Apple Hill: What to See, Eat & Do This Fall

It’s official: Apple Hill is open!

 With the cooler temperatures and changing leaves, there’s no denying that fall has officially arrived in the Sacramento region. For many, fall means a visit to Apple Hill, the designated apple-growing region near Placerville in El Dorado County.

 In fact, a visit to Apple Hill is a rite of passage for locals, especially families. Many people grew up going to Apple Hill as kids, spending the day picking apples, eating apple pie, and visiting a pumpkin patch — all while enjoying crisp autumn air and beautiful mountain views. That tradition continues today.

 Although apples are the main draw, there’s so much more to Apple Hill. Many farms also have craft fairs, picnic areas, and fall activities such as hayrides. For grownups, there are wineries, cideries, shopping, and live music throughout the season.

 What’s New in Apple Hill

Apple Hill has come a long way since its days as a simple farmers’ collective. Today, it’s a thriving agricultural area with more than 50 farms growing everything from apples to berries, veggies to flowers. If you haven’t been in a while, following are some of the new(ish) things to check out.

•  Flower Trail. Apple Hill may be best known for its apples but many farms also grow beautiful flowers as well. You can follow the Flower Trail and visit these bloom-centric growers, pick your own bouquets, and take pictures among the colorful blossoms. There are plenty of varieties that bloom in fall.
• Hard Cider Trail. With apples comes apple cider. In fact, many of the first apple trees planted in the U.S. were grown to make hard apple cider. Apple Hill growers have been producing hard cider for generations, and you can visit their farms and sip their products right at the source.
• Johnny Appleseed Instagram Contest. Johnny Appleseed is America’s folk hero, introducing apple trees to the US during the 1800s. His legacy is honored each year in Apple Hill with kids’ activities and discounts. This year, on Sept. 26–27, participating farms are giving away prizes to those who take selfies with the Johnny Appleseed figures hidden on their properties and post to Instagram.

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Events in Apple Hill

Apple Hill has always been a laid-back destination for exploring with no itinerary needed. But many farms have been adding special events to their calendars to attract a more diverse crowd. Movie nights, paint and sips, and live music are just a few of the events held throughout the region. Notable events this season include:

• Supper Club Movie Night, Delfino Farms, Sept. 25. Afro-Latino cuisine and Cast Away.
• Kid’s Weekend, Delfino Farms, Sept. 26–27. Cooking classes and crafts.
• Handblown Glass Pumpkin Patch, Bluestone Meadow, Sept. 25–27. Live glassblowing demonstrations and 7,000 glass pumpkins.
• Haunted Forest, Madrone Tree Hill, October weekends. Spooky forest trail.
• Harvest Festival with a Romanian Twist, Docmanov Vineyards, Oct. 10. Romanian food, music and dancing.
• Halloween at the Vineyard, Docmanov Vineyards, Oct. 23. Mulled wine, treats, and face painting.
• Nevada Days, various farms, Oct. 30–31. Discounts for Nevada residents.

 What to Do in Apple Hill

There’s no shortage of things to do in Apple Hill. But naturally, the first thing on everyone’s list is buying some fresh apples! There are dozens of farms to choose from, each of which grows different apple varieties. Many farms also have U-pick options, although these are weather and harvest dependent.

 In the days leading up to Halloween, strolling through a pumpkin patch is also a popular activity. Many have all the attractions you’d expect for that fall experience: hayrides, hay bale mazes, and autumn activities for kids. Following are some options.

• Delfino Farms has a 3-acre pumpkin patch as well as a 2-acre corn maze.
• O’Halloran’s Apple Trail Ranch has an on-the-vine pumpkin patch.
• Apple Ridge Farms has a pumpkin patch and a hay bale maze for the little ones.
• High Hill Ranch has pumpkins and a hayride through the orchards.
• 24Carrot Farm has pumpkins as well as flowers, tomatoes, and berries.

