El Dorado County covers a lot of territory on either side of the Highway 50 corridor leading up to Lake Tahoe, and one of the most popular regions to visit at this time of year is Apple Hill, a region on the north side of the highway between Placerville and Pollock Pines.
More than 50 family-owned ranches welcome visitors in this compact, visitor-friendly area, but Apple Hill isn’t all about apples. It’s a winemaking region, too, with seven wineries and a brewery on the Wine Trail map.
Fenton Harriott Vineyards, situated along the old Pony Express Trail, is especially dog-friendly, while Crystal Basin Cellars, specializing in Rhone-style varietals, welcomes dogs in its picnic area and often attracts 20 or more canines during wine-club events. Boeger Winery is a favorite among those who appreciate laid-back atmosphere and rustic architecture along with big, flavorful reds. Dogs are allowed in the tasting room as well as in the lovely picnic area. Forgot your pick-up bags? Not to worry; there’s a dispenser on the grounds.
Wofford Acres Vineyards counts hard cider among its offerings and has a dog-friendly picnic area overlooking the American River. Some Apple Hill wineries are open daily, some only on weekends or by appointment, so be sure to check before you go.
Beyond the wineries, Apple Hill is a treat for dogs and their people during fall harvest season. The country roads connecting ranches and farms are scenic and mostly low-traffic, making them pleasant for a walk with your pup between stops. Many of the fruit stands and bakeries have outdoor seating where your dog is welcome to hang out while you sample warm apple donuts, fresh cider and homemade pies. The air smells like apples and pine, and your dog will have plenty of new scents to investigate along the way.
If you’re making a day of it, plan to arrive early on weekends — Apple Hill draws big crowds from Sacramento and the Bay Area, and parking at popular ranches fills up fast. Weekday visits are much mellower, giving you and your dog more room to roam. And if you’re visiting in the heat of September, bring water for your pup and stick to the shaded picnic areas during the warmest hours. A tired, happy dog snoozing in the backseat on the drive home, surrounded by bags of fresh-picked apples, is the best souvenir of an Apple Hill outing.
