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
Yes, it's the final countdown. ⏰ You have 48 hours (maybe less by the time you read this) to get your Passport tickets!⁠
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No pressure. OK, maybe a little pressure. ⁠
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After all, our wineries are looking forward to seeing you and sharing their award-winning wines, carefully curated bites, and memorable experiences.⁠
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Don’t let them down. Get your tickets today! ⁠
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#ElDoradoWineries #PassportWeekend #WineFestival #ElDoradoCounty⁠
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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:⁠
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🍇 @delfinofarms (pictured)⁠
🍇 @narrowgatevineyards⁠
🍇 @chateau_davell⁠
🍇 @boegerwinery⁠
🍇 @hollyshill ⁠
🍇 @madronavineyards⁠
🍇 @lavacap⁠
🍇 @cedarville_vineyard⁠
🍇 @cantigawineworks ⁠
🍇 @skinnervineyards⁠
🍇 @smokey_ridge_ranch⁠
🍇 @starfieldvineyards⁠
🍇 @windwalkervineyard⁠
🍇 @davidgirardwinery⁠
🍇 shadowranchvineyard⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrownWines #EarthDay #EarthDayisEveryDay⁠
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Weekend views never disappoint. 🙌🏽 😎 🍷 ⁠
📷 @hollyshill⁠
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PS - Got your tickets for next weekend's Passport wine festival? There are a few left - get 'em at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport !⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoCounty #MountainGrown⁠
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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!⁠
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🍷 Know your starting winery – That’s where you’ll pick up the all-important wine glass and wristband⁠
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🐢 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,⁠
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🚗 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!⁠
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Got your tickets yet? Find them at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineFestival #ElDoradoCounty
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Cheers to International Malbec Day! 🍷 This bold and fruity red wine is worth celebrating today (and every day!). ⁠
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Discover wineries offering El Dorado Malbec at  the link in bio.⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoCounty #MountainGrown #MalbecDay⁠
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🌎 Our wineries recognize the importance of caring for the planet, which is why many embrace sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. ⁠
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🌱 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:⁠
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🐟 Fish-Friendly Farming®⁠
🌿 Biodynamic®⁠
🌳 Sustainable practices⁠
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Learn more on our blog at the link in bio.⁠
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📷 @narrowgatevineyards ⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoCounty #MountainGrown #Sustainability #FishFriendlyFarming #BiodynamicFarming
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It’s here, that most magical spring phenomenon – bud break! 🌱⁠ 

📷⁠ @hollyshill (April 9, 2025)

#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #SignsofSpring
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Ever wondered why we call our annual wine event "Passport?"🍷 It's your ticket to explore the stunning El Dorado wine region! 🎟️⁠
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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!⁠
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Join us at El Dorado Wines Passport on April 26-27 and experience everything our wineries have to offer.⁠
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🎟️ ElDoradoWines.org/Passport⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #Passport #WineCountry #WineAdventure⁠
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🧭 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). ⁠
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Get a copy at the link in our bio.⁠
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📷 @lavacapwinery ⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #VisitorGuide
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What do bubbles and apple cider donuts have in common? 🥂 🍩 🤔 They’re both at this year’s Passport!⁠
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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).⁠
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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!⁠
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Ticket sales end on April 24. Yes, that’s a little over three weeks away, but why wait until the last minute? ⁠
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Get tickets today at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport or the link in bio⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineCountry #ElDoradoCounty⁠
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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.⁠
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Our upcoming Passport Weekend, April 26-27, will feature many wineries committed to sustainable growing and winemaking practices. ⁠
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Get your tickets at the link in bio.⁠
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📷 @cedarville_vineyard⁠
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#ElDoradoWines #MountainGrown #MountainWine #Sustainable⁠
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