Calling all innkeepers

Fantastic, fun, fabulous, exhausting, wonderful and innspiring...that is how we felt last night when we returned to the Albert Shafsky House B&B in Placerville after our INNSPIRE CABBI weekend. We saw old friends, made some new ones (the guys at B&B Team for one) and spent a lot of time networking with other innkeepers and learning new tips. We got our batteries recharged and have some great ideas to help us work on the bed and breakfast and in the B&B for the rest of the year.

We also spent some time at the Trade Show with our pals from Branching Out Pottery, who provided us the very cool name tags we wore at the conference...Thank you Karen! Some of our innkeeping buddies from Casa Tropicana and the McCaffery House got them too.

All in all it was a great time, will plenty to learn and do...we hope if you are an aspiring innkeeper or are running a bed and breakfast now, that you will join us for the 18th CABBI Conference in Napa January 31-February 2, 2010, as it promises to be just as Innspiring!

InnSpire is this weekend in Monterey

It is not too late to join Rita and I in Monterey for the 2009 INNSPIRE CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW. As usual the Albert Shafsky House will be attending to network with other innkeepers, attend the trade show to seek out new goodies for the rooms and guests to enjoy put on by the State Bed and Breakfast Association. This year the 2009 InnSpire Conference and Trade Show will be in beautiful Monterey, California where the famous 17-Mile Drive meets 17 years of CABBI's dedication to educating innkeepers.

The 2009 InnSpire Conference and Trade Show will take place February 1-3, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa, located at One Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, CA 93940.

Innkeepers will share ideas with each other, aspiring innkeepers will get to find out if they have what it takes to make their dream a reality and all will have a great time at the trade show and getting to know one another better. We look forward to the CABBI conference all year!

Sweets for your sweetie at Boeger

This just in from our friends at Boeger Winery just minutes from our Placerville bed and breakfast.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Snuggle up to your sweetie with a glass of wine in our 1872 Historic Wine Cellar at Boeger Winery. Impress your Sweetie with this romantic Valentine's Day wine tasting. Enjoy scrumptious handmade chocolates from Fudge Factory Farms paired with a selection of our fantastic wines including our extremely limited and highly sought after Barbera Reserve and Sangiovese Reserve in our one of a kind "lovers" logo glass. Be one of the first to try the new release of our 2008 Rose -- A delightfully dry Barbera & Mourvedre blend.

$20.00/ per person (includes glass)
$15.00/ club members (includes glass)

Sweetie Sampler Packs of Boeger Wines...will be available at a special price this day only!

*RSVP to Tara tara@boegerwinery.com or call 800/655-2634 ext. 18

Some reviews recently posted on Yelp.com

Below are some new reviews from Yelp.com and pretty cool site that lists "real reviews by real people" and our Placerville Bed and breakfast is on their list...a bit far down, but on the list.


Gloria H.
San Jose, CA
5 star rating12/29/2008
I am a long time FAN.

This is the place to stay! Whether you are on your way to Tahoe and beyond or just spending some time in the foothills of California, Shafsky House is like home, but without the work. The Inn Keepers Rita and Stephanie are friendly, and make you feel welcome. The food is GREAT, and better than any restaurant. They are willing to accommodate special dietary needs,too. Just tell them what you need and Rita will work out a special breakfast just for you.
The location is central to all kinds of activities. It is a great place to stay when skiing. It is central to Apple Hill, White water rafting, & exploring the gold country. It is also a good place to just relax, read and stroll the local shops.
The rooms are comfortable, the beds Heavenly. It is one of the few B&B's that has a bedroom downstairs for those individuals who don't navigate stairs easily.
We love this place and it has become the only place we stay when visiting the area. We recommend Shafsky House to anyone who wants a friendly, clean, and comfortable place to stay.


Dele P.
Sunnyvale, CA
5 star rating12/22/2008
Yep, that's right, I'm a fan. Correction, I'm a FAN. : )
Where to start?
The house is beautiful, historic, and comfortable. The beds are HEAVENLY. The rooms are well-appointed with whatever amanities you would need.
Breakfast is always delicious and thoughtfully prepared. Fresh fruits, great coffee, blueberry pancakes last time we were there, oooh, I wish I were there NOW!!!
Great location--- walking distance to many fun shops downtown Placerville and not far from Apple Hill.
The innkkeepers have become good friends to us over the years and our several visits. Also, we love this place so much that we gave gift certificates to our bridal party as a thank you gift for their participation in our wedding.
You truly feel like you've gone to visit with friends when you stay at Shafsky House.


Carolyn Z.
Des Plaines, IL
5 star rating12/22/2008
What a wonderful place to stay in Placerville. The inn is within walking distance of downtown and within driving distance of fantastic wineries and historic sites.
The rooms are lovely, individually decorated, and comfortable. The Inn Keepers, Rita and Stephanie make you feel welcome.
In the morning, you are greeted with the aroma of breakfast and coffee. Breakfast is made by Rita and is always a special treat. The Shafsky House recently won an award for having the best breakfast! Well Deserved!

Marilyn A.
San Jose, CA
5 star rating12/18/2008
I love to visit this charming old Victorian. The rooms are clean and nicely decorated. The food is great and the beds are comfy. This is a great location. Lots of things to do in the area and you can walk to town.

It is that time of year when Rita and I like to start thinking about the California Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns annual conference for new and experienced innkeepers.  We love going to see old friends and make new ones.  Once again I am speaking about blogs and social networks and will be encouraging others to "join the conversation".

Won't you join us for the 2009 InnSpire Conference and Trade Show in beautiful Monterey, California where the famous 17-Mile Drive meets 17 years of CABBI's dedication to educating innkeepers?

The 2009 InnSpire Conference and Trade Show will take place February 1-3, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa, located at One Old Golf Course Road, Monterey, CA 93940.

The Innkeeping As a Profession (IAP) workshop is being held January 31 and February 1, 2009, also at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort & Spa.

Best B&B Breakfast award to us!

Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast CHOSEN AS ONE OF the winners of BEST BREAKFAST IN THE BEST OF BEDANDBREAKFAST.COM AWARDS

Placerville, CA -- The Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast of Placerville ,CA, was selected as one of the BEST BREAKFAST winers in the annual Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards, 2008-2009. The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards are based upon a qualitative and quantitative review of the nearly 50,000 independent reviews submitted to BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide.

"We know how important independent reviews are. We're delighted that inngoers concurred that Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast is a favorite among those seeking the B&B experience," explained BedandBreakfast.com's Sandy Soule, one of the most highly recognized authors and a spokeswoman for the B&B industry. "It's clear that the Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast earned high marks from inngoers for their fine accommodations, breakfasts, amenities, and wonderful hospitality and service," commented Soule.

"We are pleased that we were chosen for a Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award and are proud that our guests posted reviews that resulted in this award," stated Rita Timewell. "It is gratifying that our attention to the details that make a difference to guests were recognized by inngoers who took the time to write reviews of the Albert Shafsky House B&B," commented Timewell. Here's an excerpt from one of our reviews: "Completely, totaly, singularly, fully, all encompassingly outstanding. Rooms and home were inviting in every way, Lily was the cutest, breakfast and wine were to "dine" for. Thank you so much for a stay that was better than home away from home."

About the Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast: A unique Bed & Breakfast experience awaits you at the historic "Albert Shafsky House Bed & Breakfast Inn" in the heart of California's fabled Gold Country--Placerville California. Warm hospitality, comfortable and tastefully appointed guest rooms, and a fabulous homemade breakfast you'll not soon forget will draw you back again and again. Stay at the Albert Shafsky House B&B Inn in Placerville and be treated like GOLD

The Best of BedandBreakfast.com Award winners are not ranked but are listed alphabetically by state or country within each category. The 2008-2009 Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards went to:

Best Breakfast
Albert Shafsky House Bed and Breakfast Inn, Placerville, CA
Judge Porter House Bed and Breakfast, Natchitoches, LA
Cocoa Cottage, Whitehall, MI
Cornerstone Victorian B&B, Warrensburg, NY
Granbury Gardens Bed and Breakfast, Granbury, TX
Amid Summer's Inn Bed & Breakfast, Cedar City, UT
Grace Manor Inn, Richmond, VA

Best Family Friendly Inn: The Hideaway Ranch and Retreat, Bluff Dale, TX
Most Romantic: The Foothill House, Calistoga, CA
Best for Special Occasions: Chestnut Hill on the Delaware. Milford, NJ
Best Beds: The Inn at Peralynna Manor, Columbia, MD
Best for Animal Lovers: Tie: Anderson Creek Lodge, Bellingham, WA & WhistleWood Horse Farm Bed & Breakfast, Rhinebeck, NY
Best Pet Friendly: Dream Horse Guest House, Kinsman, OH
Best for Dogs (and their humans too): The Homestead at Rehoboth Bed and Breakfast
Best on the Beach: Harrington House Bed & Breakfast, Holmes Beach, FL
Best Value: Jersey City B&B, Jersey City, NJ
Best for Weddings: Taylor House Inn, Banner Elk, NC
Best for Elopements: South Court Inn B&B, Luray, VA
Best Gardens/Grounds: B&B at Roseledge Herb Farm. Preston, CT
Best Organic/Chemical-free: Park Lane Guest House, Austin, TX
Best Urban B&B: The Intown Uptown Inn, Washington, DC
Best Spa: Beach Spa Bed and Breakfast, Virginia Beach, VA

For a complete list of Best of BedandBreakfast.com winners, and thousands of perfect choices for your next B&B getaway visit BedandBreakfast.com, the leading online bed and breakfast directory and reservation network worldwide, listing nearly 7,000 B&Bs and inns. Travelers can make reservations online, purchase The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, welcomed at nearly 4,000 B&Bs in the U.S. and Canada, and read up-to-date trip reports on the BedandBreakfast.com blog, read and write independent reviews, and post questions on expert-hosted message boards.

Placerville Makes A Great One-tank Trip For Visitors

From a recent article I posted....

Placerville is a great destination for California or NV travelers seeking a getaway that fulfills a long distance desire. Here you can find great wines, shops, restaurants, & starting in September, Apple Hill orchards just minutes away in Camino.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 05, 2008 – Placerville, Calif. -- Placerville is a great destination for California or Nevada travelers seeking a quick getaway that fulfills a long distance desire. Here you can find great wines, unique shops, mouth-watering restaurants, and starting in September, Apple Hill orchards just minutes away in Camino.

Placerville is well-known for having a colorful Gold Rush past. It started in Coloma in 1848 when James Marshall discovered gold flecks in a sawmill and carries on through today as Hangtown remains the hub of the Mother Lode. Named after the Placer Gold deposits found in its river beds and hills in the late 1840’s, Placerville’s rich mining history and lore includes the infamous Hangman’s Tree.
The historic downtown area of Placerville is filled with antique stores, tasty restaurants and specialty shops to tempt you. And since you do not have to drive a long distance, you can spend more time enjoying your vacation, than worrying about the high cost of gas.

Fall in Northern California is not truly fall until it is Apple Hill season in Camino. A bounty of privately-owned farms, set among the rolling foothills, showcase old family recipes of homemade fritters, ciders, apple wines, and hand-crafts. Sample apple cider donuts at Rainbow Orchards, the crisp cider at High Hill Ranch, and the late-summer peach pie at Hooverville Orchards.
Making your home base Placerville will allow you to also experience the beauty of South Lake Tahoe, just an hour away. Or you could spend some time in historic Sacramento, exploring the waterfront shops and Railroad Museum.

Many of the historic homes in Placerville have been converted into lovely bed and breakfasts. For instance, the Albert Shafsky House is a stunning Queen Anne Victorian, known for hearty breakfasts and great innkeepers located just a block from Main Street. You may be treated to Apple Hill pancake, or their “gold nugget” eggs when you stay, along with yummy banana bread and juice.
A traveler from Redwood City had this to say about the Albert Shafsky House, “The weekend was the best ever. The inn is very well maintained and the innkeepers do everything to make you feel at home. The food is out of this world. The rooms are comfortable and inviting. Had the best time ever. We enjoyed everything abot the inn and enjoyed walking around Placerville”.

Research shows consumer interest in wine and food travel is growing, with more people seeking unique wine and food experiences. Current news outets confirm the trend for one-tank trips as travelers try shorter, close-to-home, and more frequent vacation experiences because of current economics and higher gas prices.
# # #

Take a step back in time as you explore the beautifully restored property. In the heart of California Gold Country, Historic Placerville, CA, this lovely Queen Ann Victorian Bed and Breakfast is the perfect setting for your El Dorado County escape.

Some events to consider attending....in or near Placerville

Need and reason to get away?

AUGUST 10th, Craft Faire, 8AM - 3PM. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436.

AUGUST 16th, Girls' Night Out, 6PM to 9PM. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436.

SEPTEMBER 28th, Antique Street Faire, - 8AM to 3PM. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436.

OCTOBER 5th, Hangtown Jazz Jubilee, 11AM – 5PM. For info call (530) 622-8186.

OCTOBER 18th, Art & Wine Festival, 6PM – 9PM. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association. For info call (530) 672-3436.

OCTOBER 31st, Trick or Treat on Main Street, 4PM to 6PM. For info call (530) 672-3436.

NOVEMBER 28th, Festival of Lights, 5:30PM – 8PM. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association.For info call (530) 672-3436.

NOVEMBER 28th & 29th, Merchants Open House, Extended Hours. Sponsored by the Placerville Downtown Association.For info call (530) 672-3436.

DECEMBER 7th, 31st Annual Christmas Parade, 1PM. on Historic Main Street.Sponsored by Jim & Cathy McIntire.For info call (530) 621-5885.

Of course you can contact us at the Albert Shafsky House B&B in Placerville to arrange a room at the inn.

Are you dreaming of running an inn?

So many of our guests think that they would like to run and inn some day....when they retire....

Here are some books you should read if you think you want to run a Bed and Breakfast Inn--whether is is a California property or elsewhere.

