Our Story

Although the estate once seemed a distant dream, we recognized it as Heaven on Earth—cielo sulla terra in Italian.

Dr. Marc and Shelley Malek’s journey from passionate wine lovers to vineyard and winery proprietors was anything but conventional. Together, they have manifested a remarkable journey, intertwining their love for healing, horses, and winemaking into a sanctuary of joy and transformation. Although the estate once seemed a distant dream, they recognized it as Heaven on Earth—cielo sulla terra in Italian. Guided by synchronicities, they embraced the call to craft the rest of their life story here in Fair Play.

Our History

Before & after views of our vineyard

What began as a vision to cultivate vines on their own pastures serendipitously took a beautiful detour. A heartfelt conversation with neighbors, Mike and Dee Iverson, blossomed into a wonderful opportunity to purchase their existing vineyards and winery. It took three years of dedication and love, but Iverson Winery quietly and gracefully transitioned into the warm embrace of Cielo Sulla Terra. Our winery now stands not just as a testament to Marc and Shelley’s unwavering passion, but as a powerful fusion of dreams, determination, and harmonious destiny.

Our Land

Nestled in El Dorado County, at an elevation of 2,400 feet near a gentle creek that whispers constant airflow, Cielo Sulla Terra thrives in its unique microclimate. Surrounded by the embrace of the sun, our land experiences a beautiful dance of temperatures from day to night, enriched by soil abundant in quartz and other nurturing minerals.

You can feel the energy in the air, sense it in the earth, and savor it in every sip of our wine. Our boutique winery spans eight acres, nurturing nine varietals of red grapes. From Tuscan to Bordeaux, each vine is nurtured with the goal of embracing organic, biodynamic, and earth-friendly practices.

Explore The Vineyard

It’s easy to organize a private or group tour of Cielo Sulla Terra, just contact us to make a reservation.

Our Team

At the heart of our story is a loving and dedicated team, all inspired by a shared vision to foster a sense of community and connection. As we cultivate our vineyards and create wine, we also cultivate and create relationships, inviting everyone to join us on this multidimensional and transformative journey.

Together, we celebrate the magic of wine, the beauty of nature, and the profound honor of sharing each moment with you.

Marc & Shelley

Shelley and Marc, owners since 2021, have been running the winery and vineyards since 2022. Marc is a veterinarian and has owned Foothill Farms Veterinary hospital since 1994. Still practicing veterinary medicine, his focus is on an integrative approach that includes acupuncture, Reiki, and laser therapy. His “free” time is spent managing the vineyard and winery, caring for their animals, riding/training their horses, and enjoying family. Shelley and Marc found each other as the Universe had planned in 2011. She was the Director of the Medical Assistant program for Carrington College in Sacramento. Shortly after their relationship began, they teamed up to build FFVH into a multi-doctor practice. As they transitioned into the new and improved building, Shelley became the Director of FFVH. Now she oversees and inspires the daily estate operations. Along with enjoying wine, her passions are cooking, designing/planning, and hospitality for friends and family.

Mitchell & Jordan

When Jordan and Mitchell, middle school sweethearts, aren't camping, fishing, or preparing for the arrival of their first baby, they are hard at work!

As Cielo Sulla Terra’s Marketing & Event Planner, Jordan is passionate about building meaningful relationships with patrons and crafting unforgettable experiences. With over 10 years of customer service experience, her dream is to grow within the winery and bring your next event to life.

The estate owner's son, Mitchell is a dedicated blue-collar welder and manufacturer who loves to volunteer around the vineyard and pour wine for guests. When he's not in the tasting room, you’ll find him immersed in nature, always searching for the perfect fishing spot. His deep connection to the natural world is truly unmatched.

Antonio Ruiz

Antonio, a Modesto, California native, spent much of his 20s working across various industries, from pet grooming to specialty finish work for diving equipment. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in finance and vineyard management, bringing fresh energy to the wine industry with two years of hands-on experience. In that time, Antonio has shown great initiative, tackling every task with enthusiasm while consistently delivering exceptional customer service at the vineyard.

Kurt & Tanna Klima

Kurt and Tanna have known Marc Malek for over 25 years, and their friendship runs deep. Whenever there's a wine event, you can count on these two to be there, volunteering to pour and share their passion for our latest wines with guests. They truly are the life of the party! Bringing joy and energy wherever they go, this couple always knows how to have a great time—even if it’s just the two of them!

If you look around our tasting room, you will find incredible pieces of artwork created by Tanna. She is a truly talented, one-of-a-kind artist!

Jamie Hussong Hill

A proud native of El Dorado County, was born, raised, and still resides in the heart of Gold Country. With over 20 years of experience in customer service and entertainment in the music industry, Jamie has been a vocalist in several local bands and remains passionate about both music and hospitality. After years of dedication as a stay-at-home mom, she brings the same warmth and commitment to her role as a Tasting Room Representative in Fairplay, California at Cielo Sulla Terra. 

With a love for connecting with people and sharing the unique stories behind every bottle, Jamie brings warmth and enthusiasm to every guest’s experience. When she’s not in the tasting room, she enjoys singing, spending time with family outdoors, and exploring the beauty of nature through kayaking, hiking, and traveling. Jaime believes that every small act of kindness can change the world, and she brings that philosophy to her work, ensuring each guest leaves with a memorable and positive experience.

Matt Hatcher

Matt Hatcher's passion for winemaking was inspired by his love for agriculture and nature, nurtured during his rural upbringing. He pursued formal education in viticulture and enology, gaining invaluable hands-on experience by working alongside respected winemakers and at renowned vineyards throughout California. This foundation allowed him to refine his skills in grape selection, fermentation techniques, and aging processes.In 2002, Matt founded Hatcher Winery in  Vallecito, California , focusing on premium, small-lot wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Sierra Foothills. He specializes in varietals such as Zinfandel, Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon, ensuring that each wine reflects the authentic expression of its vineyard.Matt's winemaking philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach that honors the natural processes of the vineyard, with minimal intervention. He passionately advocates for terroir-driven wines and sustainable practices, focusing on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity. By nurturing the unique characteristics of each vineyard, Matt produces high-quality wines that encapsulate the essence of the Sierra Foothills.

Transformative Times in the Tasting Room

Take a moment to find or reconnect with yourself, your family, or friends as you taste through our portfolio of wines in our newly remodeled tasting room.