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Best Wineries in El Dorado County
Best Wineries in El Dorado County
El Dorado County's high-elevation vineyards — reaching 3,500 feet in Fair Play — produce wines of remarkable freshness, mineral character, and varietal...
El Dorado County's high-elevation vineyards — reaching 3,500 feet in Fair Play — produce wines of remarkable freshness, mineral character, and varietal precision unlike any other Sierra Foothills appellation.
Featured Wineries
01
Lava Cap Winery
The 2,600-foot elevation estate in Fair Play produces wines with exceptional freshness and mountain character — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay from volcanic soils that add a distinctive mineral quality to the warm-day flavors.
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Boeger Winery
The oldest continuously operating winery in El Dorado County, Boeger has been producing wines from a historic Gold Rush-era ranch since 1972. The Hangtown Red blend is a county classic.
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Holly's Hill Vineyards
The Bendick family's Fair Play estate focuses on Rhône varieties from high-elevation volcanic soils, producing Grenache, Roussanne, and Mourvèdre of exceptional quality for the region.
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Miraflores Winery
One of El Dorado County's most beautiful and quality-focused estates, Miraflores produces Tempranillo, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Fair Play vineyards with impressive results.
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Cedarville Vineyard
The husband-and-wife team at this Fair Play estate produces biodynamically farmed Rhône varieties and Zinfandel with meticulous care and a focus on natural vitality.
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David Girard Vineyards
Outstanding Rhône varieties from a beautifully maintained El Dorado County estate that demonstrates the appellation's potential for world-class Grenache and Syrah.
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Skinner Vineyards
The Skinner family's estate includes some of California's oldest Mourvèdre vines alongside estate Syrah, Grenache, and Roussanne from El Dorado County vineyards of historical significance.
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Crystal Basin Cellars
One of El Dorado County's most visitor-friendly estates, Crystal Basin produces a broad range of varieties from high-elevation vineyard sites with a genuine commitment to quality and welcoming hospitality.
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View Sierra Foothills Region →Frequently Asked Questions
What makes El Dorado County wines distinctive?
El Dorado County's high elevations (1,200-3,500 feet), volcanic and granitic soils, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings produce wines of exceptional freshness and mineral character. The wines have natural acidity and structural elegance that's uncommon in California's warmer wine regions.
What is the Fair Play AVA?
Fair Play is the most prestigious sub-appellation within El Dorado County, covering high-elevation vineyard sites between 2,400 and 3,000 feet on volcanic soils. The cool climate and distinctive soils produce wines — particularly Rhône varieties — of exceptional quality and individuality.
What varieties grow best in El Dorado County?
Rhône varieties — particularly Grenache, Syrah, Roussanne, and Mourvèdre — excel in the volcanic soils of the high-elevation sites. Italian varieties including Barbera, Sangiovese, and Pinot Grigio also perform well. Cabernet Sauvignon at the highest elevations achieves remarkable freshness and structure.
How far is El Dorado County from Sacramento?
El Dorado County wine country is approximately 45-60 minutes east of Sacramento on Highway 50. Placerville is the county seat and gateway to wine country. The drive through the foothills on Highway 50 is beautiful and the road toward Fair Play (Mount Aukum Road) is particularly scenic.