Have you had your visit Apple Hill?

Growing impatient with the incessant hot weather this summer, Fall hast roughly pushed Summer out of the way and brought cool crisp weather almost overnight. Stepping out your front door first thing in the morning brings a cool breeze to your nose that you have missed for many months. Soon will be the time for hearty soups, lazing around the evening fire and apple pie. What better time than now for an early season visit to Apple Hill?

Nestled in the pines just above Placerville, is a northern California gem that is a seasonal family tradition for many. Wandering amount the 50 odd ranches, you will find everything from fresh apples, pies and cider to fresh produce, wineries, a brewery, a train and even a fishing pond. For today's slow-food, local grown consumers; it is a little slice of heaven tucked away in our back yard.

Apple Hill is situated around the 3000 foot level with the Apple Hill Growers Association including about 50 ranches. By Labor Day (September 4th), most Apple Hill growers are open for visitors (some are open year-round).

By mid October, most of the pumpkin patches on the hill are open and providing this seasonal favorite to families for the months to come. Soon after Thanksgiving, the Christmas tree farms open up to provide fresh holiday trees for one and all. Many visit Apple Hill throughout the holiday season for fresh fall fruits and baked goods while perusing the many craft booths for the perfect Christmas present. Some simply come to enjoy the peace and beauty that is fall on Apple Hill.

A little history of the Hill

1951 and Floyd Bolster decided to retire to the rural community of Camino, California. He purchased a working ranch with 10 acres of producing apple trees where he pursued his dream of working his land and living the life of a farmer. Six years later, Floyd Bolster died, and his son Gene left his job in Southern California to come to the ranch and continue his father's dream.

Pears used to be the predominant crop in the Camino area until a blight reduce production from 52,000 tons in 1958 to 8,435 in 1965. At the time, a few of the ranchers had some apples planted and they realized that it was time for a new start in the region.

In 1962, inspired but the Oak Glen Apple Growers association in southern California, Bolster gathered the local Camino ranchers and formed the Apple Hill Growers Association. The first big harvest of the association was in 1964 which they promoted with a huge press picnic and promoted at that years California State Fair.

Since the early days, The Apple Hill Growers Association has grown from the 16 original ranchers to over 55 ranchers, including Christmas tree farms, pumpkin patches, vegetable farms, wineries, vineyards and even micro brewery.

Planning your visit

It is likely obvious at this point that you will find plenty of apples at Apple Hill. Apple pies, apple cider, apple pastries, caramel apples, and many other apple products available from the numerous bake shops, cider mills and casual dining spots. If you prefer the "hands-on" approach, many of the ranches offer the "you-pick" experience. Although this sounds like another labor saving ploy by the ranch owners, you may find that picking your own apples for the holidays becomes a family tradition.

Many stops also offer a casual lunch. You can grab a Tri-Tip sandwich at Boa Vista Orchards, enjoy Chicken Pasties at Denver Dan's or sit down for simple Bavarian fare at Bavarian Hills Orchard. Many of the ranches also offer picnic grounds if you prefer to bring your own lunch.

Apple Hill is also host to a number of wineries and vineyards. Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Syrah, Chardonnay and Merlot are a few the dominant varietals in the region. Vineyards planted with Barbera, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris are also taking up residence on the hill. Lava Cap Winery and Boeger Winery are two Apple Hill names you may have seen on your local shelves. A few vineyards such as Para Vi and Madroña Vineyards pride themselves on their small batch approach to wine making, so you may find a trip to the hill is the only way to sample the efforts of these vintners.

If you are looking for a place to bring the whole family, it is hard to beat Apple Hill. Many ranches offer kid friendly activities such as wagon and pony rides, corn and hay bale mazes, petting zoos and nature walks. The Fudge Factory Farm offers candy making demonstrations and a "Create a Creature" candy making activity. El Dorado Orchards and Honey Bear Ranch's craft vendors also offer hands-on projects for the kids.

One of the best things about the Apple Hill Growers Association is their organization. I don't have to give you the whole run-down, because their website is full of great information to help you plan your trip. In addition to maps and a full directory of the Apple Hill members, you will find everything you might need to make the most of your day. You can find everything at the site, but here a few of the most important downloads:

While you are poking around the site, remember that your visits to Apple Hill are not just limited to the fall. Many of the ranches and wineries are open year round and you will find other crops besides apples throughout the year. Berries, plums and cherries are usually available in mid June according to the harvest schedule and you will find many other ranches going organic and ready to serve you. Apple Hill has so much to offer for such a short drive, it is a shame to visit just once a year!

And while you are up that way, don't forget to stop in Placerville for a visit to Winterhill Farms for artisan olive oils and Zia's for some amazing hand made gellato!

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Have you had your visit Apple Hill?
Wednesday, 07 October 2009

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