The hilly region of Placerville and Camino known as “Apple Hill” is certainly famous for its apple delights, but that isn’t the only harvest happening in the hills. This agricultural mecca’s quaint farms and country charm also boast a smattering of picturesque wineries — and walking trails. What better destination for a day of wine hiking?
Starfield trails
Start your day at Starfield Vineyards, where the hillside vineyard’s 67 acres include three miles of nature trails bordered by towering Ponderosa pines and, depending on the season, some 10,000 flowering plants.
Enjoy a flight of red and white varietals ($10) from the El Dorado and Napa appellations at the winery, which is open for tastings by reservation, then wander from the tasting room porch through the stunning rose arbor and out onto the trails.
Details: Starfield Vineyards is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily by reservation at 2750 Jacquier Road in Placerville; www.starfieldvineyards.com.
Delfino sips
A 10-minute drive from the El Dorado Trail, Delfino Farms has a little of everything, from pies at Joan’s Apple Bakery to sips of California-style, dry Henrietta Stitch Cider. Vino lovers come to revel in the views and sample the small-batch wines made by Delfino’s Edio Vineyards, where a flight ($15) includes four wines plus cider ($15 per person).
Christine Delfino Noonan and her brothers Peter and Derek Delfino opened the winery tasting room in 2021.
And If you’re looking for a short jaunt, a ¾-mile trail winds through vineyards and orchards, ending in the forest at the back of the property where babydoll sheep, rabbits, ducks and chickens roam.
Details: Delfino Farms and Edio Winery are open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday-Monday at 3205 N. Canyon Road in Camino; https://delfinofarms.com. Find El Dorado Trail maps at http://eldoradotrail.com.
High Hill lunch
An on-site restaurant at High Hill Ranch — at 155 acres, it’s the largest farm in the Apple Hill Grower’s Association — makes a great stop, if you’re craving something more substantial than charcuterie. The restaurant serves up barbecue fare and burgers, as well as apple pies and apple doughnuts. And the property offers a fun ramble at any time.
Details: High Hill Ranch is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends at 2901 High Hill Road in Placerville; www.highhillranch.com.
More hiking options
Apple Ridge Farms’ 3/4-mile nature trail — dubbed the Butterfly Walk because of its butterfly wings photo op — brims with thousands of zinnia flowers, which remain colorful until the first frost.
For something more challenging, the El Dorado Trail leads up to Camino with spectacular views along the way and relatively mild weather in autumn and early winter.
Less than 15 minutes from Harris Family Farm at the east end of “apple hill,” you’ll find Sly Park Recreation Area which has a more robust trail system. It’s popular in the summer months for the water activities and splashy scene at Jenkinson Lake, but its nine miles of trails offer everything from easy strolls to more difficult stretches along the south shore.
Details: Apple Ridge Farms is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends at 1800 Larsen Drive in Camino; https://appleridgefarms.com. Find details on Sly Park — 4771 Sly Park Road in Pollock Pines — at https://www.eid.org/recreation-5.