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.
It’s been a minute since we introduced ourselves, and we’ve seen a few new faces around here. Hi! 👋🏻 We’re El Dorado Wine Association, a group of small, independent, and (occasionally) fun-loving wineries in El Dorado County, California.
A few of our likes include under-the-radar varietals (Alicante Bouschet, anyone?), summer afternoons before the harvest, and wines that don’t take themselves too seriously (people, too).
Some facts about us:
🍷 We’re made up of over 40 family-owned wineries in El Dorado County
🍷 Collectively, we grow 73 different varietals (44 reds + 29 whites). This variety is not a lack of focus but reflects our complex terrain!
🍷 We feature wines from three AVAs: El Dorado, Fair Play, and Sierra Foothills
🍷 Our signature wine festival event, Passport, has been around for 34 years!
This year’s event is April 26-27, and you can learn more/get tickets at the link in the bio.
#eldoradowines #passport #winefestival #californiasnow #winecountry #winter #visiteldoradocounty #eldoradocounty #winetasting #spring #passport #winepassport #visitgoldcountry
Passport is more than a weekend. It’s a tradition, one that we’ve celebrated for 34 years. Join us on April 26-27 as El Dorado wineries roll out their red carpets to welcome you with creative pairings, special tastings, and wine club member-for-a-day privileges!
Get your tickets at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineFestival
Fun fact: Over 75% of the wine produced in El Dorado County is both grown and produced locally.
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoCounty #MountainGrown #Local
📷 @davidgirardwinery
Spring at our wineries is truly stunning. 🙌 🌸 🌼
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #MountainWine #SpringIsHere
Cheers to the first day of spring! 🌸 🌼 ☀️ It’s a timely reminder to reserve your spot at Passport on April 26-27. After all, it’s only a little over a month away (not that we’re counting!).
Get your tickets at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #FirstDayofSpring #WineFestival
Whether you call it a haircut or a spring clean, it’s the time of year when our vineyards get a trim. Pruning is an essential step in the winemaking process.
📷 @skinnervineyards
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #MountainWine
Wine tasting in El Dorado is nothing short of spectacular. Think lush hills with tidy vineyards and fragrant pine forests, all with stunning mountains (often snow-covered) in the background.
Many wineries have hiking and nature trails that give you a taste of El Dorado’s mountain-grown flavor. Whether you hit the trails before or after wine tasting is up to you!
Find inspiration at the link in our bio.
📷 @starfieldvineyards
#ElDoradoWines #HikingTrails #MountainGrown #MountainWines #NatureWalks
Have you heard? Tickets to Passport are selling fast! 🎟 🍷 Join us on April 26-27 for a delightful and memorable weekend celebrating the best of El Dorado County’s wineries!
Get your tickets at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #ElDoradoCounty #WineFestival
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 Skinner Vineyards (pictured) and Boeger Winery, 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 24 incredible winery experiences.
It’s an incredible value if we say so ourselves. Will we see you on April 26-27?
Get your ticket at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineFestival #ElDoradoCounty
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!
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #ElDoradoAVA #WineCountry #MountainWine
A new month means loads of new events at our wineries! 🎉 From bottling your own blend to grilled oysters and happy hour to picnics, there`s a wine experience for you in March. Here`s a small sampling:
🦪 Oysterfest at @crystal_basin_cellars
🧺 Weekend Picnic Boxes and Boards at @narrowgatevineyards
🍻 Happy Hour at @chateaudestienne
🍾 Bottle Your Own Wine at @toogoodestatewinery
🌼 Spring Fling at @lavacapwinery
See all the events at ElDoradoWines.org/Events
#ElDoradoWines #WineryEvents #WineExperiences #ElDoradoCounty #MountainWine
