wine tasting

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.

wine tasting in el dorado county
wine tasting in el dorado county vineyards
wine tasting vineyard

The story that built us

el dorado county historical photo

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.

Fossati-Lombardo Winery, Late 1800s
Fossati-Lombardo Winery, Late 1800s

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.

windwalker vineyards

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.

wine tasting chateau davell

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.

what's happening eldoradowines
Fall feels. 🍁 🍂 We're ready for them.⁠
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📷 @starfieldvineyards⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #StarfieldVineyards #ElDoradoCounty #FallVibes
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Why should you care about California Wine Month?🍷 🤔 We've got four reasons not to miss visiting wineries (preferably in El Dorado County!) this month. ⁠
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Check them out at ElDoradoWines.org/Blog or at the link in our bio.⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #WineHarvest #CaliforniaWineMonth ⁠
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Happy International Grenache Day! 🍷 Today we're celebrating this incredible red grape that's a true global star. Here are four reasons why it’s one of our favorites:⁠
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🍇 While popular in France's Rhône Valley – and at several of our Rhône-influenced wineries, it's originally from Spain, where it's called Garnacha.⁠
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🍇 It's a blending superstar. It's the "G" in the famous "GSM" (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) blend, creating some of the world's most sought-after wines. ⁠
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🍇 It's globally significant. As one of the most widely planted red wine grapes in the world, it thrives in places with hot, dry climates—including El Dorado and the Sierra Foothills.⁠
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🍇 It's a chameleon. From light and fruity rosés to rich, full-bodied reds, there's a Grenache for every palate.⁠
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Looking to discover El Dorado Grenache? See all our wineries that feature it at ElDoradoWines.org/Wineries⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoAVA #GrenacheDay #CaliforniaWineMonth #InternationalGrenacheDay #Garnacha #WineLover #WineFacts⁠
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Wine harvest season is a time of intense activity and anticipation for winemakers. 🍇 What sets El Dorado’s wineries apart is our high elevation, which means our wine harvest is usually a little later than other wine regions. 
 
🍇  The cooler temperatures at higher altitudes mean our grapes ripen more slowly, extending the growing season. This later harvest allows for more complex flavor development in the grapes, contributing to the unique character of our wines.
 
🍇 Learn more about the wine harvest in El Dorado on our blog at the link in our bio
 
#ElDoradoWines #WineHarvest #CaliforniaWineMonth #ElDoradoCounty

El Dorado AVA | Wine Harvest in El Dorado County
El Dorado Wines | Mountain-grown grapes
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🍷 September is many things – back-to-school, wine harvest, and California Wine Month! It’s our way of celebrating the Golden State’s wines, winemakers, winegrowers, and wine lovers. ⁠
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🍇 El Dorado is one of 49 California counties that grow wine grapes. Our wineries help ensure that our state remains the #1 wine producer in the country, and #4 in the world!⁠
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🍷 Enjoy wine harvest and California Wine Month at our wineries this month with tastings, tours, and fun events!⁠
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📷: mcbridepictures for @shadowranchvineyard ⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #WineHarvest #CaliforniaWineMonth
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Wishing you a happy and safe Labor Day. 🇺🇸 Whether you’re traveling or staying put, exploring our wineries 🍷 😎 or laying low, we hope you enjoy a well-deserved day off!⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #LaborDay #SafeWishes⁠
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📷 @wavwinesofficial
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Today is International Cabernet Sauvignon Day, a grape grown throughout the world, including here! 🍇 (It’s also National Red Wine Day in case you need an additional reason to pour yourself a glass.🍷)⁠
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To celebrate the world’s most popular grape, we give you 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.⁠
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🍇 It’s a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. Talk about a surprising family tree!⁠
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🍇 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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#ElDoradoWines #CabernetSauvignonDay #ElDoradoCounty #CaliforniaWines
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