Keep in mind that while you may "retire" to run an inn, it is still a profession and does involve work...and more laundry than you can imagine! Innkeeping as a profession is a great, wonderful business, that will demand time, energy and effort--all to make it look effortless!

That being said, visit your library or local book store to see if they have copies of
" So... You Want To Be An Innkeeper" by Mary Davies, et al.
" How To Open And Operate A Bed & Breakfast", by Jan Stankus
" Start & Run Your Own B&B Inn", by Ripley Hotch and Carl Glassman
For a lighter, but still very serious look at innkeeping as a profession try the Complete Idiot's Guide to Running a Bed and Breakfast, by Susannah Craig and Park Davis.

We read all of these books and more before jumping in with both feet at the Albert Shafsky House in Placerville.

And feel free to ask questions here....We are always happy to answer.

Interesting: take children to an inn?

Many people associate inns with antiques and peace & quiet, but there is certainly no "rule" about this. Our policy at the Albert Shafsky House B&B is that only 2 persons are allowed in the room overnight....so if you want to bring your daughter or son, and that means there are now 4 in your party...you would need to rent 2 of our rooms. That is certainly fine to do, and if you are bringing your son or daughter as a single traveler, we would be delighted to have the 2 of you stay with us....

Here is the article in the paper that prompted me to post this....


Travel Q & A: Why are children not generally welcomed at bed-and-breakfast inns?

Article Launched: 06/23/2008 11:38:39 AM PDT in the San Jose Mercury News.

Why are children not generally welcomed at bed-and-breakfast inns? I would like to understand the rationale behind this rule. And it would be wonderful if you could write about inns that are kid-friendly.
- Kim Nguyen, San Jose Imagine all the couples sitting at B&B breakfast tables right now, reading this and choking on their freshly baked orange-currant scones at the very prospect of a rug-rat invasion!
But before banishing you and your little darlings to a campground, we decided to check with the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns for a little history and a policy update.
"Historically, B&Bs have been associated with romantic getaways and offer quiet, quaint retreats from the hustle-bustle of life," said Stacy Rollo, spokeswoman for the California association. "Many inns still cater to this customer and want to be known as a quiet haven."
But, like others in the lodging industry, B&Bs have had to change with the times. Parents increasingly want to take their children along on long-weekend getaways, and many crave a civilized inn experience.
In fact, for the past five years, Rollo says, the industry has heard from more and more families who want to shun the high-rise hotel experience.
So now, 25 percent of the California association's 300 inns are family-friendly.

Madrona Vineyards release party on July 13th from 12-4

Join us up at Madrona Vineyards for the Nebbiolo release party on Sunday, July 13 from noon til 4 pm. Taste the Nebbiolo, their classic Italian wine and enjoy Pasta Putenesa lunch, fresh Olive Oil and top it all off with true Italian gelato! Just $5 per person. For more information call Madrona at 530-644-5948

Lily the wonder dog.....in her Hug a Dox harness

Lily the wonder dog.  Some days I wonder how we even ran an inn without an adorable dachshund!

Upcoming Events near our Placerville bed and breakfast

June 4th
The Sequoia Comedy Night which is just a block from our bed and breakfast has great comedy nights.
The Sequoia presents a comedy showcase evening Doors open for Comedy Night at 7:00 pm; the show begins at 8:00 pm. Sequoia Restaurant at the historic Bee-Bennett House, 645 Bee Street, Placerville. For more information contact: Sequoia (530) 622-5222

June 6th
El Dorado Hills 2008 Summer Concert Series - Hot for Teacher - Van Halen Tribute Band
Great times, great tunes and high energy is the theme for this summer series. Tantalize your senses with songs from the 80's. Bring the kids, pack a picnic, potluck or stop for pizza and come on out for our summer concerts. Sponsored by Comcast, Wells Fargo, Sierra Fine Living Magazine and Marble Valley Center for the Arts 7:00 - 9:30 pm. El Dorado Hills Community Park Free For more information contact:

June 7 & 8
25th Annual Fair Play Wine Festival
This festival features 20 wineries all located within a 5 mile radius in southern El Dorado County. The festival will feature special events, gourmet faire, barrel tasting, live music, demonstrations and wine tasting. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. both days Fair Play wineries $35/person and may be purchased at Fair Play wineries in advance or at the door during the event or online at www.fairplaywine.com

June 12-15
2008 El Dorado County Fair - Paws in Placerville
More details to come Thursday - Noon to Midnight; Friday & Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to Midnight; Sunday - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Buildings & Exhibits close @ 10:00 p.m. El Dorado County Fairgrounds, 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville. General (13 years & over) -$7. Youth (7 - 12 years) -$4; Children (6 & Under) - Free everyday; Senior - (60 & over) - $5; Parking - $4 or free shuttle service www.eldoradocountyfair.org For more information contact: El Dorado County Fairgrounds (530) 621-5860

