Winery by the Creek

Winery by the Creek is nestled amongst the pine and oak forests of the Sierra Foothills in the small village of Fair Play, California. Its rural setting is breathtaking and serene. Centuries ago, it was home to native Northern Sierra Miwok tribes and later became a thriving mining camp, trading center and agricultural outpost during the Gold Rush. Today, Fair Play is an established American Viticultural Area where world class wines are handcrafted.

In this new century, more than twenty wineries in the area carry on the agricultural tradition that began long ago. We welcome you to visit and celebrate the richness of our history and the richness of this terroir, where the story really begins; where the wine is born. Grapevines grace the slopes of rolling hills at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 feet, making it California’s highest elevation within an AVA. The growing season brings warm days and cool nights. Deeply rooted vines in the granitic soils create distinct and intense wines.

When it comes to the art of winemaking, every winemaker brings their own style or touch to the process—from harvest and crush, to press, fermentation and aging. Winemaker Charles B. Mitchell has a background in French winemaking and culture. He is heavily influenced by French tradition, producing wines in the Bordeaux style.