Image Credit: Eden Vale Inn
El Dorado County’s Sierra Foothills are a wine lover’s secret weapon, with over 70 wineries pouring bold Rhône-style gems like those at Holly’s Hill, robust reds from Fair Play and elegant whites from Apple Hill. Your hotel choice can elevate your tasting adventure—whether you’re savoring a Syrah near Placerville or exploring El Dorado Hills’ up-and-coming vines. Here’s where to crash after a day of sipping.
1. Historic Cary House Hotel – Placerville
300 Main St, Placerville, CA 95667
4.2 Stars (515)– Google | 3-Star Hotel
Why It’s Great for Wine Tasting: This 1857 Gold Rush relic in downtown Placerville is just 15 minutes from Holly’s Hill Vineyards and 10 minutes from Boeger Winery. Its vintage charm—think creaky floors and brick walls—pairs perfectly with a foothills wine crawl.
Standout Features: Cozy rooms with modern upgrades, free Wi-Fi, and a prime spot near tasting rooms like walking distance to Cappelli Wine on Main Street. Also walking distance to nearby eateries to keep you fueled.
Perfect for a low-key base after tasting Holly’s Hill Grenache.
Cons(?): Some say it’s haunted. On the other hand that might be a plus for some!
2. Eden Vale Inn – Coloma
4.9 Stars (546)– Google | 4-Star Hotel
1780 Springvale Rd, Placerville, CA 95667
Why It’s Great for Wine Tasting: Nestled near Coloma’s gold discovery site, this upscale B&B is 20 minutes from Holly’s Hill and 5 minutes from David Girard Vineyards.
Standout Features: Private tubs, a swimming pond, and a gourmet breakfast (think quiches) to power your tasting day. The 5-acre estate invites fireside wine sipping post-vineyard.
Wine-Tasting Perks: Hosts share winery intel, bridging Placerville and Fair Play gems.
3. Red Hawk Resort & Casino Hotel – Shingle Springs
4.1 Stars (13,667)– Google | 4-Star Hotel
1 Red Hawk Pkwy, Placerville, CA 95667
Why It’s Great for Wine Tasting: Just 20 minutes from Holly’s Hill Vineyards, this 156-room hotel sits atop a hill off Highway 50, blending wine country access with casino buzz. Opened in 2023, it’s a fresh pick for tasting trips with a twist.
Standout Features: Spacious rooms (440-900 sq ft) with floor-to-ceiling Sierra views, an outdoor pool, and six on-site dining options—steakhouse to Asian fusion.
Wine-Tasting Perks: A quick drive to our neighboring Pleasant Valley wineries (15-20 minutes) like Miraflores, plus gaming and entertainment for post-tasting fun. Bring back a Holly’s Hill Mourvèdre to sip here.
4. Holiday Inn Express & Suites – El Dorado Hills
4360 Town Center Blvd, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Why It’s Great for Wine Tasting: On El Dorado County’s western edge, this modern spot is 30-40 minutes from Holly’s Hill and 25 minutes from Madroña Vineyards. It’s a practical launchpad for Sierra Foothills AVA adventures.
Standout Features: Free hot breakfast, indoor pool, and roomy suites—ideal for groups. Highway 50 access simplifies hops to all your favorite Placerville area wineries.
5. Lucinda’s Country Inn – Fair Play
4.7 Stars (34)– Google | 4-Star Hotel
6701 Perry Creek Rd, Fair Play, CA 95684
Why It’s Great for Wine Tasting: In Fair Play’s wine core, this B&B is 25 minutes from Holly’s Hill and 10 minutes from Bumgarner Winery’s Fair Play tasting room.
Standout Features: Fireplaces, king beds, and a hearty breakfast buffet. Optional dinners (e.g., beef tenderloin) mean you can pair wines without leaving.
Wine-Tasting Perks: Hosts Lucinda and Daryl offer winery wisdom for Fair Play’s 20+ spots. Taste Holly’s Hill Roussanne, then crash in rustic comfort.
6. Best Western Stagecoach Inn – Pollock Pines
4.2 Stars (301)– Google | 3-Star Hotel
5940 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines, CA 95726
Why It’s Great for Wine Tasting: Off Highway 50, this budget pick is 25 minutes from Holly’s Hill and 15 minutes from Rainbow Orchards in Apple Hill (have you had their apple donuts???!)
Standout Features: Free breakfast, outdoor pool, and pet-friendly rooms—bring your pup for the ride. A quiet retreat after tasting.
Why These Hotels?
These stays nail location, vibe, and wine-tasting access, keeping you near Holly’s Hill Vineyards and El Dorado County’s best. From Placerville’s historic charm to Fair Play’s wine-soaked seclusion and Red Hawk’s modern edge, they cater to every taster’s style.
Pro Tips for Your Stay:
Getting Around: Rent a car—wineries sprawl, and rideshares are thin. Shuttles work for bigger groups.
Extras: Pair your trip with Holly’s Hill’s daily food menu.
El Dorado County’s wine scene is raw, authentic, and begging to be explored. Book one of these hotels, grab a glass, and taste what the foothills have to offer. Where are you staying?
