El Dorado County
  Sign In
Subscribe to our newsletter
Bookmark and Share  


The spectacular Sierra Nevada range offers a fitting backdrop to the vineyards of El Dorado County; some of the loftiest in California (ranging from 1,200 to 3,600 feet). In this outdoor playground, a vibrant wine industry plays host to both cutting edge and traditional wineries alike.

The history of grape growing in the region dates to the 1850s when vineyards were planted in the area to quench the thirst of miners and speculators in search of gold. By 1870, El Dorado only trailed Los Angeles and Sonoma Counties in wine production. While the search for precious stone spurred the industry in its early years, the true ‘gold’ of the region is the county’s old vine Zinfandel vines which continue to produce some of California’s most expressive wines. However, despite its world wide reputation for great Zin, El Dorado County (and its three approved AVAs – El Dorado , Fairplay and the Sierra Foothills) are also home to a number of wineries experimenting with an eclectic mélange of varietals. The range of elevations found in the county provides local wineries a range of climatic conditions to choose from. From Link Text HereAlvarehao to Viognier , a wine to suit any taste is made in El Dorado County.

Current Feature

In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Georgia vineyards are small and few, yet the establishment of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands could bring much more.  [>] continue


Related Features


 

Best of Appellation

See the best wines of El Dorado County

See the best wines of
El Dorado County

BLUE BOOK PROFILES

Blue Book Taste Profiles for the El Dorado County County Appellation

Pinot Noir

Alive & Well here


Syrah | Shiraz: During the Roman occupation of Gaul you rose to fame as a captive vine turned gladiator. Your legend  [>] continue

Correspondent

Jean Deitz Sexton
is the Regional Correspondent for El Dorado County.

Recommendations

Quick Finds

Appellation Honor Role

Search the El Dorado County Wine List

 
select wine style:
select grape:
 

Advertisement

Advertisement



    Help us improve travel information to your favorite region...



Winery Sponsors

Winery sponsors of Appellation America’s coverage of the El Dorado County appellation.