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.
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
When the weather outside is frightful, the cozy tasting room can be delightful. 🪵 From fireplaces and views overlooking the vineyards to welcoming wine caves, our wineries have no shortage of charming venues to enjoy a glass or flight.
Pictured:
🍷 @nelloolivowinery
🍇 @toogoodestatewinery
🍷 @boegerwinery
🍇 @delfinofarms
Discover them all at ElDoradoWines.org/wineries
#ElDoradoWines #TastingRooms #Wineries #MountainGrown
Want to level up your next winery experience? Find a range of memorable options at our wineries, including:
👩🏻🏫 Educational opportunities like vertical tastings and winemaker chats
🎉 Wine festivals (like El Dorado Passport on April 18-19!)
🍷 Winemaker for a day events that let you blend (and even bottle) your own wine!
🎶 Live music and performances
Visit our event calendar at ElDoradoWines.org/Events for more inspiration!
#ElDoradoWines #Wineries #WineryExperiences #MountainGrown
Your spring plans officially have a new centerpiece. 📍 Save the dates: April 18–19, 2026, for El Dorado Passport Weekend! 🍇
If you’ve been looking for the ultimate weekend escape, this is it. Swipe through to see why we’re calling this the non-negotiable event of the season:
High-Elevation Magic 🏔️ – Sip mountain-grown varietals and discover the difference altitude makes.
Behind-the-Cellar Access 🔑 – Meet the winemakers and taste special releases only available this weekend.
The Ultimate Pairing Menu 🍽️ – Think perfectly curated bites specifically designed to make those mountain-grown wines show their best side.
The Best Vibe with the Best People 👯♀️ – Live music, vineyard games, and that perfect "friend-group convoy" energy. After all, wine is always better with friends!
Scenic Serenity 🌿 – Vibrant green hills and gorgeous scenery. The drive through along El Dorado County’s backroads is (almost!) as good as the wine.
🎟️ Tickets go fast! Grab yours at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport and get ready to make some mountain memories.
#ElDoradoPassport #SierraFoothills #WineCountry #SpringEscape2026 #VisitElDorado #WineTasting #NorCalAdventure
Passport has been around 35 years for good reason! Whether you go to enjoy the unique food pairings, experience being a wine club member for a day, or chat with the winemakers and winery owners, El Dorado’s original wine festival is guaranteed to be a fun and memorable day.
Here is a small taste of what our wineries will have on offer:
🥐 @chateau_davell will offer progressive experience with French cuisine inspired small bites paired with their wines.
🍇 Enjoy Biodynamic wines with the signature Passport Panini at @narrowgatevineyards
⚒️ Experience a genuine taste of Gold Rush history at @skinnervineyards, sampling Hangtown Fry with their library wines
🍷 @nelloolivowinery’s iconic Grapefather experience is back!
And so many more! See the complete list at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport.
#ElDoradoWines #Passport2026 #ElDoradoCounty
While we firmly believe that EVERY day should be #DrinkWineDay, we won’t snub Global Drink Wine Day today. 🍷
May you find reasons to enjoy a glass of your favorite varietal today (and every day)!
#ElDoradoWines #GlobalDrinkWineDay #Cheers
Cheers to #SyrahDay! 🍷 It’s a beloved varietal at our wineries, and whether you prefer yours blended (GSM anyone?), aged, or all the above, there are endless ways to enjoy it here.
See a complete list of wineries featuring Syrah at ElDoradoWines.org/wineries.
#ElDoradoWines #NationalSyrahDay #ElDoradoCounty #VisitCalifornia
Happy Galentine’s Day! They say that love is sweet, but friends are better. ❤️ And what better way for ladies to celebrate ladies than with wine time? 🍷
Whatever you’re sharing with your BFFs today, remember these wise words:
“Friends are like wine: the first thing you look for at the end of a long day.”
#GalentinesDay #ElDoradoWines
The results of the 26th annual San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition are in, and we’re proud to share that many of our wineries were recognized! 🏆
🍇 @lavacapwinery (pictured) – Several wines received honors, including Double Gold for its 2023 Cabernet Franc
🍇 @crystal_basin_cellars - Several wines received honors, including a Gold for its 2023 Primitivo
🍷 @docmanovwinery – Several wines received honors, including Double Gold for its 2024 Counoise
🍇 @sentivovineyard– Several wines received honors, including Silver for its 2018 Petite Syrah and Syrah
🍷 @skinnervineyards – Several wines received honors, including Best of Class for its Angelico Port and Double Gold for its 2024 Grenache
🍇 @starfieldvineyards – Several wines received honors, including Double Gold for its 2023 Aglianico and 2024 Fiano
Congratulations to all! See more winery accolades on our blog at ElDoradoWines.org/Blog
#ElDoradoWines #FoothillWineFest #WineEnthusiast #AwardWinning
Psst – need a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift that shows you really care? 💕 Give the gift of an unforgettable experience this spring! 🌼
Passport, El Dorado’s annual wine festival, is a weekend celebrating the best of the Sierra Foothills, with mountain-grown wines, incredible food pairings, and plenty of fun surprises.
It’s a gift they’ll always remember. Buy now at ElDoradoWines.org or the link in bio.
#ElDoradoWines #Passport2026 #ElDoradoCounty
