SHINGLE SPRINGS, Calif. — A prominent Northern California family known for decades of emergency medical service is expanding its footprint in El Dorado County’s wine industry, acquiring the former Cielo Estate Winery and repositioning it as a regional destination.
The Pierson family, owners of Sentivo Vineyards & Winery, finalized the purchase of Cielo Estate Winery in March 2026, marking a significant transition from their Fair Play base to a more accessible location along the Highway 50 corridor. The new site, a 41-acre vineyard and event venue, is expected to reopen to the public April 25 following a brief appointment-only period.
James “Jimmy” Pierson, president and COO of Medic Ambulance Service, said the expansion reflects both growth and intention.
“This started as a way for our family to find peace outside the intensity of emergency services,”
Pierson said.
“Now it’s become something much bigger — a place where community, culture and connection come together.”
The Pierson family — including Helen Pierson and daughters Cindy McBride and Sandy Whaley — first entered the wine industry in 2022, purchasing Sentivo Vineyards in Fair Play. The name “Sentivo,” derived from Italian, translates to “I felt,” underscoring the family’s heritage and emphasis on shared experience.
Their decision to acquire the Shingle Springs estate signals a strategic evolution. While the Fair Play property will remain active for grape growing and events, the new location offers proximity to Sacramento and increased visitor access, positioning the winery for broader regional appeal.
Cielo Estate carries deep historical roots, dating back to the late 1800s when it was home to early California farming families. Today, the property includes a restored Victorian farmhouse, a hilltop tasting room overlooking the Sierra Nevada, a wine cave, and a full-scale event center capable of hosting up to 250 guests.
The vineyard itself features roughly 15 acres of Rhône and Italian varietals, aligning closely with Sentivo’s existing portfolio. The winery produces a range of wines, from Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio to Barbera, Sangiovese and Syrah, along with specialty sparkling offerings.
Beyond wine, philanthropy remains central to the family’s mission. Their “Stretchers & Ladders” label donates 15% of proceeds to mental health programs supporting EMS and fire personnel — a cause shaped by nearly five decades of service through Medic Ambulance in Solano County.
Pierson, a Sacramento Business Journal “40 Under 40” honoree and former president of the California Ambulance Association, has spent more than 20 years rising through the ranks of the family’s ambulance company, beginning as a logistics technician.
That background continues to influence the winery’s culture.
“We’ve always taken care of people — that doesn’t change here,”
Pierson said.
“Whether it’s in the back of an ambulance or across a tasting bar, it’s still about serving others.”
Local officials and tourism leaders view the acquisition as a positive development for El Dorado County’s wine corridor, particularly as wineries seek to balance rural charm with accessibility.
The reopening later this month is expected to reintroduce the property as both a wine destination and event venue, with plans to resume weddings, private gatherings and seasonal concerts.