June 14 & 15
Fathers Day Weekend Cherry Festival at Boa Vista Orchard
U-Pick Bing & Rainier Cherries, fresh Cherry & Blackberry Pies & Turnovers. BBQ Tri-tip sandwiches, fresh summer fruits & vegetables, apple wine tasting. 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Boa Vista Orchards, 2952 Carson Road, Camino no cost for admission but cost for goods For more information contact: (530) 622-5522

And soon Imagination Theater will have tickets for it run of the Wizard of Oz which is sure to sell out. Nov 14-Dec 21

Vineyards are sprouting up all over El Dorado County

Vineyards are sprouting up all over El Dorado County and today's SacBee had a nice article about some of our newest players in the El Dorado Wine region. It is really great for us as there are so many good ones for us to try and pass on to our guests at the bed and breakfast.

"Dunne on Wine: El Dorado wineries are sprouting like vines
By Mike Dunne

Aside from wine enthusiasts, no one may be happier with the growing number of wineries in El Dorado County than the guy who prints the map for the El Dorado Winery Association.

Every time a new winemaker joins the group, the printer must get a work order to run off a new batch of maps.

And new vintners look to be showing up in El Dorado County at the rate of one every couple of months.


We recently took advantage of the association's 17th annual Passport Weekend to catch up with a few of them.

Iverson Vineyards & Winery
Pedigree: Eight years ago, Mike and Melodie Iverson were living in El Dorado Hills and working in the power business, he with Pacific Gas & Electric Co., she with the California Independent System Operator.

She's still on the grid, but he's now working full time in their vineyard and cellar, on a ridge along Perry Creek Road in the Fair Play area of southwestern El Dorado County.

They bought the property in 2000, and today tend 8 acres of grapes, all for such red wines as primitivo, sangiovese, zinfandel and barbera.

They planted malbec, too, but won't be making any wine from that plot in the near future. "Raccoons ate all the malbec this year," says Mike.

The Iversons opened their winery a year ago. Their winemaker is Rich Gilpin, formerly of nearby Windwalker Vineyard, now with his own winery, Lavender Ridge, in Calaveras County.

Why El Dorado: On wine-tasting treks into the Sierra foothills, the Iversons became especially keen on Windwalker wines.

On one of their visits they noticed a "for sale" sign on a 32-acre spread that included a house and a barn, the latter of which they've replaced with the structure that now houses their tasting room.

Focus: "We want very drinkable wines. You can take any of our bottles and drink it on the patio; you don't have to have anything with it," says Mike Iverson. "Nothing we have is big, thick and chalky. You don't need a steak to enjoy them."

Don't miss: With its alluring strawberry smell, note of pomegranate in the flavor and austere structure, the Iverson 2007 Sierra Foothills Grenache Rosé ($18) is suitable for patio sipping as well as pairing with shellfish. The Iverson 2006 El Dorado Barbera ($22) has been in the bottle less than two months and starts off tight, but with a little time in the glass it blossoms into a zesty representative of the varietal. Also check out the Iverson 2005 El Dorado Merlot ($19) and the Iverson 2005 El Dorado Syrah ($22).

Particulars: Iverson, 8061 Perry Creek Road, Fair Play, is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday and by appointment; (530) 620-7474.

Sierra Oaks Estates
Pedigree: Jim and Toshi Brown's infatuation with wine began innocently enough with a home winemaking kit they bought some 30 years ago.

"We liked it, and went on from there," says Jim, at the time living in Marin County and working as a manager with Pac Bell.

By 1994 they'd bought a 40-acre parcel of bare land in the Fair Play area and had begun to plant what now amounts to a 10-acre vineyard, doing all the work themselves.

They were content to sell their grapes, but when Jim became convinced that the merlot he was making as a self-taught winemaker was better than the merlot that a Napa Valley winery was making with his fruit, he decided to start his own operation.

That was 2001. Because of a "private-road issue," the couple's winery isn't open to the public. As a consequence, five years ago he opened a tasting room at the junction of Fair Play and Mt. Aukum roads.

Why El Dorado: While living in the Bay Area, the Browns belonged to a wine-tasting club that spent one weekend a year in the foothills, customarily Calaveras County.

"We went to Amador County one year and liked it pretty well, but we couldn't find a parcel the size we wanted," says Jim.

Their continued exploration brought them across the Cosumnes River into the Mount Aukum and Fair Play area, where they found the sort of spread they envisioned.

Focus: Full-bodied wines without the gritty tannins. "We work real hard to get ripe fruit without harsh tannins," he says. "I grew up liking cherries and berries. I like to see that in wines."

he couple, now assisted by consulting winemaker John Montero of Napa Valley, makes only red wines.

