Limitless possibilities
Unique surroundings, perfect for winemaking
Our dynamic terroir ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 feet with hundreds of microclimates providing endless opportunities for our creative winemakers to experiment with nearly 100 distinct wine varieties.
Warm days and cool nights
Mountain born, intense flavors and distinct character
Our 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, gentle tannins, and body and depth.
The story that built us
It all began in 1848
California's Gold Rush and the planting of the first vines.
California’s Gold Rush began in El Dorado County in 1848 with James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill, on the South Fork of the American River in Coloma. As legions of people flocked to California to claim their fortunes, the region’s winemaking industry was born.
By 1870
The early pioneers of California winemaking
El Dorado County was among the largest wine producers in the state, trailing only Los Angeles and Sonoma counties. The local wine industry flourished until just after the turn of the century when there were approximately 2,000 acres of vines in the county. Shortly thereafter, El Dorado began a gradual decline, brought about by poor economic conditions and a diminishing local population. Prohibition was but the last straw.
1920 - 1960
Rebirth
Viticulture virtually disappeared from the county. It wasn’t until the late 1960s that winegrowing made a resurgence. Following the development of several experimental vineyards, it became apparent that both the climate and soil of El Dorado County were ideally suited to the production of high quality, dry table wines. With the opening of Boeger Winery in 1973, El Dorado was once again on its way to becoming an important winegrowing region.
Present
A can't-miss California wine region with boutique independent wineries
Today, the county has more than 2,000 acres of vines, is home to approximately 50 wineries, and produces some of California’s most sophisticated wines. El Dorado was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1983.
Two days. Twenty wineries. One very good weekend. 🍷 El Dorado Passport returns April 18–19 — exclusive pours, food pairings, and California wine country at its best.
🎟️ eldoradowines.org/passport
#ElDoradoWines #Passport2026 #MountainWine
Turns out, El Dorado County is about as farm-to-glass as it gets — over 75% of our wine is grown and produced right here locally. 🍷
Pictured: @bumgarnerwinery, @madronavineyards, @shadowranchvineyard, @nelloolivowinery
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoCounty #MountainGrown #FarmtoGlass
🍇 Spring has officially reached our mountain vineyards — and the vines are waking up!
If you`ve spotted photos of bud break and wondered what all the excitement is about, we`ve got you. Head to the blog (you know where 🔗) for a closer look at this magical moment in the growing season and what it means for the wines in your future glass.
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #MountainWine #BudBreak
Cheers to the first day of spring! 🌸 🌼 ☀️ It’s a timely reminder to reserve your spot at Passport on April 18-19. After all, it’s only a little under a month away (not that we’re counting!).
🎟️ Get your tickets at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #FirstDayofSpring #WineFestival
There`s more to Camino and Apple Hill™ than pies and apples. 🍎 Think award-winning wineries and fun wines (including some that pair well with the region`s famous cider donuts!) and plenty of discoveries.
#ElDoradoWines #Camino #MountainGrown #MountainWines #AppleHill
What better way to welcome longer days and the first day of spring than with a glass of El Dorado wine in hand? 🌸 🍷
Join us on Saturday, March 21, from 4–8 PM for the 3rd Saturday Art & Wine Stroll on Placerville`s Historic Main Street.
@shadowranchvineyard, @skinnervineyard, @sierravistawinery, and @crystal_basin_cellars will be among the wineries you’ll find at galleries and boutiques open late into the evening.
Enjoy live music, artist demos, and special promotions from local merchants as the season turns and the evenings stretch a little longer.
It`s a lovely way to ease into spring - come when you can and stay as long as you like.
🎟️ Get tickets at givebutter.com/3rdsaturday or link in bio.
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #PlacervilleMerchants #3rdSaturdayArtWalk #MainStreetPlacerville
Two days. Stunning foothill views. Dozens of world-class wineries. 🏔🍷 Passport Weekend on April 18-19 is El Dorado County`s most celebrated wine event - and tickets are going fast.
Come taste what makes this mountain-grown region unlike anywhere else.
🎟 ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #ElDoradoCounty #WineFestival
When wine enthusiasts think of California Zinfandel, their minds often drift to well-known wine destinations like Napa Valley or Sonoma County. But not far away in the Sierra Foothills near Lake Tahoe, El Dorado wineries have been quietly crafting some of the state’s most exceptional Zinfandels for over 150 years.
With old vines rooted in Gold Rush-era soil and elevations that rival some of Europe`s most celebrated wine regions, El Dorado`s Zinfandel tells a story that`s uniquely Californian—and utterly unforgettable.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Zinfandel in El Dorado County on our blog.
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoZin #Zinfandel #CaliforniaZin #MountainGrown
Fun fact: El Dorado County is considered the "cradle of the California Zinfandel."
True story: Miners planted wine grapes here in the 1850s during the Gold Rush! They brought vine cuttings, and many turned to grape growing after the gold fever subsided. 🍇
A small block of original vines remains at @skinnervineyards and @boegerwinery , the first post-Prohibition winery in the El Dorado AVA.
#ElDoradoWines #FunFacts #TheMoreYouKnow #ElDoradoCounty #CaliforniaWines #MountainWine
Fun fact about El Dorado Passport – ONE ticket gives you access to 20 incredible winery experiences.
It’s an incredible value if we say so ourselves. Will we see you on April 18-19?
🎟️ Get your tickets at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineFestival #eldoradocounty #visitcalifornia
Why mountain-grown wine? 🏔 🍷 Our mountain vineyards produce grapes grown on hillsides with warm summer days and cool nights. It`s an environment that gives wines luscious fruit, an alluring balance, gentle tannins, and body and depth.
Put simply, mountain-grown means memorable wines!
🎥 @lavacapwinery
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #ElDoradoAVA #WineCountry #MountainWine
A new month means loads of new events at our wineries! 🎉 From Girl Scout cookies to paella, Mardi Gras to blending your own wine, there`s a wine experience for you in March. Here`s a small taste:
🍷 Stories in the Cellar at @boegerwinery
🍪 Girl Scout Cookie Pairing at @toogoodcellars
🥘 Pinot + Paella at @docmanovwinery
🍇 Quintet Blending at @madronavineyards
🎭 Mardi Gras at @mellowoodvineyard
🧀 Gourmet Grilled Cheese at @shadowranchvineyard
See all the events at ElDoradoWines.org/Events (or the link in our bio)
#ElDoradoWines #WineryEvents #WineExperiences #ElDoradoCounty #MountainWine #GirlScoutCookies #WeekendEscape
