The Fair Play AVA Welcomes Visitors From Around The World For Its 20th Anniversary Celebration

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains west of South Lake Tahoe lies some of the most remarkable wine-making terroir in the world. Among the rolling hills, pine trees, and golden glades of El Dorado County, the Fair Play Wine Region is like no other. This exclusive and seductive slice of mountain and sky has been producing unparalleled varietals since the Fair Play region earned its coveted American Viticulture Area (AVA) designation 20 years ago. Now, to celebrate, the region is hosting an event sure to draw casual wine lovers and connoisseurs alike: the Fair Play Wine Region’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.

Just off Highway 50, the 24 wineries of the Fair Play AVA happily thrive on the road less traveled, preferring instead to let the legend of gorgeous scenery and magnificent wine seep into the wine industry’s greater consciousness through word-of-mouth osmosis and the region’s award-winning wines. This under-discovered mountainous wine region offers visitors the chance to explore vineyards grown at altitude that produce highly sought-after wines. Inspired by Rhone Valley reds, Zinfandels, and Italian blends, the wines of the Fair Play region are true originals that will excite the palate of everyone, whether you are new to wine tasting or a seasoned aficionado. All you have to do now is come taste for yourself. Luckily, that’s exactly what the Fair Play Region’s 20th Anniversary Celebration is all about. Experience why this little-known regional gem is quickly becoming a can’t-miss for wine tourists from around the globe. On the weekend of March 26th and 27th, participating wineries will be offering complimentary tastings of their incredible wines at a variety of scenic locations across the region. When you taste something you like—and you will—the complimentary event pass affords you 15% discounts for all bottles purchased at the event. It’s a great way to not only introduce yourself to some of the best wines being produced in California today, but also to experience the breathtaking beauty of the region.

The Fair Play AVA is more than a collection of wineries; it’s a travel and leisure lover’s paradise. Close to historic Sacramento and southwest of the hip outdoor playground of South Lake Tahoe, the Fair Play region feels a world apart while being close to countless adventures and amenities. Its elevation—averaging between 2,000 and 3,000 feet above sea level—make the Fair Play AVA the second-highest appellation in California. The climate—hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters—has allowed the foothills to flourish as an appellation amenable to the rising U.S. popularity of Old World-inspired wines with a uniquely Californian spin. Barbera, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Zinfandel—the wines of this distinct region playfully oscillate from complex to approachable, yet they all share one enviable quality: They’re spectacular. The region’s bucolic beauty attracts more than just the wine crowd, making an extended visit to the region a tantalizing proposition, as vacation rental properties and other inviting lodging options are as plentiful as the pines. Between tastings at one of the many well-appointed tasting rooms of the region and enjoying world class cuisine often paired with Fair Play varietals, visitors hike the serene Sierra foothills or escape to cool mountain pools for a quick dip with a lover. Community here is important, too, as visitors often find themselves spending an afternoon talking about the authentic wine grown in the region with the winemakers themselves. The whole scene is friendly and relaxing, surrounded by stunning views and fresh mountain air, hosted by the vineyards, gardens, and firepits of Fair Play’s 24 wineries.

Come discover the Fair Play AVA for yourself. There’s no better time than the Fair Play Wine Region’s 20th Anniversary Celebration being held March 26th and 27th from 11am-4pm at the region’s participating wineries. Sign up for the Fair Play mailing list and receive a complimentary pass entitling you to free tastings and generous discounts on bottles exclusively for this one-time event. With so much to wine to experience, overnight lodging is recommended, with comfortable rooms available for reservation near the Fair Play AVA wineries. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime wine tasting event.

GRAB YOUR MAP

THE WINERIES

CREEKSIDE CORK & BREW 7915 Fairplay Rd. 530.503.0044 GOLDVINE BISTRO 6028 Grizzly Flat Rd. 530.626.4042 ROOSTERS 8171 Mt. Aukum Rd. 530.620.7005 BONES ROAD HOUSE 4430 Pleasant Valley Rd. 530.644.4301 HOLIDAY MARKET 4653 Mt. Aukum Rd. 530.644.3933

CHALET FLEUR DE LYS COTTAGE 7969 Perry Creek Rd. 530.620.2246 BUSBY VINEYARD 6375 Grizzly Flat Rd. 530.417.1789 ELEMENT HOUSE COTTAGE 7350 Fairplay Rd. 530.497.0750 LUCINDA’S COUNTRY INN & B&B 6701 Perry Creek Rd. 530.409.4169 SALUTI CELLARS 7505 Grizzly Flat Rd. 530.626.0800 TRENTO FAMILY 7-UP RANCH 8060 Fairplay Rd. 530.303.8281 V5 CABIN 7660 Perry Creek Rd. 408.823.7755 BEDS AND BERRIES 530.957.3341 THE RANCH AT STONEY CREEK 8320 Stoney Creek Road 530.401.4940 CRUSH PAD MELLOWOOD WINERY PRIVATE FARM STAY 2979 Mellowood Dr. 530.599.0313

WHERE TO EAT

WHERE TO STAY

LEARN MORE

Sponsored story

Visit the Château Élan Winery website to discover Château Élan wines today.

Learn more

Download Full Brochure