsns.org

February 28

Using the Photo Scanner * 10a/6p Placerville Family History CenterBring a few photos to practice and a flash drive to save them. 3275 Cedar Ravine Rd * 530.621.1378

March

Every Tuesday

Tech Time * 10a - 11:30a

Placerville Senior Center - This is a free event, so please bring your tech devices and sit down with a volunteer for some one on one support. Questions? Call Andrea at 530.621.6150

On Stage in El Dorado County

January

Imagination Theater presents “Inherit the Wind”

For show and ticket information, visit itplacerville.org

Spring Ponderosa Stage Productions presents “The Bold, The Young & The Murdered.”

For show dates and ticket information, visit pondodrama.com

Spring Oak Ridge High School Theatre presents “Clue”

For show dates and ticket information, visit ORTAB.org

March 17 - April 2

Imagination Theater presents “Frozen Jr”

For show and ticket information, visit itplacerville.org

Bingo Night * 6:15p - 9p

Pollock Pines Community Center

Every Wednesday

Farm Work Days * 10a - 12p

Wakamatsu Farm - improvement projects include: weeding, native plant cultivation, orchard care, trail maintenance and upkeep tasks within the Outdoor Learning Campus. stewardship@arconservancy.com

Every Thursday

Pickin on the Patio * 6p - 8p

Smith Flat House - Live music in the courtyard. Reservations strongly encouraged. 530.621.1003

See your fundraiser or event in Around Here Magazine! Send information to sara@aroundheremagazine.com.