SIERRA FOOTHILLS LETS YOU SET THE PACE
by Debi Drake-Maurer
Factor in fog-free days, easy access to mountain recreation and
friendly merchants along the route, and a drive through the Sierra
foothills this time of year lets you unwind or kick up the fun a
notch.
Guests treasure the privacy of the historic Dunbar House in
Murphys. The personal touch of innkeepers Barbara and Bob Costa is
found throughout the Victorian home. Cotton bed linens and towels
soothe weary travelers. The use of designer high-end fabrics
throughout the décor create a sophisticated yet comfortable
retreat that’s never dark or overstuffed. Lavish gardens are
planted to display color year-round, with edible flowers gracing
the Costa’s home cooked meals.
“We use lots of old family recipes but in our travels we always
look for new recipes,” says Barbara. “We also note preferences for
meals, so if you want crab soufflé for five nights, we can do
that. Or, be surprised every day with anything from Salmon Hash to
Blueberry Lemon French Toast.”
Balance all of that good food and lounging with a visit to Bear
Valley Ski Resort or a hike through the aspens along State Highway
4, 39 miles away. For downtown adventures, a gentle stroll across
the creek leads you to historic Murphys.
At the west end of Murphys, stop by and say hello to Janis and
David Olson and taste some of the Blacksheep Winery’s renowned red
wines. Zinfandel, Cabernet, Merlot or Cinsault may grace your
glass as they share the story of how David went from being a ‘home
winemaker out-of-control’ to joining with other local vintners to
put Calaveras County wines on the map.
“The Cinsaut we offer is usually used as a blending wine, but here
it stands on its own merits,” says Janis. “It’s a Rhone that
originated in the South of France and is the fourth most planted
grape in the Rhone region. But in California, fewer than 150 acres
are planted.”
Janis suggests pairing the very peppery, light bodied wine with
holiday game birds, turkey, pork or BBQ chicken in the spring.
The marriage of food and wine is the focus of winemaker’s dinners
and wine release parties scheduled for 2004 at Boeger Winery in
Placerville.
“Right now, everyone is anticipating the arrival of our 2001
Reserve Barbera, which is our flagship wine,” says Tara Moore,
wine club and events coordinator. “The grape’s reputation carries
it even before the bottle is opened. We expect it in early 2004”
The new tasting room and grounds laden with Gold Rush charm can
also host your next event, says Tara. Or get better acquainted
with the earthy origins of wine with vineyard nature tours come
spring.
El Dorado County’s Boeger, Lava Cap and Madrona wines are just a
few of the stars of evening receptions for guests of The Historic
Cary House Hotel in Placerville. The brick building has been
welcoming folks since 1857 and serves as a home-away-from-home for
visitors who want to soak up Gold Rush history, go antiquing or
sample the region’s food and drink.
“Lots of people like not having to get back in their car the
entire weekend,” says Michelle Wren. “Right out our front door is
Main Street, which can keep you busy for days. And one local
restaurant, The Sequoia, can provide limo rides if you request it
in advance.”
A Women’s Get-Away, complete with chair massages and a Pampered
Chef hands-on demonstration, is scheduled for January. February ‘s
Romance Packaged and Mystery Dinner theaters throughout the year
are also popular with guests, says Wren. Ask about mid-week
discounts and Third Saturday Art Walk and winery event specials.
Next door, the Wythe Gallery lets you enjoy the treasures of
tomorrow today. Owner Wendy Wythe just celebrated her grand
reopening and says the move has been a dramatic change in venue.
“You step inside and get a real sense of how a piece will look and
feel in your home, office or garden,” says Wythe. “The spiritual
and natural energies of the artists’ own creative processes are
really evident here.”
From the large, bronze sculptures of Miles Metzger and Blaine
Black to Shades of Gold’s petite sculpted glass animals clothed in
hues of blue, pink and purple, there’s art to fit any room. Other
featured artists include: photographers Rick Extrom and Gus J.
Grubba; painters Lenore Beran, Laura Butler, Keith Clark and Kim
Eckert, Thaleia Georgiades, Kolsoum Ginney, Janice McBride;
ceramics by Joe Rohret and Deborah Hill. Not much space at home?
Then decorate yourself or a loved one with jewelry by Colourways
or Lori Bonn.
“If you’re looking for a gift to blow people’s socks off, you’ll
find it here,” enthuses Lori Goodfield, owner, of Athena Fine
Jewelry and Art Glass in Grass Valley. “Some of the pieces are in
the Louvre Museum; other artists are featured at the Smithsonian.
Two of my glass artists worked with Chuilly. I guarantee that my
designers are anybody who’s anybody.”
Lori, who’s brought customers dreams to life with her own
goldsmithing talents for twenty-eight years, looks for artists who
deliver one-of-a-kind designs with their jewelry and art glass.
Award-winning artists found here include Barry Entner, Randy
Strong, Eddie Sakamoto ad Pascal Lacroix. Her goal is to bring an
awareness of the intricacies of both art forms to the people who
visit her shop at the corner of Mill and Main. And while Athena
may be tucked away in the bucolic Sierra foothills, Lori promises
that she has a worldwide reach when it comes to offering art that
reflects quality and diversity, serenity and style.
Boeger Winery, 1709 Carson Road, Placerville, 800/655-2634,
www.boegerwinery.com
Lava Cap Winery, 2221 Fruitridge Rd., Placerville, 530/621-0175,
www.lavacap.com
Madrona Vineyards, 2560 High Hill Rd., Camino, 530/644-5948,
www.madronavineyards.com
Wythe Gallery Exclusive Works of Art, 304 Main St., Placerville,
530/626-4149, www.wythegallery.com
Dunbar House, 1880, 271 Jones Street, Murphys, 800/692-6006,
www.dunbarhouse.com
Athena Fine Jewelry and Art Glass, 201 West Main St., Grass
Valley.
Historic Cary House Hotel, 300 Main Street, Placerville,
530/622-4271, www.caryhouse.com
Blacksheep Winery, Main Street, Murphys, 209/728-2157,
www.blacksheepwinery.com
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