Starfield Vineyards

Jake Duenckel
Jul 13
4 min read

A Stellar Wine Experience in the Sierra Foothills

Bright landscape with a serene pond, surrounded by lush green trees and distant hills under a clear blue sky. A small fountain splashes gently. — Lake Views

Let's be honest, sometimes you just need to escape. You need to trade the endless scroll for a scenic drive, the city noise for the rustle of leaves, and your to-do list for a wine glass. On a recent quest for such a getaway, we found ourselves venturing up to the a familiar spot in the Sierra Foothills -- Starfield Vineyards in Placerville, California.

Our history with this place goes back a bit.

We first discovered it in September 2022, right during the Mosquito Fire. We were on a quick weekend trip and wanted to stop somewhere beautiful on Sunday morning before catching our flight back to reality. It was a crisp, cool morning, perfect for being outside in the fresh mountain air.

A person in a denim jacket smiles outdoors at a table with wine glasses. Green trees and grass in the background create a relaxed vibe. — First Trip to Starfield

I still remember that first visit vividly. We drove up the hill, admiring row after row of vines and the 360-degree views as we made our way to the tasting room. We had a wonderful tasting on the patio, wishing we could stay in that paradise a little longer. Becca and I always laugh about what happened next. After our last pour, I mentioned that we should probably pay and head to the airport. When I came back from the restroom, there she was, beaming, enjoying an additional "bonus" pour from our host. It was the exact opposite of what we needed to be doing, but how could I say no?!

Vineyard with rows of grapevines under a clear blue sky. Archway covered in flowering plants; a gravel path leads through. Calm and sunny. — 300ft Rose Arbor

Flashforward to the present

We've been back several times, twice with our great friends who shot our anniversary photos on property last year (check them out! Sunshine Sentiments). We've attended a beautiful wine dinner, attended a tasting in their VIP spot with incredible views, and bought a bottle to drink while walking through the property grounds.

Two wine glasses on a table, with a scenic backdrop of lush greenery and distant forested hills under a clear blue sky. — The 2750 Lounge

But, more to this year's experience

We'll start with a little history and backstory first. Nestled in the heart of Apple Hill, Starfield isn't just a winery; it's truly a destination. As soon as you turn onto the property, you can feel the city stress start to melt away. With 67 acres of rolling hills, serene ponds, and lush gardens, it's clear that owners Tom and Rob Sinton are not just in the wine business; they are in the business of creating a truly special experience.

The story behind Starfield is as captivating as the landscape. Tom Sinton, the patriarch of this father-son team, has been in the wine game for a while. He planted his first vineyard back in 1972! After a successful career in another industry, he returned to his passion, and with his son Rob, they searched the West Coast for the perfect spot to create their dream vineyard. They found it in El Dorado, a region with a rich wine history and a fresh, exciting future. They planted their estate vineyard in 2013, focusing on a fascinating array of 17 different grape varieties, primarily from Northeastern Spain, Southern France, and Italy.

Sunlit vineyard with rows of grapevines on a hill, under a clear blue sky. A winding path leads through the lush, green landscape. — Vineyards

While Starfield offers a number of ways to taste, for this trip, we decided to book their Lake Pavilion tasting, and wow, was that the right call. We walked down the beautiful trails to a private, open-air pavilion right on the edge of a sparkling lake. It felt like we had discovered our own secret corner of the world. With the lake views and the gentle sound of the water, it was the perfect backdrop.

Our host was great, they guided us through wine flight, each one telling us about the specific style and tasting notes. Starfield's portfolio is truly quite impressive as well as diverse as it is delicious. Our host guided us through each pour, and the portfolio is as diverse as it is delicious. I was particularly taken with a new, complex red blend (sporting a cool new label!) that felt perfect for that serene lakeside moment. The whole experience felt less like a formal tasting and more like sharing great wine with our friends in an incredible setting.

Man smiling on lakeside patio under large umbrella, calm lake and trees reflected in water. Sunny day, relaxed atmosphere. — Lake Pavilion

But the day wasn't over

After enjoying our lakeside retreat, we weren't quite ready to leave. We took a leisurely walk back up the hill, to the main outdoor patio. With live music playing and people enjoying the gorgeous afternoon, we naturally had to join them (aka, drink more wine). We grabbed a couple of bottles and discovered a taco truck on-site. Tacos and wine with a panoramic view? Yes, please. It was the perfect, spontaneous way to cap off the day.

Tall pine trees in a sunny park with winding paths. Green foliage and string lights create a peaceful, inviting atmosphere. Blue sky above. — Amphitheatre

What we love most about Starfield is that feeling of being transported. It’s a place that invites you to slow down and stay a while. You can have a curated, private tasting, wander nature trails, or just hang out on the patio with a bottle. It’s a winery that just gets it.

If you're looking for your next wine adventure, we can’t recommend a trip to Starfield Vineyards enough. And if you can, definitely book the Lake Pavilion tasting—just be sure to leave extra time to relax on the patio afterward. It's the kind of place that will leave you with a full glass, a happy heart, and a burning desire to plan your next visit.

To learn more or book your own tasting experience, visit their website at starfieldvineyards.com.