Why El Dorado wines are unique

The Mountain-Grown Difference

El Dorado’s mountain vineyards are on steep hillsides with warm summer days and cool nights. It’s an environment that gives wines luscious fruit, an alluring balance, refreshing vibrancy, and well-structured balance. As one of California’s oldest wine regions, El Dorado is incredibly diverse. You can see that in our three appellations – El Dorado, Fair Play, and Sierra Foothills.

wine tasting in el dorado county
placerville wine tasting
placerville wine tasting
El Dorado County Wine Country map

Easy to get here

In the heart of the Sierra Foothills

El Dorado County is less than an hour from Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe. Blending the magic of wine country with the drama of the magnificent Sierra Nevada mountain range, our region boasts remarkable landscapes that range from dramatic river canyons to steep hillsides.

vineyards
what's happening eldoradowines
Today is International Cabernet Sauvignon Day, a grape grown throughout the world, including here!⁠
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To celebrate the world’s most popular grape, we have three fun facts:⁠
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🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon is actually a relatively young grape variety! Compared to some ancient vines, it's a youngster, with the first mentions dating back to the 17th century.⁠
🍇 It’s a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Talk about a surprising family tree!⁠
🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon is incredibly versatile. It thrives in diverse climates, from the cool regions of Bordeaux to the warmer climates of El Dorado County, producing unique flavor profiles in each location.⁠
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Pictured: @wavewinesofficial ⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #CabernetSauvignonDay⁠
Wishing you a happy and safe Labor Day weekend. 🇺🇸 Whether you’re traveling or staying put, exploring our wineries 🍷 😎 or laying low, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved weekend off!⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #LaborDayWeekend #SafeWishes⁠
Discover the best of El Dorado’s wineries this Labor Day weekend. 🇺🇸 Gather your posse for live music, food pairings, unmatched hospitality, and delicious wines!⁠
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See all the possibilities at the link in our bio or at eldoradowines.org/events.⁠
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📷 @madronavineyards ⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #LaborDayWeekend #Events⁠
Sun-kissed days and good company. 🍷☀️ Both make for delightful memories at our wineries.⁠
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📷 @mellowoodvineyard⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #WineTasting #BetterWithFriends ⁠
It’s veraison time at our wineries! Wondering what it is, exactly? 🤔 🍇 ⁠
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It’s *not*⁠
☎️ A phone company – or Internet provider⁠
🍷 A wine varietal, though it is essential to wine making!⁠
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We’ve got the full scoop on our blog at the link in bio.⁠
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📷 @crystal_basin_cellars ⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #Veraison #Winemaking #Grapes ⁠
You don’t have to be a fan of Grease to appreciate the magic of summer nights. 🤩 Especially the mountain-grown variety. ⁠
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📷 @starfieldvineyards ⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #SummerNights⁠
Wine brings people together. 🍷⁠
- Pliny the Elder⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #WineCountry ⁠
We love us a wine day, and National #WhiteWine Day is no exception! 🥂⁠
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Sure, we may be known for our bold red wines, but our mountain-grown white wines are recognized for their balanced acidity and concentrated flavors, making them a memorable way to celebrate today – or any day. ⁠
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With so many varietals and blends to choose from at our wineries, there is no shortage of new wines to discover!⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #WhiteWineDay #MountainGrown⁠
@smokey_ridge_ranch isn’t your average winery. This small family-run operation, open seasonally during the fall, offers a taste of rural California mountain-grown charm. 🍷
 
They grow all their produce, from grapes for their wines to 17 varieties of apples, flowers, and chestnuts. The boutique winery produces red wine, rose, and hard cider, with varietals that include Syrah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Grenache, and Zinfandel.
 
Fun fact: Farmer Kirk, who planted the vines in 1999, has a PhD in Biochemistry and is a stickler in growing premium, perfectly mature grapes. 🍇
 
Stop by for a wine tasting on fall weekends and enjoy the beautiful scenery, or pick up a flower bouquet and wine while visiting the Apple Hill™ farms!
 
#ElDoradoWines #SmokeyRidgeWinery  #MountainGrown

Our Wineries

Independent and innovative

El Dorado Winery Association member wineries are a select group of small, independent, and family-owned wineries invested in the agriculture of the El Dorado and Fair Play American Viticultural Areas (AVA). Over 75% of the wine produced here is both grown and produced locally. You’ll find over 30 family-owned wineries in El Dorado County, with more than 100 varietals!

Our wineries are ready to welcome you and show you the mountain-grown difference.

estienne vineyard
busby cellars
boeger vineyard