Folsom El Dorado Hills_0818_Style Magazine

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We’re also going to try to
drink more wine but get
less drunk.
“Winemakers are going back to producing
balanced wines that aren’t too fruity, too
oaky, or too alcoholic—the alcohol bomb
is out and producing approachable wines
is in.”—Jill Osur, President/Owner,
1850 Wine Cellars and Mediterranean
Vineyards, 3 Randolph Street, Sutter
Creek, 209-267-8114, goldlinebrands.
com/1850; 7449 Fairplay Road,
Somerset, 530-497-0175, facebook.com/
medivineyards.
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Less (sulfites) is more.
“More winemakers [are producing bottles
with] lower levels of sulfites (the chemical
compound many people ‘think’ they’re
allergic to). For small producers whose
fruit quality is excellent, there’s rarely a
need to overdo the sulfur dioxide.” —
Zane Dobson, Vintner and Owner,
PaZa Estate Winery, 3357 Ayres
Holmes Road, Auburn, 916-834-0565,
pazawines.com
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Natural and sustainable
practices are in—and
Merlot is cool again.
“One trend we’re really happy about is a
return to ‘natural’ wines. We have always
made our wines in this style—minimal
outside intervention, unfiltered, unfined,
and using sustainable practices. We also
anticipate a comeback for Merlot in the
near future.” —Emily Hays, Owner,
Chateau Davell Boutique Winery, 3020
Vista Tierra Drive, Camino, 530-644-
2016, chateaudavell.com
A SIP OF HISTORY
9 ORIGINAL TASTING ROOMS
Madrona photo by Lisa Jesse Photos. Other photos courtesy of their respective companies or organizations.
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BOEGER WINERY
1709 Carson Road, Placerville,
530-622-8094, boegerwinery.
com
The first post-Prohibition winery
in the El Dorado American
Viticultural Area (AVA), this local
staple pioneered a lengthy list
of underdog varietals—including
Barbera, which has helped the
winery scoop up hundreds of
awards over the years. Today, the
bustling spot hosts first Sunday
bluegrass jams, yoga, and petfriendly
vineyard excursions.
2
com
SIERRA VISTA WINERY
4560 Cabernet Way, Placerville,
530-622-7221, sierravistawinery.
Early adopters of the rebirth of
mountain viticulture, owners
John and Barbara MacCready
bought land in 1972, planted some
grapevines, and never looked
back. A study revealed that the
climate closely mirrors France’s
northern Rhone Valley, which was
the determining factor in deciding
how to plant across the 28 acres
of mountain vineyards. All of the
wines, with the exception of the
Sauvignon Blanc, are estate grown.
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MADROÑA VINEYARDS
2560 High Hill Road,
Camino, 530-644-5948,
madronavineyards.com
These estate wines exhibit the
best characteristics of Rhone and
Bordeaux varietals, thanks to
the ideal 3,000-foot mountain
elevation. Evolution and calculated
refining result in big beauties like
the 2017 Dry Riesling, a bright and
lush whirlpool of peaches and
apples, and the spicy and earthy
2015 Malbec. Complimentary
tastings of rotating selections take
place daily.
4
LAVA CAP WINERY
2221 Fruitridge Road, Placerville,
530-621-0175, lavacap.com
Named for the lingering volcanic
soil of million-year-old eruptions,
this winery has been dedicated to
producing estate-grown wines since 1986. Pack a picnic, pop in the tasting
room, and take your favorite bottle to the stunning gardens that overlook
the vineyards. Insider tip: Try the 2014 Syrah, bursting with deep blackberry
and blueberry notes and a gentle finish. The vineyard’s southwest-facing
slope grants the grapes a longer hang-time, yielding more depth and
intensity in the glass.
5
LAVA CAP WINERY
SCOTT HARVEY WINES
10861 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, 209-245-3670, scottharveywines.com
Often credited with putting Amador County on the wine map, Scott
Harvey helped develop the crowd favorite Ménage à Trois wines. Following
his success, Scott decided to go out on his own, with the help of his wife,
wine industry pro Jana. If it’s your first foray into Scott Harvey, we suggest
treating yourself with the vineyard’s Zinfandel—it basically garners an award
every time the winery releases a new bottle.
AUGUST 2018 // stylefedh.com 49