A Wine Lover’s Paradise in California — Fair Play

Located 4.5 miles northeast of Aukumat at an elevation of 2329 feet, Fair Play in El Dorado County, is home to some of the best and most popular wineries in California. The region's fabulous scenic beauty attracts an increasing number of visitors, especially wine lovers, every year from around the world.

Just an hour away from greater Sacramento, Fair Play is El Dorado’s premier wine growing AVA with extraordinary and high-quality grapes that help produce top-quality wines. If you are into wines, Fair Play should be on your to-visit list. Just one visit is sure to awaken your palate and make this Fair Play one of your favorite wine tasting destinations.

Apart from wine tasting tours, there are also a lot of Fair Play wineries events happening around the year that add to the fun and adventure. Winery owners put their heart and soul into their wineries and are very gracious. During the events, they give you a brief spiel about the winery and the wine production process.

There are more than 20 wineries in Fair Play with most being scattered between Fair Play and Somerset — Bom Vinho, Bumgarner, Busby Cellars, Cantiga Wineworks, E16 Winery, Element 79 Vineyards, Fleur De Lys Winery, Gwinllan Estate — just to name a few.

Every winery is different in its ways, for example, Skinner Vineyards is known for its amazing tasting room, view, and Rhone wines; Cantiga Wineworksis where extended cellaring produce a food-friendly wine; Cedarville Vineyard, apart from Great Rhone wines, offers terrific Zin and Cab; Gwinllan Estate allows you to taste Estate wines in a wine cave. For visitors looking for wines at reasonable rates, Oakstone Winery is the place to go.

Nearly all of the wineries in Fair Play are open for tasting and do not require an appointment in advance. If you are coming to El Dorado County and not visiting the wineries here, you will definitely be missing out on something really amazing. Take a wine tasting tour or be a part of Fair Play wineries events. To know the schedules, visit https://www.fairplaywine.com/events.

Three Beginner Hiking Tips for El Dorado Hiking Trails by Experts

The current COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately made many hiking enthusiasts put off their El Dorado hiking trips. But as soon it’s over, almost every enriching trail in Lake Tahoe will witness a rush of hikers and travelers from all across the world, embarked in an attempt to end their quarantine blues. While hiking is an excellent way to do that, things may turn out to be different, especially for new hikers in the region, if they aren’t well-prepared. 

To help hikers make the most of their hiking trips in El Dorado, we have pulled together a few hiking tips by experts. Let’s check them out:

Steer clear of the weather

No matter your hiking experience, whether you are an avid hiker or a complete novice, the weather is something everyone needs to be careful of. This is because as you gain altitude, weather changes and can turn opposite of what you expect in a blink. For instance, if you embarked on a family hiking trail in South Lake Tahoe, the chances that you may notice a heavy rainfall or snowfall as you reach the top, which wouldn’t be a pleasant experience if you don’t have warm clothes or a waterproof jacket in your backpack. Experts recommend packing at least three layers and a waterproof jacket for a wonderful hike. 

Pay attention to your feet

Foot injuries are common when hiking, and even experienced hikers are susceptible to them. Apart from common problems such as blisters and bruises, you may also struggle with severe problems such as ankle sprain and fracture. For instance, you may roll your ankle beyond what’s normal when hiking or hit a rock and injure your toe. To prevent foot injury, experts emphasize wearing well-fitted, quality hiking shoes that support the ankles. Plus, they also warn about leech bites, which are common in most enriching trails in Lake Tahoe during monsoon, and recommend wearing suitable socks and gait. 

Less is more

Many beginner hikers pack unnecessary items in their rucksack for their enriching hiking trail in Lake Tahoe. However, experts say it’s a blunder that not only ruins their hiking experience but also increases the risk of injury. With more weight on your shoulder, you are more likely to get tired soon and face problem hiking. Plus, you may also suffer from backache and shoulder pain because of a heavy backpack. As a rule of thumb, pack only what’s essential for an eventful hiking trip. 

Bottom Line

While it’s excellent to plan a trip to any family hiking trail in South Lake Tahoe, make sure to pay attention to what you pack and how you plan your trip for the best experience of your lifetime. For more information about backpacking and hiking in El Dorado, visit https://visit-eldorado.com.