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.
🎄 Celebrate the Season at our wineries next weekend! Here are a few to put on your calendar:
🎶 @crystal_basin_cellars brings frivolity (and hilarity) with its Traveling Ugly Christmas Sweater Kazoo Festival on December 16. No talent required!
🍷 Celebrate Christmas in the Cellar at @narrowgatevineyards on December 16-17, with the library wine tastings and light hors d’oevres like bacon-wrapped persimmons and grilled panko goat cheese.
🎁 @shadowranchvineyard’s holiday craft market on December 16 is a perfect opportunity to get some gift shopping done while wine tasting (win-win!).
🎄 Head to @mellowoodvineyard on December 16 for their free holiday fair featuring unique vendors (like Alpacas of El Dorado!), 🍖 Kenyan BBQ Beef & Kachumbari, 🍷 hot mulled wine, candied nuts, and live music
🍷 @miradorwinery will feature a holiday open house on December 16 with wine specials, sangria, charcuterie, and vendors.
🍕 Enjoy fresh-made holiday pizza and wine at @hollyshill December 16-17.
🎄 @chateaudestienne`s annual Christmas Party on December 16 will feature award-winning wines and a three-course meal prepared by Ruth’s Chris Steak House.
#ElDoradoWines #HolidayShopping #WineExperiences #Holidays
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
– Albert Camus
📷 @narrowgatevineyards
#ElDoradoWines #Autumn #FallColors #NarrowgateVineyards
El Dorado County is known as the birthplace of the California gold rush. During that time, it was also among the most significant wine producers in the state!
The local wine industry flourished until just after the turn of the century. Shortly after that, El Dorado began a gradual decline brought about by poor economic conditions and a diminishing local population.
Prohibition was the last straw, and it wasn’t until the late 1960s that winegrowing began its comeback as an area well-suited to producing high-quality wines.
Thanks to modern pioneers like @boegerwinery and @madronavineyards, the region’s resurgence is one that we’re still enjoying today.
Pictured: The Fossati-Lombardo Winery, late 1800s
#ElDoradoCounty #TBT #History
“Wine is the only artwork you can drink." - Luis Fernando Olaverri
📷 @starfieldvineyards
#ElDoradoCounty #Quote #Cheers
DYK? 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 #ElDoradoCounty
Sunsets hit different at @saluticellars 🌈 🤩 #ElDoradoWines #Sunset #Rainbow #PotOfGold #SalutiCellars
Learn the magic behind the mouth-watering pies at @delfinofarms with their Private Winter Baking Classes. 🧑🏻🍳 This unique experience also features wine tasting afterward! 🍷
Each class features a hands-on baking lesson with Alicia, their Bakeshop Manager, where you’ll learn how to bake your choice of a seasonal pie or bread to take home. 🥧 🥖
Classes also include a wine tasting and cheese box at Edio Vineyards, a perfect way to cap off a fun day! 🍷 🧀
The details:
🧑🏻🍳 Each private class can accommodate 5-10 people (all within your own private party)
🧑🏻🍳 Class must be booked a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance
🧑🏻🍳 Reservations are first-come-first-serve
🧑🏻🍳 Must be 21 and over
🧑🏻🍳 Cost: $75/person (wine club discounts apply)
For further information, available dates, questions, and more, please email alicia@delfinofarms.com.
#ElDoradoWines #BakingClass #DelfinoFarms #WineTasting
Our wineries will be open this weekend for tastings, picnics (weather permitting!), events, shopping, and more! 🍷 🛍 🎁 Enjoy the relaxed pace and feel good knowing you’re supporting local businesses with every sip. #SmallBusinessSaturday #ShopSmall
Pictured: Picnicking in style at @hollyshill
#ElDoradoWines #WineCountry #WineTasting #VisitElDorado #ElDoradoCounty #Placerville #Sacramento
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us. 🦃 May yours be full of great wines, delicious food, and beautiful memories.
📷 @starfieldvineyards
#ElDoradoWines #happythanksgiving2021
It’s back! @lavacapwinery`s popular Dust off the Bottle Library Event is on Thanksgiving weekend, November 25-26. 🍷
The cellar will be open, and guests are welcome to taste and purchase past vintages. It’s a crowd favorite for good reason!
#ElDoradoWines #LavaCapWinery #LibraryWine
What do you get the wine lover who has everything? 🤔 🎁 Give them the gift of wine! 🍷 A subscription to the El Dorado Wine Insider features exclusive wine experiences, special savings, and more.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Get started at ElDoradoWines.org.
#ElDoradoWines #GiftIdea #WineGift
It’s a varietal close to our wineries’ hearts. Cheers to #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
