Why you should visit Somerset wineries
This blog post covers the best wineries in Somerset, California.
Somerset wineries are only an hour from Sacramento but the area feels like a hidden gem. There are mountain views, picturesque hilltop vineyards, and lots and lots of wine.
Easily accessible? Mountain views? Fine wine? Check, check, and check.
If you ask an American to identify their favorite major wine region in the United States they’ll likely list Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, or Willamette Valley. But don’t discount the valleys around Somerset, California.
Somerset wineries are situated in the beautiful Sierra Foothills in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area’s various microclimates allow grape vines to experience cool breezes in the summer and limited frost in the winter.
This ultimately makes for complex (and delicious!) wine.
If you’re looking for an easily accessible wine region that combines stellar mountain views with great wine then Somerset wineries are the answer. This list will help you find the best Somerset vineyard & winery for you.
How to access Somerset in El Dorado County
It’s relatively easy to access the wine country around Somerset, California. Visitors can fly into one of three nearby cities: Sacramento, Stockton, or Modesto.
You can fly into the Sacramento International Airport (SMF), rent a car, and then drive approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to Somerset. Stockton, California is just a bit further. You could fly into Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) and then drive about 1 hour and 30 minutes to Somerset. Your third option would be to fly into Modesto City-County Airport (MOD), rent a car, and then drive 2 hours to Somerset.
Once you reach Somerset you will still need a car to access the wineries on this list. Although the wineries are close to one another, this area isn’t known for public transportation. Renting a car is definitely the way to go.
The best Somerset wineries for a wine tasting
Wineries in Somerset, California
Skinner Vineyards & Winery
Skinner Vineyards & Winery is located in the mountains near Somerset, California.
James Skinner established the winery in 1861 and the Skinner family has continued his winemaking legacy for generations.
The Skinner winemaking philosophy rests upon a deep respect for the land. Their grapes are estate-grown and their wine is meticulously handcrafted. They blend old-world techniques with innovative farming and winemaking methods. White wines such as Picpoul Blanc, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussanne plus red wines such as Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel comprise their offerings.
Skinner Vineyards & Winery has two locations: the Green Valley Ranch and the Stoney Creek Vineyard. The tasting room and park at Skinner’s Green Valley Ranch is open Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5 PM for tastings and picnicking. The tasting room at Stoney Creek Vineyard is open Friday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM for tastings. Both tasting rooms close on major holidays.
Saluti Cellars
Saluti Cellars crafts distinctive wines on a gorgeous property in El Dorado County.
They work with grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Grenache, and Mourvèdre.
Saluti takes a green approach to their property. They use organic gardening and pest control methods. Harsh chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics are never used. They’re fully solar powered and they even have an electric vehicle charging station for customers. And if that wasn’t enough they’re animal lovers too. I’m sure you’ve heard of winery dogs, but what about winery cats, chickens, sheep, cattle, and horses? Saluti has a full menagerie of furry family members.
Saluti Cellars is also a wedding venue and a gorgeous one at that. Guests can enjoy their beautiful landscape, which boasts panoramic vineyard views, lush greenery, and a tranquil pond. So whether you choose to savor a glass of wine on the porch, stroll the tree-lined trails, or pet the friendly farm animals, you are sure to find something to enjoy at Saluti Cellars.
The wine tasting experience at Saluti Cellars is a mere $7 per person, which is complimentary with wine purchase.
Sentivo Vineyards & Winery
Sentivo Vineyards & Winery is both a winery and a wedding event space.
They released a 2022 Vermentino El Dorado, which has hints of lemon peel, lime, tangerine, and lychee. If you’re a fan of sweet wines then this one’s for you.
Sentivo Vineyards is also the perfect backdrop for those who dream of a California wine country wedding. Couples can exchange vows surrounded by the beautiful estate’s rolling vineyards and the Sierra Foothills. Sentivo conveniently offers lodgings on the winery grounds, which are available to rent to club members exclusively. Accommodations include a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a beautiful view of the vineyard.
On Monday and Thursday Sentivo Vineyards & Winery is open for wine tastings from noon to 4 PM. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday they are open from 11 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Kehret Vineyards
Timing and passion played a big part in the creation of Kehret Vineyards.
