WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO APPLE HILL CALIFORNIA?
Apple hill is located in Camino, CA which is about 45 minutes from Sacramento. Apple Hill contains 55+ countryside farms. There is more to Apple Hill than just the apples. Apple Hill offers breweries, wineries, fruit orchards and even Christmas tree farms. The best time to go to Apple Hill is during the fall months of September-November which is when the apples are harvested. Plus there are so many fall activities that you cannot resist including petting zoos, pumpkin patches and apple picking. Usually in the month of October, there is the most traffic, crowds of people and longer lines. If you’re able to go on a weekday, you can stop at more farms. Friday is the best time to visit Apple Hill because the lines are short but it also isn’t entirely a ghost town.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN APPLE HILL?
Before you arrive on the beautiful scenic route, I recommend downloading the Apple hill app or downloading this map. There are so many farms on Apple Hill that you will not be able to hit them all in one day. Each farm is beautiful and unique in their own way and offers a variety of activities, foods, etc. You can plan your day on really what you like to do. If you have children there are pumpkin patches, hay mazes, face painting and tons of family fun. However, if you don’t have kids, Apple Hill is an absolute blast to go as a couple or with your friends. I recommend having a designated driver and incorporating lots of food in between. From the bakeries, delicious food, apple wine and beer, you’ll leave with a full belly and happy heart.
WHAT ARE THE BEST APPLE HILL FARMS WITHOUT KIDS?
BOA VISTA
An absolute gem. Boa Vista is open year round. It is right off the freeway. It is a great place to start your journey to snag some apple cider donuts. They have a market with all different kinds of fruits and goodies. They have goodies you didn’t even know could have apples in them! I recommend getting some apple butter and anything that makes you drool and you can just leave it in the car to take home with you. The staff offers free samples if you’re not sure what to get. After you ate your donut, it is 5:00 somewhere! They offer apple ciders and fruit beers. You can get a flight to try them all!
HIGH HILL
The largest and most visited farm on Apple Hill. Don’t let the large lines and overcrowded parking deter you away from stopping here! This is definitely a must stop if you have never been. They offer craft fair vendors, fishing and many more activities. They are infamous for their apple milkshakes, lunch delights and baked treats. A great place to grab lunch to soak up the ciders from Boa Vista. The tri-tip sandwich is delicious!
LAVA CAP WINERY
Yes, you read that right. LAVA Cap Winery offers tasty wines from grapes grown out of volcanic soil. This spot has a gorgeous view overlooking the vineyards. The tasting fee is waved if you purchase a bottle. You can also grab a farmers basket with meats, cheese, crackers and olives.
BOEGER WINERY
The oldest and historic winery on the hill. They have an intimate tasting room or you can grab a glass and sit in the luscious picnic gardens. If you just did a tasting at Lava Cap, then just grab a glass here. If you’re a white wine kinda person like me, then you’ll enjoy their chardonnay.
JACK RUSSELL BREWERY
Jack Russell offers a taproom and winery but go for the brewery. They have dozens of tap flavors. My favorites are the apple, pumpkin spice and coffee. Grab a flight and a picnic table where you can overlook the fields and llama fields. Play a game of corn hole. If you need help tossing those beers back, you can play a game of Piccolo (a drinking game) on the app. At this point, you probably have a solid buzz and full belly but if you’re still looking for a bite, they have food trucks from BBQ, pizza, fries and more.
BODHAINE RANCH
The last stop on the trek. Bodhaine Ranch hands down has THE best pies. Though their building is small, their food is mighty. Even if you feel pied out, grab a whole frozen pie to take back with you. Their pies are mouthwatering with their ingredients of sour cream and cream cheese. They also offer food from their homemade chicken pot pies, empanadas and apple sausage. They are famous for their award winning blackberry apple sour cream pie, raspberry apple cream cheese pie and their Harvest Delight which is pumpkin and cream cheese. The only downside is their fresh pie slices run out fast so be mindful of that.
Ok after writing this post, I am already dreaming of my next trip back. Enjoy!