"I have no passion for whites," says Jim.

Don't miss: The couple's signature wine goes by the proprietary name Zinzabar ($19). It's a slightly smoky, slightly spicy and youthful blend of zinfandel and barbera. The current release is a mix of zinfandel from the 2005 harvest and barbera from 2006, a decision Jim made when he couldn't find any 2005 barbera that he liked. We also liked the Sierra Oaks 2002 Fair Play Zinfandel and the Sierra Oaks 2002 Fair Play Merlot, but they're sold out.


Particulars: The tasting room of Sierra Oaks Estates, 6713 Mt. Aukum Road, Fair Play, is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; (530) 620-7079.

Busby Cellars
Pedigree: Elliot and Sherrie Graham were working in Sacramento and living in Rocklin – he was in sales, she was in advertising – when in 1999 they bought a 34-acre chunk of the landmark Meyers Ranch along Grizzly Flat Road just east of Somerset.

A sagging barn dating from the 1930s dominates the site, but now it's flanked by 14 acres of wine grapes. It's a diverse vineyard, planted to 15 varieties, though zinfandel forms the single largest block, 8 acres.

"We do everything ourselves," says Elliot, who learned home winemaking under his father's tutelage. "It's a hobby gone wild."

Since building the winery in 2003, he's been making about 2,000 cases a year, almost all of which is sold directly out of their tasting room, though at times the Sacramento restaurant The Waterboy has stocked Busby wines. "Busby," incidentally, is Sherrie's family name.

Why El Dorado: The couple spent three years scouting the foothills for suitable vineyard property.

Focus: "We're definitely into small-lot batches," Elliot says. "We make too many varietals, but I like so many types of wine.

"Our focus, however, is zinfandel; why fight it?" he added, referring to the region's long-standing reputation for zinfandel.

Stylistically, he's aiming for "well-rounded, fruit-forward wines with backbone." Their vineyards tend to give wines a spiciness suggestive of pepper and clove.

Don't miss: The Busby 2005 Fair Play Zinfandel ($18) carries its high alcohol (15.6 percent) well, the heat not at all intruding on its blackberry, licorice and peppery highlights, though its sturdy tannins suggest it be laid down for a few years. Also check out the Busby 2005 El Dorado Tempranillo ($16); the Busby 2005 El Dorado Petite Sirah ($16); and the nonvintage Busby El Dorado Apparition, a Bordeaux-style blend based largely on cabernet sauvignon ($18).

Particulars: Busby, 6375 Grizzly Flat Road, Somerset, is open 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday; (530) 344-9119.

Miraflores Winery
Pedigree: For three years, Yuma pathologist Victor Alvarez and his wife Cheryl scouted Arizona for potential vineyard land before they happened upon the Pleasant Valley area of El Dorado County.

That was in 1992. They liked the look and feel of the area and ended up piecing together a total of 254 acres, which they started to plant to vines nine years ago.

Today, they're cultivating nearly 40 acres of grapes, much of it syrah, zinfandel and petite sirah, but including cabernet sauvignon, viognier and muscat canelli.

In 2005 they created the brand Miraflores, at first making wine in leased quarters. A year ago they opened their own monumental facility, rising like a Tuscan villa amid poison oak and throw rugs of daffodils 2,000 feet up the Sierra.

Why El Dorado: "We didn't come here to build a winery. This place is so beautiful. It was meant to be a retirement place," says Alvarez.

One thing led to another, with their small vineyard expanding and their growing confidence in the quality of their grapes.

When local consulting winemaker Marco Cappelli urged the couple to hold on to their fruit and use it to start making their own wine, they began to stake out a site for the winery.

Focus: To Alvarez, Miraflores clearly is meant to be a "New World" winery, turning out big and brassy wines. He wants them packed with rich fruit, and he isn't leery of saturated color and high levels of alcohol, though he also wants his wines refreshing.

"We are an American-style winery, with wines with lots of flavor and fruit," he says.

Don't miss: Marco Cappelli, the former winemaker at Swanson Vineyards in Napa Valley, is recognized for crafting wines of clarity, balance and elegance, which at Miraflores is shown especially in the 2006 El Dorado Syrah Rosé ($15), the 2006 El Dorado Viognier ($18), the 2005 El Dorado Zinfandel ($20), the 2004 El Dorado Syrah ($30), and the 2005 El Dorado Petite Sirah ($22).

Particulars: Miraflores, 2120 Four Springs Trail, Placerville, is open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily; (530) 647-8505."

EL DORADO COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Since I have been posting about the history of the Shafsky family and our Placerville bed and breakfast, I thought I should mention a great place for research.  The County Musuem.
 