Bill and Bonnie Kehret were enthusiastic about wine, interested in mountain geology, and familiar with El Dorado wineries. Just as Bill was set to retire from his Silicon Valley tech company the old Mt. Aukum winery came up for sale.
In 2018 the couple purchased the property and released their first wines in 2019. In 2020 the Kehret’s welcomed Steve Leveque as Master Winemaker. Leveque had previously worked at Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley for a decade. Together, the Kehrets and Leveque transformed winemaking in the Fair Play region and the Sierra Foothills.
Kehret Vineyards produces wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Barbera, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Chardonnay.
The tasting room is open from Friday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Guests are welcome to enjoy the indoor tasting room, the outdoor patio, or a picnic in the vineyard. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Toogood Estate Winery
In 2001 Paul Toogood established the Toogood Estate Winery on a 40 acre parcel of rolling foothills.
He created an impressive 5,000 square foot wine cave that includes a winery production area, an aging space, and a tasting room.
In 2019 Ron and Darin Mittelstaedt purchased the property and created a true family-owned winery that employs all of their children. Together they craft wines such as Malbec, Zinfandel, Barbera, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Montepulciano, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
This lovely Somerset winery has a hillside terrace, an event center, and a rooftop patio. Toogood Estate Winery is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. The final tasting is at 5 PM and tours are available by reservation.
Where to taste wine near Somerset, California
Boeger Winery (Placerville)
Boeger Winery has roots in the 1849 Gold Rush.
The original land owners were the Fossati-Lombardo family who initially sought their fortune in the gold fields. They soon realized there was plenty of money to be made in selling goods to the miners and they started a fruit and nut farm and then a winery and distillery.
In 1972, Greg and Sue Boeger discovered this lovely property and quickly began experimenting with different grape varieties such as Barbera, Carignane, Refosco, Charbono, and Aglianico. The Boeger’s premium wines (especially the Barberas) have garnered dozens of awards.
The Boeger Winery tasting room is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. Guests can stand inside the tasting room and enjoy a flight of six different wines; the tasting takes about one hour. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays guests can take a seat in the cozy historic cellar.
Walk-ins are welcome. Guests may bring a picnic to enjoy or they can purchase charcuterie platters, sandwiches, and nonalcoholic beverages onsite.
Wofford Acres Vineyards (Camino)
If you’re looking for award-winning red wine then Wofford Acres Vineyards is a Somerset winery you should not miss.
Wofford Acres Vineyards is a family-owned winery that focuses on full-bodied wines that reflect the Sierra Foothill region.
After earning a degree in Geology and then Enology, Paul Wofford worked in the cellars of Clos du Val and Zaca Mesa. After making award-winning wine for decades he moved to Camino in 2003 and founded Wofford Acres Vineyards along with his wife Ann and his brother Mike.
They purchased a beautiful property that overlooks the South Fork of the American River. What began as an apple orchard soon became a vineyard full of different varieties of grapes such as Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, Nebbiolo, Gewurztraminer, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wofford Acres Vineyards is open year-round but their opening hours change seasonally. For spring and summer (which they define as March through August) they are open Thursday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. They are closed Monday through Wednesday.
Shadow Ranch Vineyard (Fair Play)
Shadow Ranch Vineyard sits at the heart of Fair Play wine country in El Dorado County.
Built in 1888, the old barn and original outbuildings have a rustic Gold Rush era feel. Their location atop a picturesque hilltop in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains is the icing on the cake.
Shadow Ranch Vineyard takes a sustainable approach to their winemaking and the environment. Their operation is solar powered and they farm their vineyards organically. The ten acres of vines at Shadow Ranch include Zinfandel, Grenache, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Shadow Ranch wines reflect the estate’s high elevation and fine-grained granite-heavy soil.
Guests can visit the wine tasting room and boutique or enjoy a picnic beneath towering oak trees. Tours and tastings are available from Friday through Sunday between 11 AM and 5 PM. Shadow Ranch Vineyards does not require reservations and they are dog friendly.
Similar wine regions to explore
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