Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oils and Gifts: 

Ever since Winterhill Olive Oil opened its doors over seven years ago, it’s been dedicated to producing “products with passion.” In addition to selling award-winning, certified-local artisanal olive oils (olives are grown on the owners’ farm in El Dorado County), antioxidant coffees, honey, jams, jellies, gourmet chocolates from Annabelle’s Chocolate Lounge, and other specialty food products are also available. What’s more, Winterhill’s labels are adorned with colorful, original artwork from local developmentally challenged artists; signed, limited-edition prints are sold on the company’s website, and 100 percent of proceeds go to Southside Art Center and Mother Lode Rehabilitation Enterprises (MORE). Taste your way through their beautiful Main Street store, and if you BYOB (bring your own bottle) receive a 40 percent discount! Location: 321 Main Street, Placerville, 530-626-6369, winterhillfarms.com
 //  ALSO CHECK OUT:  We Olive at 713 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-933-1650, weolive.com

Gifts for the Wine Lover:

Located in the Shenandoah Valley of the Sierra Foothills is Terra d’Oro Winery. Best known for its Zinfandels, the winery produces many delicious wines, including Italian varietals like Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and the perennial favorite Barbera. At both noon and 2 p.m. on any Friday, Saturday or Sunday, Terra d’Oro offers a free and fun tour of its 64,000 square-foot production building (reservations required for groups of six or more). Tastings are also complimentary, and the gift shop—complete with giftware, logo apparel and gourmet food products—is a must-see when shopping for a wine lover. Make it a family outing or a romantic date when you relax at the large, shaded picnic area and take in the gorgeous vineyard views.
Location: 20680 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth, 209-245-6942, terradorowinery.com
//  ALSO CHECK OUT:   Bear River Wine Tasting, 10024 Linnet Lane,  Auburn, 530-269-2327, sierraknollswinery.com

Great Grub-Grilling Supplies and More: 

It’s barbecue season, which means it’s time to stock up on your grillin’ needs. At Placerville Hardware, a 162-year-old establishment and the “oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi,” you can find a selection of top-quality Weber grills as well as Kamado and portable grills, smokers, grill covers, tools, accessories and replacement parts. While the handyman (or woman) of the house is at work, sit back, relax and enjoy one of their numerous patio furniture sets, Adirondack chairs, hammocks, or Westfield Zero Gravity chairs! Bonus: Get free shipping to the store with all orders placed online. Location: Placerville Hardware at 441 Main Street, Placerville, 530-622-1151, facebook.com/placervillehardware
//  ALSO CHECK OUT: Country Elegance at 4496 Missouri Flat Road, Placerville, 530-622-9338, countryeleganceplacerville.com

Wine to Bring People Together: 

Starting with a modest three barrels of wine, Crystal Basin Cellars and Bistro has turned that modest start into a business with 600 barrels and a five-star restaurant attached. “I have always loved making wine,” says owner Mike Owen. “It’s a very tangible product that brings people together and makes them feel good.” If you head to Crystal Basin, you must grab a bottle of the 2011 Mourvedre. “It breaks the mold of Mourvedre as a ‘blending grape’ with ‘earthy’ flavors,” Owen says. “It’s a bottle you want to take to share with your wine snob friends to show off this area.” Location: 3550 Carson Road, Camino, 530-647-1767, crystalbasin.com
//  ALSO CHECK OUT:  Avio Vineyards at 14520 Ridge Road, Sutter Creek, 209-267-1515, aviowine.com; Helwig Winery, 11555 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, 209-245-5200, helwigwinery.com; Miraflores Winery, 2120 4 Springs Trail, Placerville, 530-647-8505, mirafloreswinery.com; and Renwood Winery, 12225 Steiner Road, Plymouth, 209-245-6979, renwood.com