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.
We look forward to welcoming our Nevada neighbors on October 25-27. Show your Nevada ID at participating wineries to be a Wine Club Member for a day, receive discounts on wine, and more!
Don’t miss these winery offers:
🍷 @findletonestate: Enjoy Gourmet hot dogs and member pricing specials
🍇 @madronavineyards: Club Member for a day, complimentary tasting for Nevada residents, and wine club discounts
🍷 @bumgarnerwinery: Both locations offer complimentary tastings and 20% savings on wine purchases. Proof of residency is required
🍇 @chateau_davell: Club Member for the day, Nevada 6-pack $99
🍷 @crystal_basin_cellars: Enjoy a Southern-style shrimp Boil on Saturday, 10/26, at 2 pm. Full and half-case mix-and-match specials on 2021 red blends, Zinfandel, and Syrah
🍇 @shadowranchvineyard: Enjoy Wine Club Membership for the day. Complimentary tasting and club member pricing on wines
🍷 @fentonherriottvineyards: Complimentary wine tasting and 30% off selected cases
🍇 @mellowoodvineyard: Complimentary Halloween sweet treats
🍷 @narrowgatevineyards: Wine Club member for the day
🍇 @miradorwinery: Complimentary tastings and wine club members for the day
🍷 @chateaudestienne: Celebrate Nevada Day with their royalty club experience! Enjoy two complimentary tastings, get 15% off select wines, buy a case, and receive 20% off select wines
🍇 Medeiros Family Wines: Complimentary tastings, Wine Club members for the day, plus sales and specials on select wines
🍷 @hart2hartvineyards: Wine Club Member for the Day, complimentary tastings, 20% discount on wine purchases
🍇 @cantigawineworks: Enjoy a lazy weekend of friendly competition, with card games and board games for all ages and levels. Challenge yourself to games of chance to win prizes and discounts. Game-time snacks are available from our Tapas Menu
🍷 @boegerwinery: Nevada residents with valid NV ID can become “club members for the day” and receive complimentary tastings and 20% off wine purchases
🍇 @windwalkervineyard: Complimentary tasting and wine club discounts
🍷 Wofford Acres Vineyards: Become a Wine Club Member for the day with a valid Nevada ID
See more at #linkinbio
#NevadaDays
The weekend is calling - and with it plenty of fun events at our wineries, including:
🍷 Friday Family Wine Down at @hart2hartvineyards
🍇 Sip & Stomp at @boegerwinery
🍕 Pizza Sundays at @shadowranchvineyard (📸: @mcbridepictures)
And that`s just the beginning! Head to ElDoradoWines.org/Events for more mountain-grown ways to enjoy your weekend.
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #WneryExperiences
Wine is sunlight, held together by water.
- Galileo Galilei
📷 @fentonherriottvineyards
#ElDoradoWines #Quote #CaliforniaWineMonth
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 slower, 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 wine harvest in El Dorado on our blog (link in bio)!
📷 @starfieldvineyards
#ElDoradoWines #WineHarvest #CaliforniaWineMonth
Always grateful for these views - and these vineyards.
📷 @davidgirardwinery
#ElDoradoWines #DavidGirardWinery #Sunsets #CaliforniaWineMonth
Harvest views at @lavacapwinery. 🙌🏽 🤩
#ElDoradoWines #WineHarvest #LavaCapWinery #CaliforniaWineMonth
🍷 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.
🍇 El Dorado is one of 49 California counties that grows wine grapes. Our wineries help ensure that our state remains the #1 wine producer in the country, and #4 in the world!
🍷 Enjoy wine harvest and California Wine Month at our wineries this month with tastings, tours, and fun events!
📷 @shadowranchvineyard
#ElDoradoWines #CaliforniaWineMonth
Today is International Cabernet Sauvignon Day, a grape grown throughout the world, including here!
To celebrate the world’s most popular grape, we have three fun facts:
🍇 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.
Pictured: @wavewinesofficial
#ElDoradoWines #CabernetSauvignonDay
Are you El Dorado wine-curious? 🧐 Maybe you’re planning a visit but aren’t sure which wineries are pet-friendly, have outdoor seating, or picnic supplies? 🐶 🧺 ⛱️
Never fear! Our winery page lets you filter wineries by location, by amenities, and even by days open. It makes planning a breeze.
Get started at the link in our bio.
Pictured
🐶 @crystal_basin_cellars
⛱️ @toogoodestatewinery
⛱️ @davidgirardwinery
#ElDoradoWines #Wineries #PlanYourVisit
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!
#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!
See all the possibilities at the link in our bio or at eldoradowines.org/events.
📷 @madronavineyards
#ElDoradoWines #LaborDayWeekend #Events
Sun-kissed days and good company. 🍷☀️ Both make for delightful memories at our wineries.
📷 @mellowoodvineyard
#ElDoradoWines #WineTasting #BetterWithFriends