Next to the El Dorado County Fair Grounds is where you can find the El Dorado County Museum
104 Placerville Drive
Placerville, CA 95667
Phone: (530) 621-5865
Email: museum@co.el-dorado.ca.us

Take an informative tour, wander among the historical artifacts, or research a family ancestor. The El Dorado County Historical Museum is the place to learn about the fascinating history of El Dorado County, one of California’s original and most historic counties.

Shafsky history

Some interesting tidbits I have found about the family and the Department Store on historic Main Street, Placerville.

R&R

Relaxing and romance and what goes better than El Dorado Wine? Just minutes from the inn, Boeger is committed not only to making the highest quality wines, but to pushing the boundaries of winemaking as well. Greg Boeger was one of the state's first producers of a varietal Merlot when it was virtually unheard of in California. Today he is a pioneer of innovative blends, drawing from over twenty-five varieties of grapes grown at the estate. Boeger is quickly becoming known for bringing new and uncommon varietals to the market place. Tell them the "gals at the Shafsky House" sent you.

This is a great article that appeared in CustomerThink

This is a great article that appeared in CustomerThink that talks about the importance of blogs and blogging to business owners and certainly fits for bed and breakfast owners as well.

Jan. 21, 2008
Top 10 Dumb Excuses for CEOs Not To Be Leaders in the Social Web

By Bob Thompson, CustomerThink Corp.

By now, everyone within reach of a newspaper or web site has heard about the rise of the social web. You might have heard other terms used, like "Web 2.0," "social networking" or "consumer-generated media."

Millions of people are now using the social web to spout off on every topic you can imagine—and some you'd rather not imagine. Or to build networks of hundreds or thousands of "friends" and share photos and videos with them. Or to read and exchange information about what they like, or don't, about all kinds of products and services, from books to restaurants.

These are exciting times for the many newly empowered people. Yet most of what's been going on has passed CEOs right on by. Solid statistics are hard to come by, yet it seems that few CEOs are personally spending their time on the social web, especially when the subject turns to blogging in larger corporations. Just try to find them!

‘If your business is struggling or you are newly in charge, blogging could be just the ticket to help you communicate your turnaround plans with all stakeholders.’

If you're one of those who are staying on the sidelines during this most important phenomenon, you're missing a unique opportunity to engage on a personal level with all your stakeholders: customers, employees and partners. So what are your reasons for not personally diving into the rapidly rising and swirling social web waters?

Whatever they are, in the following 10 points I'll explain why these imagined obstacles are really just poor excuses for not leading this revolution:

Excuse No. 10: You don't have enough time.

Seriously, would you accept this excuse from one of your employees? Last I checked, everyone has the same number of hours in the day. It's all in how you decide to use them. So, what you're really saying is that the social web is not important enough (yet) for you to invest your time in it. But consider this: Some very busy CEOs are blogging regularly, like Bill Marriott of Marriott International. You can, too.
Excuse No. 9: You don't know what to write about.

If this is your excuse, then I have an idea of what you could write, instead: your résumé. As a captain of industry, you're called upon to communicate frequently, to everyone from employees to shareholders to conference attendees. What are you discussing with them? Blogging is a good way to reinforce some of things you're already talking about, except that, unlike typical one-way pitches, you can really engage with people. Quick tip: Get a blank sheet of paper and write down 10 topics that you are personally passionate about. That's your blogging plan for the year. If you're really stuck for ideas, then ask your readers periodically what they'd like you to blog about.
Excuse No. 8: You don't like criticism and negative comments.

Who does? Yet we all have relationships with family, friends and colleagues, where feedback is par for the course. Leadership is not just about telling, it's also about engaging with others. If you run a big company, there's a very good chance that some of the bad news you should be hearing is being filtered by middle management. Would you rather hear about it on a "Dell Hell"-like blog posting that hits CNN or in comments on your own blog? One way or another, customers will have their say on the social web. As a last resort, you could consider starting your blog with comments disabled, but I don't recommend it. That's like saying "no comment" to the media, which just means that bloggers will comment on your not allowing comments. You don't want that.
Excuse No. 7: Web 2.0 technology is immature, so it's better to wait.

Maybe your CIO has been whispering in your ear that this new-fangled "Web 2.0" is not ready for prime time. Not true. Major software vendors like Oracle and SAP are introducing collaborative features into their software suites. As I mentioned in Web 2.0 Powers Up People, my recap of a 2007 Web 2.0 conference, well-known technology brands like Adobe, AOL, IBM, Intel, salesforce.com and WebEx are embracing Web 2.0 concepts and providing more integrated solutions. And there are many other market-proven solutions that provide great function and ease-of-use, at a low cost. .
Excuse No. 6: The chief marketing officer should be the one blogging, to promote your company.

