Beyond Napa - 3 Great Communities for the Wine Lover at Heart
As the famous Greek playwright Euripides once said…
Where there is no wine, there is no love.
Wine is such an enjoyable substance, and while opening a bottle at home is fun… touring vineyards and whiling away the hours in tasting rooms is much more fun! Thankfully wine tasting is one of the many ‘not cancelled’ events, as long as the winery has outdoor seating!
If you love wine and you’re in the market for a new place to live, you might instantly think of Napa. Its famed wine region is world-renowned, after all. But let’s face it. Napa can be quite expensive, and Sonoma’s not much better. (Don’t get me wrong… if my budget allowed for daily walks in downtown Napa, I wouldn’t turn it down!)
If you want something with just as much charm and a more reasonable price point, though, look no further – here are some ideal cities where you can explore your love of the world’s most delicious grape juice without the painful mortgage payment.
Placerville, CA
One of the first communities that comes to mind is Placerville, CA. Famous for it’s seasonal Apple Hill, Placerville is home to many fabulous wineries! Our household favorite is Lewis Grace, but I have rarely been to a winery here that I didn’t love. For homebuyers: your average home price is around 400k and there are plenty of options to choose from in terms of style. Big or small, you can find a great home here!
Buellton, CA
The beauty of the Central Coast lies in how expansive it is. There’s a town that offers something a little different for every taste. So it’s no surprise that it’s quickly emerging as a new destination for Los Angeles and Orange County residents tired of traffic and high prices.
One particularly up-and-coming city? Buellton—its population grew by 3.79 percent between 2017-18, one of the top growing cities in Santa Barbara County. It may be that people are attracted to its average home price in the mid 500s—which is less than half of the norm in Santa Barbara.
Fair Play, CA
Fair Play attracts wine lovers from around the world. The region's focus on quality, friendliness and fabulous scenic beauty attract an increasing number of visitors every year. Fair Play is El Dorado’s premier wine growing AVA, growing extraordinary, high-quality grapes and producing world-class wines. About an hour away from greater Sacramento, but a world apart. Homes don’t go on the market too often here, so if this is your dream keep your eyes peeled!