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Style Magazine

The 10 Spot: Cool Tasting Rooms in El Dorado County

Via Romano Vineyards. Visit this fun, urban tasting room that was created from an old tractor repair barn built in the early 1960s. When the weather is favorable, they open the large glass roll-up door and have outdoor seating with a fire pit and “pizza on the patio” (second and fourth Fridays). Try their current wines for $5 (waived with bottle purchase) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 3400 Carson Court, Suite D, Placerville, 530-269-9463, vrv.vin

Lewis Grace Winery. Surrounded by estate vines on a historic piece of property with original buildings from the 1800s, this elegant winery has a popular patio where you can sip their award-winning Cabernet, Tempranillo, Pinot Gris, and more. Open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., their tasting room is inviting, with wooden interiors and warm undertones. Tastings includes six wines (white, red, dessert) for $5 (refundable with bottle purchase); groups larger than six are encouraged to make reservations. 2701 Carson Road, Placerville, 530-642-8424, gracepatriotwines.com

Nello Olivo Winery. Located in the historic wine cellar of the Bee-Bennett House—parts of which are from 1853—this tasting room has a handmade Dutch-style door, rustic stone, and Nello himself, sharing his “wine wisdom” from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday-Sunday. They offer $5 (applied to purchase) tastings and a special $25 cellar tasting on the weekends at 2 p.m. (90 minutes; six wines, cheeses, and charcuterie). Their new tasting room opens soon at 35544 Carson Road. 643 Bee Street, Placerville, 530-409-5603, nelloolivo.com

Boeger Winery. Boeger was the first modern-day (post-Prohibition) winery in the El Dorado AVA and boasts a craftsman-style tasting room. Choose from a signature wine tasting for $5 (six tastes of your choice) or a select wine tasting for $15 (includes limited wines and a glass). The inviting space is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except holidays). Well-mannered pets on leashes are welcome and you’re free to play cornhole outside while enjoying the scenery. 1709 Carson Road, Placerville, 530-622-8094, boegerwinery.com

Findleton Estate and Vineyard. This boutique winery’s tasting room is a fusion of fine art and finer wine. Internationally known artist Pamela Findleton’s artwork can be found on the labels and you can hear the stories behind them when you visit on weekends. Enjoy $5 tastings (waived with bottle purchase) of select whites and reds daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pets are allowed and you can enjoy food from their pub on the patio before a game of cornhole. 3500 Carson Road, Camino, 530-644-4018, finzinwines.com

Chateau Davell Winery. Check out Chateau Davell’s new tasting room that’s situated on a two-acre vineyard with stunning surrounds. Family- and dog-friendly, they have indoor and outdoor bars, a covered patio, and a children’s play area. The sustainably designed digs feature 100 percent recycled materials and the winemaker’s original label artwork. Tastings are $10 (waived with bottle purchase) and include six wines with cheese pairings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 3020 Vista Tierra Drive, Camino, 530-644-2016, chateaudavell.com

Narrow Gate Vineyards. This intimate, boutique winery is tucked away among the pines and offers wine tasting in their romantic cellar with old wooden barn doors, candlelight, and wine barrels galore. Their $5 tastings allow you to choose six wines between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday. They also have a patio that’s ideal for picnicking. 4282 Pleasant Valley Road, Placerville, 530-644-6201, narrowgatevineyards.com

Mraz Brewing Company. This quaint and cozy tasting room has dark wood, cushioned stools, and natural light. Custom beer art and bottle label prints decorate the walls and there are viewing windows to the brewing space. The pet-friendly patio has a fire pit and games to keep you occupied and outside food is welcome. Twelve beers are always on tap and hours are 3-9 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, 3-10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon till 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon till 8 p.m. on Sunday. 2222 Francisco Drive, Suite 510, El Dorado Hills, 916-934-0744, mrazbrewingcompany.com

Miraflores Winery. Check out this elegant Mediterranean-inspired tasting room that overlooks 40 acres of estate vineyards. The space is filled with pieces from around the world, a centuries-old fireplace, salvaged wooden beams, and 200-year-old stone flooring. Enjoy the views on the pet-friendly patio and taste their award-winning wines from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except holidays). 2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville, 530-647-8505, mirafloreswinery.com

Dry Diggings Distillery. This distillery may be situated in an unassuming business park, but don’t be fooled by its exteriors. Step inside and you’re transported to the Gold Rush era with period wood, wallpaper, antique photos, and a historic bar. Sample a clear flight (vodkas, rums, gins, brandies) for $10, mixed flight (three clear and three whiskies) for $15, or all whiskey flight for $20. They also offer half flights for half the price. They’re open from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Friday. 5050 Robert J Mathews Parkway, El Dorado Hills, 916-542-1700, drydiggingsdistillery.com

FOR MORE TASTING ROOMS, VISIT STYLEEDC.COM!

by Tara Mendanha