 Taste Local Wine

As mentioned previously, Apple Hill is part of the greater El Dorado wine growing region. Vineyards blanket the rolling hills of the region and wineries offer tasting on most days. Local wineries include:

• Boeger Winery. This family-owned winery offers tastings looking over its charming garden, complete with a pond.
• Delfino Farms. Delfino Farms produces small-batch wine under the Edio Vineyards label.
• Docmanov Vineyards & Winery. This off-the-radar winery produces unique varietals and has a lovely outdoor tasting area.
• Fenton Herriott Vineyards. This small winery offers tastings in its quaint picnic area overlooking the vineyards. They also have bocce ball!
• Lava Cap Winery. With scenic views of the surrounding mountains, Lava Cap offers estate-grown varietals.
• Lewis Grace Winery. This small winery offers tasting flights on their charming outdoor patio with views of the mountains beyond.
• Madroña. This popular winery offers estate-grown varietals and hosts special events such as tasting classes, pairings, and winemaker dinners.
• Rucksack Cellars. This small-but-mighty tasting room in the heart of Apple Hill offers tasting flights on a rustic patio overlooking the vineyard.
• Starfield Vineyards. It’s all about the calming mountain scenery at this charming winery, which has miles of nature trails, a beautiful lake, and manicured gardens.

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What To Eat in Apple Hill

Leave your diet at the county line when traveling to Apple Hill. Here, it’s desserts first. Apple pie, apple fritters, apple cake, apple donuts, and apple turnovers are the draw. Caramel apples are also on the menu, some covered in chocolate chips or sprinkles. You can even find frozen pies to take home. Following are some top spots.

• Apple Pantry Farm has vegan options and they do not use any nuts in their recipes.
• Grandpa’s Cellar  has a 7-pound party pie and is one of the only spots where you can find gluten-free pastries like crisps, cookies and muffins.
• High Hill Ranch also has an expansive bake shop with pies, donuts, fritters, caramel apples and even caramel apple cider milkshakes.
• Larsen Apple Barn has a wide variety of pies, including apple, pumpkin and berry, as well as turnovers and dumplings.
• Rainbow Orchards is known for its hot-from-the-fryer apple donuts, as well as pies, cobblers, crisps and tarts.

 If you must eat a “regular” meal, there are several options. Abel’s Apple Acres offers smoked pork and barbecue chicken; Boa Vista has brisket and burgers; and Larsen Apple Barn has sandwiches and vegetarian items. Or, you can pack your own food and have a picnic.

 Go Shopping in Apple Hill

Shopping is another big draw of Apple Hill. In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, many spots also have farm stands selling gourmet food products such as jams and jellies, fruit and nut butters, honey, dehydrated fruit, sauces and other items. Apple Ridge Farms has homemade fudge, BBQ sauce and apple butters as well as local handicrafts; Rainbow Orchards has jams, butters, syrups and vinegars, and Grandpa’s Cellar has local honey, jams and jellies, vintage cookware, soup mixes, home decor and local crafts. Every year, High Hill Ranch hosts one of the largest craft shows in the region, with artisan vendors selling woodworking, jewelry, bath and body products, crocheted goods, pottery, and much more. It runs September through mid-December.

Apple Hill FAQ

What is Apple Hill?

Apple Hill is a region made up of more than 50 farms, orchards, ranches, wineries, and tree farms. Most of the farms are members of the Apple Hill Growers Association, but some are not. Most apple farms are open Labor Day weekend through December. But there are also berry farms open during the summer, flower farms open in the spring, and Christmas Tree farms open in the winter — usually the weekend after Thanksgiving. Wineries are open year-round.

When Does Apple Hill Open?

Because it’s simply a growing region, Apple Hill is technically always open. But each individual farm is only open to the public during certain times and they set their own hours. Most apple ranches open in mid- to late-September for the fall season, but some, especially those that grow other fruits and veggies, are open year-round. There are also Christmas tree farms that don’t open until November or December. Wineries, breweries, and cideries tend to be open year-round.

What’s the Best Time to Go to Apple Hill?

October is hands down the busiest month in Apple Hill. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to go during the week or early in the morning. Otherwise, go in September or wait until November when the crowds have thinned out.

Can I Bring My Dog to Apple Hill?

Every farm and ranch sets its own rules regarding bringing dogs, so check with the spots you’d like to visit ahead of time to make sure they welcome your four-legged friend.