What has high-elevation vineyards, diverse soils, and a pioneering spirit that yields exceptional and often unexpected wines? El Dorado Wine Country, located in the Sierra Foothills not far from Sacramento.
Forget the stereotypical wine country crowds; El Dorado offers an authentic, intimate wine-tasting experience across its distinct subregions: Fair Play, Pleasant Valley, Camino, and Placerville.
Read on to learn about our subregions—and the varietals to try while there.
Fair Play: Where Volcanic Soils Meet Big Wines
If you’re seeking intensity and complexity, Fair Play is calling your name. It’s defined by dramatic elevations (2,000–3,000 feet) and rich volcanic soils, resulting in deeply concentrated fruit and wines with a distinct minerality. Fair Play, on the southern edge of El Dorado County, often feels like a world away, offering visitors a serene escape as they meander between wineries.
Must-Try Varietals:
Zinfandel: The region’s volcanic soils and high elevation coax out incredible depth from Zinfandel. Expect robust flavors of dark berries and pepper, often with a savory, earthy undertone that sets it apart from other California counterparts.
Petite Sirah: For a powerful, inky wine with layers of dark fruit, plum, and often chocolate or espresso notes, Fair Play’s Petite Sirah is a revelation. The challenging growing conditions here lead to grapes with thick skins and intense tannins, making for age-worthy wines that demand attention.
Pleasant Valley: El Dorado’s Rhône Zone
Just a short drive from Placerville, Pleasant Valley is renowned for its focus on Southern French varietals, earning it the nickname “Rhône Zone.” The climate here, with warm days tempered by cool evening breezes, closely mimics conditions in the Rhône Valley, allowing these grapes to flourish. The wineries in Pleasant Valley often offer a more concentrated tasting route, making for an enjoyable day of exploration.
Must-Try Varietals:
Syrah: El Dorado Syrah, especially from Pleasant Valley, is a standout. These wines often display a beautiful balance of dark fruit, white pepper, smoked meat, and floral notes. They tend to be more elegant and savory than some of their New World counterparts, reflecting the region’s terroir.
Viognier: This aromatic white grape thrives in Pleasant Valley, producing wines with exquisite perfumes of apricot, peach, honeysuckle, and sometimes a hint of minerality. It’s often rich and full-bodied but maintains a refreshing acidity, making it a versatile pairing wine.
Camino: The Apple Hill™ Wine Route
The Camino area, best known for the beloved Apple Hill™ Growers Association farms, offers a charming blend of agriculture, bakeries, and vineyards. Wineries here are often found along and just off scenic Carson Road, making for a picturesque drive. Like Fair Play, many vineyards are also at 2,000-3,000 feet in elevation. While less defined by a specific varietal focus, Camino showcases the diverse potential of El Dorado, benefiting from its warm growing season and significant diurnal temperature shifts.
Must-Try Varietals:
Barbera: Italian varietals excel throughout El Dorado, and Camino is no exception. Barbera from this region is typically vibrant, with bright cherry and raspberry fruit, balanced by a refreshing acidity. It’s a fantastic food wine and a delightful alternative to more well-known reds.
Cabernet Sauvignon: While not its primary focus, Camino produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon that often surprises. These Cabs tend to be structured yet approachable, with classic notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and a touch of earthiness, reflecting the region’s warm days and cool nights.
Placerville: Historic Charm Meets Modern Winemaking
As the historic heart of El Dorado County, Placerville serves as a central hub for wine enthusiasts. Many wineries are conveniently located just outside of town, and several have tasting rooms on charming Historic Main Street, allowing visitors to combine wine tasting with exploring Gold Rush history. The wines here are as diverse as the town itself, reflecting the varied microclimates surrounding this dynamic community.
Must-Try Varietals:
Grenache: Whether as a single varietal or in a Rhône blend, Grenache from the Placerville area shines with its juicy red fruit (strawberry, cherry), subtle spice, and soft tannins. It’s an incredibly adaptable and food-friendly wine that beautifully expresses the region’s terroir.
Zinfandel: Zinfandel from Placerville is the quintessential expression of El Dorado’s mountain terroir and a key part of the area’s winemaking identity. The area’s “Mountain Zin” is full-bodied and intensely flavored with concentrated black and red fruit (blackberry, raspberry) and often features a characteristic spicy finish (notes of pepper, clove, or cedar).
El Dorado Wine Country is more than just a collection of wineries; it’s an authentic wine country experience. Each subregion offers a distinct personality, reflecting the passion of its winemakers and the unique characteristics of its mountainous terrain. Leave the crowds behind and discover the compelling wines and warm hospitality of our family-owned wineries.
You might find a new favorite bottle!
