Eight Visionary Vintners Elevate the El Dorado Wine Region to Distinction as the Sierra Highlands
El Dorado County, CA (May 2024) – Eight quality-driven wineries, united by a common goal of promoting the unique and compelling character of wines from the El Dorado wine region, are marketing the distinctions of the El Dorado AVA as a mountain wine region to the broader wine industry.
The El Dorado 8 — Boeger Winery, Edio at Delfino Farms, Element 79 Vineyards, Gwinllan Estate, Lava Cap Winery, Madroña Vineyards, Miraflores Vineyards & Winery, and Starfield Vineyards — are establishing the region’s value in the context of California wine while recognizing the region’s contrasts with other Sierra Foothills AVAs.
Over the course of several years of tasting and discussion, these growers and winemakers, all established in the El Dorado AVA, have been engaged in identifying and furthering the essence of the alpine AVA and the characteristics presented in their wines by high-elevation vineyards. Think vibrant red fruit flavors, bracing natural acidity, and what the group calls Sierra Spice, an alpine spice rack of pine, cedar, juniper, and more that consistently shines in both whites and reds.
Tastings of more than six vintages are proving elevation to be the driver in distinguishing the region from the rest of California and specifically from the larger Sierra Foothills AVA. Most vineyards in El Dorado are planted between 2,500 and 3,500 feet, above the fog line but with ample sun. “We feel our region is not defined by a signature varietal but rather by a common stylistic thread that is dictated by our unique alpine region of the greater Sierra Foothills AVA, establishing us as the Sierra Highlands,” says Justin Boeger, winemaker for El Dorado 8 member Boeger Winery.
Aligned with their mission, the El Dorado 8 present the second annual Sierra Highlands Mountain Summit on Monday, June 3, to trade and media only. All eight winemakers/growers will host guests through a tasting of eclectic and classic varietal wines that shed light on their distinctive mountain conditions. Sierra Foothills’ wine authority, Mike Dunne will moderate.
