Wine tasting in El Dorado is nothing short of spectacular. Think lush hills with tidy vineyards and fragrant pine forests, all with stunning mountains (often snow-covered) in the background.
You can certainly enjoy these views over a flight, tasting, or even a (no judgment here) bottle. But if you’re the exploring type, you might want to go farther afield to see what there is to discover.
You’re in luck. Many wineries have hiking and nature trails that give you a taste of the winery’s – and El Dorado’s – mountain-grown flavor. Whether you head out on them before or after wine tasting is up to you!
Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms
Embrace the working farm vibe with a visit to the farm animals (spoiler alert: the sheep are adorable) before heading out for a hike on the scenic nature trail. Not feeling that ambitious? A grassy knoll near the bakery is a great vantage point for taking in the scenery.
Starfield Vineyards
Explore the grounds and vineyards on a combination of paved and dirt trails that meander through the vineyards, past the three lakes on the estate (including Starfield Lake, which features a dramatic pavilion). A short hike is a great way to work up an appetite for their memorable weekend lunches!
Sly Park Recreation Area
Not far from the Camino and Pleasant Valley wineries, this recreation area in Pollock Pines offers several hiking options, including one around Jenkinson Lake. The trails are forested, shady, and cool, making them ideal excursions in warmer months.
El Dorado Trail
The El Dorado County trail system goes from Camino to El Dorado Hills via paved, gravel, wood, and decommissioned rail trails. Depending on your ambitions, try an out-and-back hike at one of the eastern trailheads, or drop a car for a longer hiking adventure!
Bocce Ball
Okay, so it’s not a trail, but it is outdoors, and it’s a fun way to enjoy the incredible beauty of our region. While bocce ball isn’t as widespread at El Dorado wineries as wine tasting, some wineries, like Fenton Herriott and Bumgarner Winery’s Fair Play location, offer courts alongside their scenic views and delicious wines.
