The 10 Spot: Cool Tasting Rooms in Folsom El Dorado Hills
Rempfer Cellars
This rustic space was built with reclaimed wood from a vineyard in Amador County and has large beams and an original tin roof. When you visit, you’ll be greeted by their mascot—a wooden hand-carved farmer named Woody—and treated to a $5 (waived with bottle purchase) flight of five wines. Facebook fans are given a secret word every month that’ll get them special gifts or discounts when they visit. The kid-and pet-friendly locale is open Thursday through Sunday, from 1-8 p.m. 815 Sutter Street, Suite A, Folsom, 916-895-9463, rempfercellars.com
Fort Rock Brewing
Located at Nimbus Winery Village, which was rebuilt in 1905 after a fire, this tasting room features custom furniture and fixtures made with the original wooden beams and is open daily from 11 a.m. till 11 p.m. Family- and dog-friendly (must be leashed), guests can order off an exclusive appetizer and small plate menu from The Old Spaghetti Factory and Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. 12401 Folsom Boulevard, Suite 110, Rancho Cordova, 916-936-4616, fortrockbrewing.com
Gold River Distillery
This Rancho Cordova gem offers tastings of their Wheel House vodka, gin, absinthe, and more. The small but mighty space is the first distillery in Sacramento since the Prohibition, and the still they use was handcrafted by the distillery’s founder: Greg Baughman. Tastings (currently free) are available Fridays from 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other days are by appointment only. 11460 Sunrise Gold Circle, Rancho Cordova, 916-476-3868, goldriverdistillery.com
Gekkeikan Sake
Gekkeikan translates to “crown of laurel” and was initially founded in Japan in 1637. They came to Folsom in 1989 and have been serving up quality spirits ever since. Visit their state-of-the-art brewery that also houses a koi pond and Japanese garden from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Saturday, and enjoy complimentary tastings of plum wines and locally produced sakes. 1136 Sibley Street, Folsom, 916-985-3111, gekkeikan-sake.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 an 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
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
Cante Ao Vinho
Located in the up-and-coming Quarry District of Rocklin, this kid- and pet-friendly tasting room is in the historic Barudoni Building that was originally built in 1905 and houses cozy sofas and a sunny front porch. From Friday to Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., they offer a $5 tasting (waived with bottle purchase) of two whites, a rosé, three reds, and a port paired with dark chocolate. Catch live music every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.; come early for dinner prepared by Passionate Plates Catering. 5250 Front Street, Rocklin, 530-632-8058, canteaovinho.com
Holly’s Hill Vineyards
An Apple Hill favorite, this tasting room is a must-see if you’re in the area. Famed for the breathtaking views overlooking the vineyards and the surrounding foothills, Holly’s Hill is best enjoyed outdoors and is known to be one of the best picnic spots in the region. Their humble tasting room offers award-winning wines from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except holidays). 3680 Leisure Lane, Placerville, 530-344-0227, hollyshill.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
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
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By Tara Mendanha