Is the heat of summer stealing your exuberance? Consider fleeing the heat for a more comfortable climate, scenic setting, and the opportunity to experience a great new Tasting Room.

Tucked gently into the quaint hamlet of Camino is a new tasting room known as Camino di Vino. This addition to the neighborhood is a prescription to brighten your immediate future.

This Tasting Room is the collaboration of two free spirited individuals that share a common goal of making great wine, having fun with their profession and sharing their enthusiasm with others. You won’t find a pretentious wine snob here, just friendly people prepared to assist you with answers for your questions.

The partners in this venture are Robert Van der Vijver his wife Shannon, Aaron Hill and his wife Cherie.

Robert and Aaron began their association with a bit of chatter concerning the furthering of Aaron’s institutional education in wine at a prominent university. However, as the conversation deepened they determined that maybe Aaron’s institutional learning be delayed for a time in favor of experience that is more practical with a mentor of Robert’s caliber. This proved a wise move as these two men compliment each other in thought, action and results. So began the association and the commitment to this new endeavor.

Robert’s allure with wines began as a child in the Netherlands. Since coming to America he has made wine for Greenstone, Charles Mitchell and of course his own winery Van der Vijver Estate. Aaron has his own label named Illuminare’ Estate that is relatively new to the market. These wines show great promise of being exceptional. Featured at Camino Di Vino are the products of two enticing labels.

These two being quite the entrepreneurs have added another facet to this enterprise. Let me introduce Mr. Bill Carey, Owner, of the Forester Restaurant who as a member of this closely-knit neighborhood welcomed the young men and their new venture to the community. Bill discovered after talking with the guys that there were opportunities that exist that would benefit all concerned. Therefore, after some wine, food, and friendly atmosphere these three became the “Three Amigos”, ready to create the wine, prepare the food and offer a great deal of hospitality! With an alliance like this, that could only mean a Winetaster extravaganza. Yes, their first was held on June 20th and was a marvelous success.

Speaking of fine wine let us explore the Tasting Room and the wines of Camino di Vino. The Tasting Room features a harvested wood bar made of Sugar and Ponderosa Pine handcrafted by Matt Sorenson, who specifically built it for a place to converse over a glass of fine wine.

The selections offered are two whites and two reds available for tasting from Van Der Vijver Winery. The 2000 Sauvignon Blanc made in the Sancerre style. The wine is dry, highly aromatic. You will appreciate a nose of tropical fruit tasting of peaches. This achievement is obtained by the optimal ripeness of the grapes. The 2000 Chardonnay barreled in French Oak and exposed to a partial secondary fermentation makes this wine enjoyable by the glass or with food. The Mellow Yellow Red offers a distinct blend of wines that are unique to each vintage. The 2000 Reserve Merlot from Sierra Oaks Vineyard is not your typical Merlot. Big, Robust, yet subtle.

Illuminare’ Estate offers four reds beginning with the 2000 Sangiovese that is made from the Brunello (di montalcino) clone. Powerful wine full of flavor, great with Spaghetti. The 2000 Reserve Syrah is their pride and joy. Three months on new French Oak to add some pleasant vanilla to the finish. The 2000 Zinfandel: The full body and fruit flavors give this wine its supple texture. The 2000 Barbera: truly a robust wine. A big wine with intense character. I found many pleasing characteristics in these wines, offering a good balance and delightful flavor.

Camino di Vino loosely translates to “the road to wine”. In any language, Camino Di Vino is a magnificent addition to the El Dorado Wine vicinage.

Camino di Vino is located at 3500 Carson Road in Camino, California (See El Dorado map). Contact by phone at 530-647-1884. Tasting hours are Friday 11-5, Sat. & Sun 11-5. Barrel tasting is also available for Club Vino members. Tell Aaron & Robert you found them in d’vine Wine & Visitors Guide.