Fall in El Dorado County Fall view at Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast • Photo by John Broski
THERE’S MORE THAN WINE IN THE HILLS ou don’t have to be a wine expert to enjoy El Dorado County; you just have to be up for some fun. During our most recent visit we sent a photo of Gold Hill’s Vineyard to our graphic artist, who responded with excitement: “Are those wine trees?” And there is so much more to the region than good wine. –––––––––– Fall is peak season for Apple Hill, which features a huge variety of apple and fruit farms, bake shops, wineries, a spa, flower gardens, wedding spots, berry farms, and Christmas tree groves. Visitors can pick their
own apples, enjoy delicious apple pie and other baked goods, see colorful fall foliage and interact with farm animals and ponies. The area is large and can be overwhelming, so be sure to download the free map available at applehill.com, and have a plan for the day. –––––––––– The area is rich with history, and this year visitors can see The World Gold Panning Championships from September 11th – 18th at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds will look like the gold rush that started in 1848 when James Marshall discovered gold in his lumber mill tailrace,
just a few miles away in Coloma, along the South Fork of the American River. Spectators and participants who stay at Bella Vista Bed and Breakfast will receive two hand dipped Artisan Gold Country Chocolates from Annabelle's Chocolate Lounge. Call (530) 622-3456 or visit bellavistainc.net to make a reservation. Photo by Kathleen Ash
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WRITTEN BY: DEBBIE MCCARTHY and MEG STEINITZ
Here are some other upcoming events in El Dorado County. I hope you will add a few to your calendar.
We will be returning to Nello’s for Nevada Day weekend, when they host their annual “Grapes and Ghosts” Tours on October 27th and 31st. All you'll need is walking shoes, a flashlight and the courage not to turn back! For more information and to make a reservation, call the tasting room at (530) 409-5603. The event sells out every year, so call early to buy your tickets. They also have live poetry every third Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m.
Miraflores offers food and wine pairings every weekend now through the end of October. Each event features a delicious menu prepared by a local chef, paired with wine picked by a guest sommelier. We look forward to the September 11th pairing, where we will be showcasing the beautiful vineyard with sommelier Orietta Gianjorio, who will be featured in our January/February issue. Call the tasting room to purchase tickets at (530) 647-8505.
Because one Halloween party is never enough, we will also be attending Crystal Basin’s Costume Ball on October 30th. The event will include live music by Island of Black and White. Crystal Basin will also hold a French Regional Wine/Food Pairings featuring Rhone Wines on September 10. You can also catch their Grape to Glass Celebration, where you will have the opportunity to “Get Your Lucy Show On” and stomp grapes barefoot on October 8th. Call (530) 647-1767 for more information and to buy tickets.
El Dorado County celebrates Nevada Day Weekend October 29th – 31st, so be sure to ask about special deals and promotions. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 ❤
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