[8] The El Dorado viticultural area encompasses 1,093,120 acres (1,708 sq mi) which entirely includes Fair Play and a small portion of northeastern California Shenandoah Valley AVAs.

By the turn of the century, El Dorado experienced a gradual decline resulting from numerous national economic downturns in agriculture, a diminishing local population and ultimately Prohibition closed the remaining wineries.

Following the development of several experimental vineyards, it became apparent that the topography, climate and soil of El Dorado County were ideally suited to a quality viticulture industry producing excellent wine.

Other wineries such as Madrona, Sierra Vista, and Lava Cap were also early pioneers developing the growing industry centered around the town of Placerville and on the surrounding slopes.

El Dorado lies in the 360 miles (579 km) foothill “belt” of the north-central Sierra Nevada mountains where vineyards primarily are at elevations between 600 to 3,500 feet (183–1,067 m) above sea level.

[1][11] The higher average elevation of El Dorado, as opposed to the lower foothill areas, and the Central Valley guarantees it a more favorable growing climate.

Varying in elevation and topography, each soil offers good drainage and the nutrients needed to encourage vines producing rich, deeply flavored grapes.

[1] The unique combination of climate, soil and topography found in the El Dorado appellation produces wines of distinction, depth and density with a maturity unmatched in other regions.

[14] There are at least four distinct micro-regions within the area where the vineyards/wineries are located with their unique terroir and character: Greater El Dorado, Apple Hill / Camino, Pleasant Valley and Fair Play.