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.