Discover Why El Dorado County’s Mountain Vineyards Are California’s Best-Kept Wine Secret
March 5, 2026 (Placerville, CA) — At 1,200 to 3,500 feet above sea level, El Dorado County’s mountain vineyards produce wines unlike anywhere else in California – and this April, visitors can taste exactly why. On April 18-19, 2026, the El Dorado Winery Association (EDWA) brings back its beloved Passport event after 35 years, offering a self-guided wine country adventure through 20 family-owned wineries set against the breathtaking landscapes of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Signature pours, creative food pairings, and one-of-a-kind winery experiences await – all with a single Passport ticket.
“El Dorado is unlike any other wine region in California,” said EDWA President Teena Hildebrand. “Our mountain-grown wines reflect a remarkable range of microclimates and elevations, and Passport is the perfect opportunity to experience that diversity firsthand, with more than 30 varietals and blends, paired with incredible food, in a festive and welcoming setting. It’s a weekend our guests look back on all year.”
This year’s event promises something for everyone, with participating wineries rolling out an array of one-of-a-kind experiences designed to delight first-time visitors and longtime Passport fans alike. As in previous years, every guest is treated as a VIP. Three ticket options are available — one-day, two-day, and Designated Driver — and tickets can be purchased through April 18 at eldoradowines.org/passport.
Guests can look forward to winemaker meetups, educational tastings, imaginative food pairings, and exclusive wine club member-for-a-day perks at wineries throughout the region, including:
Boeger Winery: Taste a stellar lineup of wines, including unique grapes that grow well in high-elevation vineyards and curated library selections. Guests will enjoy a festive vibe with live music, plenty of snacks, and great wine. Passport guests receive exclusive discounts on wine purchases made during their visit!
Bumgarner Winery, Camino: They’ll be featuring a Country Fair theme with wine and Hard Ciders, featuring apple donuts, gourmet popcorn, and hand-dipped corn dogs.
Bumgarner Winery, Fair Play: Enjoy French-style wines and a foodie experience.
Busby Cellars: Sample delicious food and handcrafted, limited-production wines while taking in panoramic vineyard views from the courtyard and picnic grounds. Their gourmet menu includes delectable Brie and Pear Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Chilled Brussels Sprouts and Honey-Lemon Salad, and Brownie Bites for dessert! Enjoy our newest releases, old favorites, and modest prices! Located just one mile from Somerset corner.
Chateau Davell: They’re offering a progressive experience of French-inspired small bites, carefully paired with their wines. Enjoy case specials and discounts all weekend long.
Crystal Basin Cellars: They’ll host a western-themed day at the winery with ribs and beans to accompany excellent wines.
Docmanov Vineyards & Winery: Join them for food pairings, live music, and wine specials and discounts.
Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery: Experience exceptional food, wine, and warm hospitality regardless of the weather. Enjoy an assortment of bites paired with bubbly, white, rosé, and red wines. Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options are always available. Passport guests will receive access to half-case and case specials.
Holly’s Hill Vineyard: Enjoy a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe at Holly’s Hill, where Winemaker Josh will amaze you with his artisanal pizzas and delight your palate with a unique fusion of wines and beers. Sip on the rich flavors of estate-grown Rhône wines, including inventive twists like Rockbound and Patriarche.
Madroña Vineyards: One of the original Passport pioneers, Madroña Vineyards will feature a memorable food-and-wine pairing with stuffed cucumbers, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and mini burger sliders.
Medeiros Family Wines: Come visit for live music, barrel tastings with small-bite pairings, and special discounts on wine for passport holders.
Mellowood Vineyard: Enjoy KK’s famous Kenyan BBQ and Kachumbari and taste award-winning wines, with seating on the beautiful patios overlooking the oak grove and vineyard or inside the barrel room/event room. Take advantage of club-member-for-a-day discounts on wine purchases and case specials.
Narrow Gate Vineyards: Experience certified Biodynamic® grown wines: Rhône & Bordeaux varietals & blends, El Dorado classics, and their famous Passport Panini (Gluten Free & Vegetarians are welcome!).
All Passport attendees will enjoy wine club status, including delicious food, a generous tasting lineup of our new-release wines, discounted wine purchases, and warm hospitality.
Nello Olivo Winery, Camino: Their iconic “Grapefather Experience” happens only once a year—and only at Passport! Indulge in 10 top-awarded wines paired with delectable Italian bites. Take advantage of special offers and play a themed game for a chance to win prizes. The costumed staff and epic music add to the movie-inspired atmosphere.
Shadow Ranch Vineyard: They’ll serve their delicious Greek nachos to pair with incredible wines. Enjoy live music from 1 to 4 pm each day to get your groove on! The weekend will feature great food, dancing, and discounts on selected wines!
Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery: Enjoy a day of exquisite food and wine pairings, along with exclusive discounts on case purchases and member-of-the-day discounts, too.
Indulge in their Picpoul Blanc, perfectly paired with fresh shrimp for a crisp and refreshing combination. Savor the bold, robust notes of their Tiger Lily Outlaw blend paired with savory asada tostadas, then taste the rich complexity of our Cabernet Sauvignon alongside a decadent dark chocolate dessert for a mouthwatering combination that completes this delightful culinary experience.
Skinner Vineyards & Winery: Step back into the spirit of California’s Gold Rush as they celebrate their heritage in our Green Valley Ranch vineyard park, surrounded by sweeping vines and resident horses.
They’ll be serving Hangtown Fry, the iconic dish favored by triumphant miners of the era, setting the tone for a tasting rooted in history. They’ll pair it with their white Rhône blend, Seven Generations, in honor of the family lineage that began with J. Skinner Native Wine & Brandy in 1861. Alongside this heritage white, they’ll also share two standout library reds: 2019 Estate Mourvèdre and 2019 Petite Sirah, each showcasing the estate’s depth and character.
Toogood Estate Winery: Enjoy a grilled cheeseburger with all the fixings while tasting excellent wines in the Wine Cave.
Vista del Mirador Winery: Meet the Mirador winemakers, sample wine, and feast on street tacos while learning about the importance of terroir, the history of the vines, and the techniques used during the wine-making process.
Windwalker Vineyard: Enjoy Italian-themed pairings with their award-winning wines, along with library wine tastings. They’ll have discount specials on select wines during Passport weekend.
Information on tickets and participating wineries is available at https://eldoradowines.org/passport.
