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.
Looking for the perfect gift for your hard-to-buy-for friend? 🎁 Give the gift of an unforgettable wine experience with El Dorado Wines Passport tickets! 🍷
And with Early Bird tickets now available, it makes a terrific value even better!
🎟 Save $10 today (but your giftee doesn’t need to know that 😉) at the link in bio.
#ElDoradoWines #Passport2025
Are you the type of holiday gift giver who delights in finding creative and unique gifts that truly speak to the recipient? 🎁 We’ve got plenty of original ideas – including non-wine options – at our wineries, including:
🎨 Art, jewelry, and more at @findletonestate (pictured)
🧢 Merch from several wineries including @hollyshill (pictured)
🎁 Curated wine gift boxes (pictured @starfieldvineyards and @hart2hartvineyards)
And lots more! Head to our blog at the link in our bio for more gift ideas.
#ElDoradoWines #GiftIdeas #ShopLocal #ShopSmall
We’re not exaggerating when we say our wineries are award-winning. 🏆 Recently, a few received some very impressive recognitions!
🍷 @findletonestate – Their 2023 Viognier won Best of Show – Overall at the 2024 Foothill Wine Fest 🏆
🍇 @madronavineyards 2023 Hillside Grenache Rosé was selected one of the 50 Best Wines of 2024 by @vinepair 💪🏼
🍷 @windwalkervineyard’s 2023 Late Harvest Chardonnay won Best of Show Dessert at the 2024 Foothill Wine Fest 🏅
🍇 @hollyshill 2022 Patriarche received a 92 rating from Wine Enthusiast 👏🏼
🍷 @crystal_basin_cellars 2020 Zinfandel won Gold at the 2024 San Francisco Wine Chronicle Competition 🥇
🍇 @delfinofarms Edio Vineyards – Their 2023 Albariño received a 93 rating and the 2023 Robyn’s Blend received a 94 rating by @wineenthusiast and @noirsommelier 💪🏼
There’s plenty more, too! Learn about all our wineries accolades and awards on our blog.
#ElDoradoWines #FoothillWineFest #WineEnthusiast #AwardWinning
There’s plenty of festive fun to be had at our wineries this month! A few events to put on your list:
🍜 Soup & Sourdough Sundays at fentonherriottvineyards
🧺 Weekend Picnic Boards and Boxes at @narrowgatevineyards
🍫 Chocolate + Wine Pairings at @hollyshill
✨Celebrate the Magic of the Season at @chateaudestienne
See more at ElDoradoWines.org/Events
#ElDoradoWines #December #Events #Soup #WineandCheese #Chocolate #Port
Passport is back for its 34th year on April 26-27! 🍷 Experience El Dorado County`s family-owned wineries in an intimate, relaxed setting. Think food and wine tastings, reserve wines, and other surprises at over 20 wineries.
🎟 Save $10 when you buy Early Bird Tickets before January 31. Get yours today at ElDoradoWines.org/Passport or the link in our bio.
#ElDoradoWines #Passport2025
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us. 🦃 May yours be full of great wines, delicious food, and beautiful memories.
#ElDoradoWines #HappyThanksgiving
📷 @davidgirardwinery
Our wineries will be open this weekend for tastings, events, shopping, and more! 🍷 🛍 🎁
Enjoy the relaxed pace and feel good knowing you’re supporting local businesses with every sip. #SmallBusinessSaturday #ShopSmall
📷 @boegerwinery, @crystal_basin_cellars, @mellowoodvineyard
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoAVA
Today’s the day! Early Bird tickets to Passport 2025 are on sale NOW!
Head to ElDoradoWines.org/Passport or the link in bio for all the details on wineries, experiences, and more!
🍷 El Dorado Passport Weekend
🗓️ April 26-27, 2025
🎟️ 20+ wineries, ONE ticket
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineFestival #ElDoradoAVA
It’s a varietal close to our wineries’ hearts. Tomorrow is #ZinfandelDay! 🍷 🍇 From estate-grown to barrel-aged, you’ll find an array of Zinfandels throughout El Dorado County, including at @shadowranchvineyard, pictured here.
#ElDoradoWines #Zinfandel #ShadowRanchVineyard
Planning a memorable holiday meal takes a lot of preparation, whether for two or twenty people. 🦃 🍷 But selecting what wines to drink should be the fun (and dare we say, easy?) part.
After all, the wide range of dishes and flavors allows you to try something new. Or try a new version of a favorite varietal.
We’ve got some ideas for El Dorado wines to add to your Thanksgiving table. Head to the link in bio for inspiration!
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoAVA #ThanksgivingWines
Save the date! 📣 Early Bird tickets to Passport 2025 go on sale in ONE week!
That’s right, starting November 20, you can save on one of the best wine festivals in the Sierra Foothills! Get a pair for yourself, gift them this holiday season, and spread the word!
El Dorado Passport Weekend
April 26-27, 2025
20+ wineries, ONE ticket
#ElDoradoWines #PassportWeekend #WineFestival
Fun fact: There are over 100 distinct wine varieties in El Dorado County. Each winery offers uniquely different – and delicious – wines. From Picpoul to Primitivo, Grenache to Gewurztraminer, El Dorado AVA wines never disappoint.
#ElDoradoWines #ElDoradoAVA #WineVarietals