If you really believe this, then for heaven's sake, don't blog. (And tell the CMO not to blog, either.) By promoting only the company line, you'll do more damage than good. But it's still a dumb excuse because marketing is not just about promoting. Anything a business does helps to build a brand and is, therefore, part of its marketing efforts. Your open and transparent communications could help create a more positive and authentic image about your company. That's marketing without marketing, if you catch my drift.
Excuse No. 5: Your writing style makes the dictionary seem entertaining.

Hmm. Thought you had me on this one, didn't you? Well, it's true that, if you can't write so good ... er ... well, then your blog won't be a big hit. But before you give up, take a look at your emails. Are they short, chatty and engaging? Then you, too, can be a blogger! Check out Success & Motivation: Don't Lie to Yourself from Mark Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks National Basketball Association team) for a good example of a message likely to "go viral" in the blogosphere. All that said, if writing is not your thing, then try podcasting: Record an audio message and post it on your web site. You may need some help with this one, but it's not difficult.
Excuse No. 4: Your lawyers say you can't blog because you run a public company.

Then fire your lawyers. Yes, you have to be careful about "forward looking" statements and SOX compliance, but that's not a good reason for leaving a vacuum in what should be your space on the social web. Jonathan Schwartz, president and CEO of publicly traded Sun Microsystems, is a prolific blogger. Somehow he's managed to keep his job, and, more importantly, blogging has help spread the word about the new Sun. If your business is struggling or you are newly in charge, blogging could be just the ticket to help you communicate your turnaround plans with all stakeholders and give the press something to read, too. And that's not all. Comments from your readers could help clarify and improve your business plans. That's how Dell realized that it should continue to offer Windows XP. Tell that to your lawyers.
Excuse No. 3: Bloggers have to post every day.

Says who? Perhaps this myth was started by bloggers with no life. What's important is consistency and quality, not frequency. Find a schedule that works for you. I'd suggest a monthly blog post to start and a weekly check-in to answer a few questions. And then add a new post occasionally during the month when you've got something to say.
Excuse No. 2: Only the kids are using social networking.

Did you know that 148,000 executives sign in to LinkedIn every day? Maybe you'd like to connect with some of them. Or, they with you. My own LinkedIn network is modest (less than 100 connections), but still, without breaking a sweat, I found 500 CEO contacts that I could potentially contact directly or as "friends of friends." As head honcho of your business, you got to your exalted position through relationships and networking. Maybe Facebook is not your style (especially if the numnuts running it continue to abuse user privacy), but you can expect that LinkedIn and other industry-specific business networks will be springing up to serve executives like you.
Excuse No. 1: Setting up your own blog is too much trouble.

Then don't. Get involved in online community sites where you can network and communicate with others with a shared interest. It's more fun than blogging solo, and all of the technology "heavy lifting" is done for you. At CustomerThink, for example, anyone can set up an account in just a few minutes. You can add comments to other posts to get your feet wet and then blog when you're ready. If you're passionate about customer-centric business, we'd love to hear from you!
Many of your customers are already on the social web; the rest will be coming soon. Even if no other CEO in your industry is blogging or using social networking, it's an opportunity for you to be a leader.

Isn't that what CEOs do?

Reviews can equal reservations--here are some recent ones.

Some recent reviews of our B&B...

"I stay at the Albert Shafsky House any time I am in the area (which is usually twice a year).  I have been going for at least 8 years.  The innkeepers are fabulous hostesses, the rooms are spotless and wonderfully decorated and the food is delicious!  I go back every year and feel like I am visiting old friends.  I always recommend the Albert Shafsky House to friends and family."

"Rita and Stephanie are the greatest hosts. We were greeted with a wonderful wine tasting when we checked in and the rooms were cozy, comfortable, clean and nostalgic. We took our parents who stayed in the larger suite and they too were truly impressed by the warm welcome and cozy atmosphere. Breakfast was delightful and the other guests were as pleased as we were at this charming B&B."

"We had a lovely time and a great stay at Shafsky House B and B. Hope to return."

It is comments like this, that make running a bed and breakfast the best profession one could have.

Now that I am an innkeeper, what do I do?

So, you have decided to become an innkeeper and purchased the perfect place...now the trick is to keep your sanity while working your dream job.

When we first took over the Albert Shafsky House B&B in Placerville, which had been a dream, we worked 18 hour days for several weeks.  It was grueling, it was hard and it was stupid...I am sure we were not nearly as prepared for guests as we should have been, since we were exhausted.  There was so much to do...

There is still much to do all these years later, but we have learned how to take care of guests and ourselves.  Treat yourself...take a day off now and then....leave the inn to an innsitter (a good one) and take a vacation...or a long weekend...if you are not rested, how will you possibly take care of your guests?