El Dorado AVA dates from 1983, covers El Dorado County and is within the larger Sierra Foothills AVA in California. El Dorado’s vineyards cluster around Placerville, the county seat known as Hangtown during the Gold Rush, 65 miles (105 kilometres) east of Sacramento on the US 50 (direction Lake Tahoe) and about halfway to the other county within the Sierra Foothills AVA, Amador county.

Terroir: The rugged, mountainous terrain provides poor soil ideal for Zinfandel. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Barbera, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown.

Wineries

Certified Biodynamic: Narrow Gate.