The Granite Roots of El Dorado: A Guide to High-Elevation Rhône Varietals

^{Last updated: May 2026}

El Dorado wine country doesn’t get enough credit for its mountain-grown Rhône varietals, but it should. The elevation and decomposed granite soils do the same thing here that they do in the Northern Rhône: stress the vines, shrink the clusters, concentrate the flavors. The result is wines with real color, savory depth, and good acidity.

Here are a few of the many El Dorado wineries offering their take on Rhône varietals.

Skinner Vineyards 

The Skinner family was growing Rhône varieties here in the 1860s. They walked away from it, and then came back and rebuilt it. That history shows up in the glass.

• What to Try: The Grenache Noir and Syrah are the anchors; structured, mountain-grown, not overworked. The Grenache Blanc is harder to find and worth seeking out.
• Tip: Green Valley Ranch has some of the best views in the area.

Holly’s Hill Vineyards & Brewery

Holly’s Hill doesn’t dabble in Rhône. It’s what they do, and Pleasant Valley suits it.

• What to Try: The Mourvèdre. It’s earthy and spicy in a way that’s hard to pull off, and elevation helps. Don’t overlook the Viognier, floral, weighted, not sweet.
• Tip: If you’re new to El Dorado whites, this is a good place to start.

Lava Cap Winery

Most people know Lava Cap for Cabernet. Their Rhônes deserve equal attention.

• What to Try: Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc. You’ll find the entire white Rhône spectrum here. The estate Syrah grows in the volcanic soil that’s the winery’s namesake, and you can taste the difference.
• Tip: Grab a seat on the patio. Canyon views, spring afternoon, it’s a perfect combination.

Narrow Gate Vineyards

This Demeter-certified biodynamic winery isn’t doing it for the label. The farming genuinely drives what ends up in the bottle.

• What to Try: The Roussanne is rich and has texture. The Syrah is clean and specific to where it’s grown.
• Tip: Ask about how they work with the granite soils. It’s a real conversation (with Winemaker Frank if you’re lucky), not a tasting room pitch.

Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms

Delfino Farms has been in Camino for a long time. Edio is the winery side of it, creating wines that are getting attention. Think curious, precise, not trying to be everything.

• What to Try: The Grenache and Viognier are bright and well-made. The Roussanne is the sleeper.
• Tip: There’s an on-site bakery that’s worth a visit. (Note that it’s open seasonally.)

Starfield Vineyards & Winery

A beautiful location with a lakeside setting and good hospitality. But the reason to go is the Cinsault.

• What to Try: They’re one of the only El Dorado wineries growing Cinsault, a Rhône blending grape that drinks well on its own, especially slightly chilled.
• Tip: Weekends fill up. Make a reservation.

More Wineries, More Rhône Varietals

The influences are the same for all of them: elevation, granite, and temperature swings. Think old French grapes that found their mountain-grown ground.

For Grenache, Cantiga Wineworks and Crystal Basin are worth the stop.  In Fair Play, Shadow Ranch and Windwalker are serious about Mourvèdre. Cedarville sticks to a short list of varieties, Syrah and Viognier, and do them very well.

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