“Gold Country” El Dorado AVA, California

There’s gold in the El Dorado Hills! Dave describes his wine tasting journey beyond Washington to California’s “Gold Country”, the El Dorado AVA sub-appellation where he explored the robust winemaking community in his old childhood stomping grounds. This AVA is high in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of Northern California, where many wineries are utilizing mountain-grown grapes in volcanic soil.

Check out these four notable wineries!

Nello Olivo Winery, Placerville, CA

California style Italian varietals since 2001—crafted by “The Grapefather.”

Website

Boeger Winery, Placerville, CA

In 1972, Boeger was the first post-Prohibition winery in the El Dorado AVA and they describe themselves as making wine with”underdog” varietals.

Website

Lava Cap Winery, Placerville, CA

Estate mountain grown grapes that are sourced from some of the highest vineyards in California from unique volcanic soils.

Website

Madroña Vineyards, Camino, CA

High elevation, naturally farmed vineyards that produce Rhône and Bordeaux varietals.

Website

Nello Olvio wines

Nello Olvio wines

The exciting Nello Olivo 2014 Sagrantino

Boeger Winery entrance

The friendly Boeger Winery tasting room staff. Thanks for hooking Dave up!

Boeger Winery 2016 Cabernet Franc

A piece of history at Boeger Vineyard

What used to be apple orchards are now top quality vineyards

Lava Cap Winery entrance

Lava Cap Winery outdoor deck and rolling hills

Lava Cap 2013 Nuée Ardente—one of the best pours on the journey

Lava Cap 2017 Rosé

Madroña Vineyards entrance

Kudos to the super cool and knowlegeable staff at Madroña Vineyards