El Dorado County (May 4, 2024) – In the heart of El Dorado County, California, a cadre of wineries is on a mission: to hoist the flag of distinction for the region’s wines. Dubbed the El Dorado 8, these vintners are orchestrating a symphony of flavors and terroir, aiming to etch El Dorado onto the vinicultural map with the finesse of an artist’s brushstroke.
Comprising Boeger Winery, Edio at Delfino Farms, Element 79 Vineyards, Gwinllan Estate, Lava Cap Winery, Madroña Vineyards, Miraflores Vineyards & Winery, and Starfield Vineyards, this coalition is not just about producing wine; it’s about crafting an identity. Their canvas? The lofty altitudes and rugged landscapes of the Sierra Highlands, where vineyards stand tall, basking in the sun above the fog line.
These visionaries, through years of meticulous tasting sessions and impassioned debates, have distilled the essence of El Dorado into a single sip. Picture this: vibrant red fruit dancing on the palate, buoyed by a crisp acidity that whispers of mountain air. But it doesn’t stop there. Enter Sierra Spice, a tantalizing medley of pine, cedar, juniper, and other alpine aromatics that elevate both whites and reds to celestial heights.
Their message is clear: elevation is the key. Nestled between 2,500 and 3,500 feet above sea level, El Dorado’s vineyards enjoy the perfect marriage of sunshine and altitude. Here, it’s not about a signature grape; it’s about a shared stylistic DNA woven into the fabric of the land itself.
To spread their gospel, the El Dorado 8 are hosting the second annual Sierra Highlands Mountain Summit on June 3rd, an exclusive affair reserved for trade and media luminaries. Each winemaker will play maestro, guiding guests through a tasting journey that unveils the soul of El Dorado in every glass. And overseeing this symposium of the senses is none other than Mike Dunne, the venerable authority on Sierra Foothills wine.
So mark your calendars, oenophiles, for a rendezvous with distinction awaits atop the Sierra Highlands, where the spirit of El Dorado flows as freely as the wine.
Companies mentioned in this article:
Boeger Winery
WineBusiness Daily News – May 23, 2022
People News – Oct 24, 2018
Madroña Vineyards
WineBusiness Daily News – Nov 22, 2023
People News – Feb 12, 2020
