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.
Cheers to Earth Day! 🌎 Our wineries recognize that it’s essential to care for our planet. As a result, many of them embrace sustainable and organic practices, from certified organic to fish-friendly farming. Here are a few to check out:
🍇 @delfinofarms (pictured)
🍇 @narrowgatevineyards
🍇 @chateau_davell
🍇 @boegerwinery
🍇 @hollyshill
🍇 @madronavineyards
🍇 @lavacap
🍇 @cedarville_vineyard
🍇 @cantigawineworks
🍇 @skinnervineyards
🍇 @smokey_ridge_ranch
🍇 @starfieldvineyards
🍇 @windwalkervineyard
🍇 @davidgirardwinery
🍇 shadowranchvineyard
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrownWines #EarthDay #EarthDayisEveryDay
Weekend views never disappoint. 🙌🏽 😎 🍷
📷 @hollyshill
PS - Got your tickets for next weekend`s Passport wine festival? There are a few left - get `em at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport !
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoCounty #MountainGrown
Looking to make the most of your Passport experience next weekend? With a couple dozen of these events under our belt, we’ve got some tips!
🍷 Know your starting winery – That’s where you’ll pick up the all-important wine glass and wristband
🐢 Pace yourself – There will be many delicious things to eat and drink this weekend. It`s definitely more of a marathon than a sprint! On a related note,
🚗 Find a Designated Driver – It’s peace of mind for everyone, and our Designated Driver tickets allow access to all the tasty bites and non-alcoholic winery experiences!
Got your tickets yet? Find them at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineFestival #ElDoradoCounty
Cheers to International Malbec Day! 🍷 This bold and fruity red wine is worth celebrating today (and every day!).
Discover wineries offering El Dorado Malbec at the link in bio.
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoCounty #MountainGrown #MalbecDay
🌎 Our wineries recognize the importance of caring for the planet, which is why many embrace sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
🌱 There are several types of vineyard management and certification options out there, and distinguishing them can be challenging. Here are the top three you’ll find at our wineries:
🐟 Fish-Friendly Farming®
🌿 Biodynamic®
🌳 Sustainable practices
Learn more on our blog at the link in bio.
📷 @narrowgatevineyards
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoCounty #MountainGrown #Sustainability #FishFriendlyFarming #BiodynamicFarming
It’s here, that most magical spring phenomenon – bud break! 🌱
📷 @hollyshill (April 9, 2025)
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #SignsofSpring
Ever wondered why we call our annual wine event "Passport?"🍷 It`s your ticket to explore the stunning El Dorado wine region! 🎟️
Like a real passport, it grants you access to unique tastings, delicious food pairings, and unforgettable experiences at our incredible wineries—minus the jet lag and cramped airplane seats!
Join us at El Dorado Wines Passport on April 26-27 and experience everything our wineries have to offer.
🎟️ ElDoradoWines.org/Passport
#ElDoradoWines #Passport #WineCountry #WineAdventure
🧭 Ready to explore El Dorado wine country? Our invaluable winery guide can help get you started. Learn about all our family-run wineries, what varietals we grow, where to stay, driving directions, transportation, and more (including a map).
Get a copy at the link in our bio.
📷 @lavacapwinery
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #VisitorGuide
What do bubbles and apple cider donuts have in common? 🥂 🍩 🤔 They’re both at this year’s Passport!
You`ve heard that Passport is coming up on April 26-27. You may be wondering why you don`t want to miss this year`s event (and if you`ve already bought tickets, yay! Here are further reasons to confirm you`ve made a wise decision).
It’s not every day you can enjoy:
🥂 Pairing bubbles with curated small bites at @findletonestate
🍩 Cider donuts, hand-dipped corndogs, and hard ciders at @bumgarnerwinery
🍽️ A sit-down tasting experience featuring limited-production wines and tapas at @madronavineyards
🍷 An opportunity to be a wine club member for a day at 20+ wineries!
Ticket sales end on April 24. Yes, that’s a little over three weeks away, but why wait until the last minute?
Get tickets today at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport or the link in bio
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineCountry #ElDoradoCounty
Whether you prefer Port pairings to Downward Dog, you`ll find plenty of unique experiences at our wineries this spring, including:
🍷 Red Blend Private Tasting at @toogoodestatewinery, weekends in April
🌮 Sangria Sunday at @hart2hartvineyards, April 13
🐣 Easter Port Party + Luncheon at @chateaudestienne, April 19
🍷 Passport Weekend, 24 wineries, April 26-27
🧘🏼 WOGA (Wine + Yoga) at @boegewinery beginning May 4
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #MountainWine
No April Fool`s joke. Did you know that April is Down to Earth month? 🌱 It’s a way to explore El Dorado wines grown and made with sustainable practices.
Our upcoming Passport Weekend, April 26-27, will feature many wineries committed to sustainable growing and winemaking practices.
Get your tickets at the link in bio.
📷 @cedarville_vineyard
#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #MountainWine #Sustainable
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
