Lava Cap Winery
This third-generation family farm in Placerville has a terrific location to enjoy the scenery – and for growing grapes in its unique volcanic soils. The outdoor seating area provides views of rolling vineyards, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and neighboring Apple Hill™ wineries and farms. It’s impressive to see first-hand the elevation, topography, and volcanic soil that shapes their wines while you’re tasting them.
Insider Tip: Their annual ‘Dust Off the Bottle’ library wine event gives you the opportunity to taste and purchase past vintages, which always include a few pleasant surprises.
Holly’s Hill Vineyard & Brewery
Just a hop, skip, and a jump south of Placerville is a low-key winery and brewery. Located at 2700 feet elevation, Holly’s Hill offers a range of Rhone-style wines that pair exceptionally well with the panoramic views from their patio. Come for the tasting, but stay for a bottle and a picnic at one of their many outdoor tables.
Insider Tip: They host several annual wine and food pairing events that feature their recipes, including the ever-popular Paella weekends in early summer.
Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery
If you love sweeping vineyard vistas paired with one of the best views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, aptly named Sierra Vista is one not to miss. One of the first modern-day wineries in El Dorado County, it offers a range of award-winning Rhône-style wines, ample outdoor seating to best enjoy the views, and a full event calendar with live music, food pairings, and more.
Insider Tip: Bring your own picnic and make a day of it — beyond the patio, their grounds have a climbable Observation Tower for an even higher vantage over the vineyards, plus a giant Adirondack chair and lawn games like cornhole and Jenga.
Wofford Acres Vineyards
Located on the edge of a gorgeous canyon overlooking the South Fork of the American River, Wofford Acres Vineyards specializes in small-batch wines only available in its tasting room. Sample a flight outside on their grassy outdoor area or buy a bottle to enjoy with a picnic.
Insider Tip: During October weekends, they offer a special Barrel Tasting to Fight Cancer. Join Mike or Paul in the cellar to sample wine in the barrel for a small donation to help fight cancer and support cancer patients.
