El Dorado Wine Country is situated in the Sierra Foothills. For many, this may seem like a newer region, but in actuality, the area has been around for a very long time, perhaps before California officially became a state. Its history is very colorful, like that of the changing of seasons that so impressively displays itself in these foothills just north of Sacramento.
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The Gold Rush
California’s entrance into the wine industry began in the 1800s. The Gold Rush brought wine production to the Sierra Foothills. Gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in 1848. After a long day of work, miners who found their way to the Sierras to pan for gold would imbibe the spirits nightly. Thus, some of the first wineries, distilleries, and breweries were established as part of the industrious hunt for gold. You might call it the liquid gold of that era. The winemakers found the terrain very similar to that of France. Hence, many French varietals grow in the area and are often used in the creation of French blends.
Mission Grape
The first vineyard was planted in 1849 with the Mission grape by Mr. Stevens. The location was close to what is now the town of Rescue. The Franciscan Friars brought the Mission grape to California. This grape, known as the “native” or “Los Angeles” variety, did not produce the best wine because it lacked character and structure. The exception is that they produced a marvelous dessert wine called Angelica. Angelica is made by adding brandy to the fermenting wine, allowing the two to age together to create a beautiful amber-colored wine that displays a sweet, nutty quality. This wine was very popular with the miners of the Gold Rush.
Grape Growing in El Dorado Wine Country
In the late 1800s, 2000 acres were planted with grapes, making it the third-largest grape-growing area in the state. With the onset of Prohibition, the wine industry came to a standstill unless one made sacramental wine. Unlike some areas in the United States, where the federal government confiscated equipment and pulled out the vines, the Sierra Foothills were spared.
By the 1950s, the wine business was pretty dead in El Dorado County. Farmers came in and pulled out the vines and planted pear orchards. By the 1960s, a disease called pear decline had slowly ruined agriculture in the area. The demise of the pears was the rebirth of the wine industry. Many farmers began planting apple trees and wine grapes as a substitute for the pears.
Most wine enthusiasts know the story of how Chateau Montelena placed the California wine industry on the map with their illustrious win for their 1973 Chardonnay at the famous Paris tasting in 1976. Before this event, the foundation of the new El Dorado Wine Country reestablished the wine industry in the Sierra Foothills.
Boeger
Boeger was the entrepreneur who helped restore El Dorado County to be an important wine region. In addition to Boeger, Madroña, Sierra Vista, Lava Cap, and Granite Springs played a vital role in reviving El Dorado Wine Country. Today, more than 60 wineries in the four regions encompass two AVAs, Greater El Dorado, Pleasant Valley, Apple Hill®/Camino, and Fair Play. The El Dorado Appellation received its AVA designation in 1983, while Fair Play became an AVA in 2001.
Due to the elevation, the wineries in the area produce high-altitude wines. One finds a good portion of the wines very intense, both in color and in quality, because of this fact. Three features make the wines of El Dorado County distinct: high elevation, complex topography, and the lack of coastal fog. Most of the vineyards are planted in young volcanic, granitic, and slate soils. The region is quite diverse, with at least 37 varieties grown, including Bordeaux, Rhone, Burgundian, Italian, and Spanish varietals. Zinfandel is one of the more popular grapes, but Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Syrah, and Primitivo are also well-acclimated to the area.
El Dorado Wine Country is very different from some of the more famous regions in California. It is more rural and countrified. Some of the cities, like Placerville, are a throwback to a bygone era. There is a quaint charm that draws one to learn about the history and discover the wineries of the area.
El Dorado Wine Country – Eden Vale Inn
On my visit to the area, I discovered the most charming B&B, Eden Vale Inn. Formerly an old hay barn from 1919 that was converted into a home in the 1980s, followed by a renovation in 2007 that transformed the property with guest suites and the B&B it is today.
Eden Vale Inn Gardens
When visiting the Inn, you can feel the love that proprietors Mark and Gayle Hamlin have put into making Eden Vale very special and memorable. The landscaping enhances the inn’s charm.
It is evident that Gayle took a lot of pride in making the grounds seem like a Garden of Eden. There is a peaceful Zen feeling as you stroll through. While wandering in this idyllic garden, you will find all sorts of fruit trees, lovely fountains, wonderful sitting areas, and a pond. It is very romantic and the perfect setting to enjoy a glass of El Dorado County wine. As my visit was in the autumn, I can only imagine the beauty of the gardens in the spring when the trees and flowers are in bloom
Staying at Eden Vale Inn
Upon arrival at Eden Vale Inn, the resident welcoming committee, Sydney, a black Labrador mix and Bushwack, the cat greet you. Both make you feel right at home.
The rooms are charmingly rustic yet very modern. The guest suites include a fireplace, state of the art lighting, Wi-Fi, private decks and patios with deep soaking tubs.
Eden Vale Inn Breakfast
Breakfast at Eden Vale is something you cannot miss. Gayle goes out of her way to make sure you have an extraordinary morning feast. I almost felt I would roll into my first winery after Eden Vale’s divine breakfast. I left Eden Vale dreaming of my gluten-free Almond Scones. Whether your meal consists of French Toast, Quiche, or eggs with sausage, you will be totally satisfied with any of these yummy morning cuisines. Gayle loves to accommodate those with dietary restrictions.
Activities in El Dorado Wine Country
Besides visiting wineries, the area is rich in history, so it is worth spending the time visiting Sutter’s Mill or taking a stroll through Placerville. There are also many outdoor activities and sports to enjoy, including whitewater river rafting, camping, hiking, and skiing, to name a few. Of course, if you are inspired by the area’s history, trying your luck with gold panning or gold mining is a must.
The beauty of the Sierra Foothills is awe-inspiring, especially in late fall when the leaves are turning rust, amber, and gold. The area’s golden history and the chance to sample a diversity of styles and wines are all reasons to draw anyone to El Dorado County.
Note: Common to both the travel industry and wine industry, this writer received hosted accommodations and winery visits. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure.