As the relaxing days of summer come to a close, El Dorado’s premium wine grapes are experiencing their own “hang time” on the vine – winding down a long ripening season before their upcoming harvest.

In all, there are more than 50 varieties of grapes grown in El Dorado. Mountain vine- yards provide a range of cool and warm microclimates, perfect for growing a variety of premium wine grapes – from cool climate Pinot to warm climate Zinfandel. Local vintners have matched the region’s topography with the world’s finest wine grapes, hailing from Bordeaux, the Rhone, Germany, Italy and Spain.

El Dorado’s artisan vintners are known for taking the best of their vineyards and crafting a wide variety of vibrantly flavored wines. And these experienced wine makers are not afraid to try something new!

Next time you’re in the area, why not taste something you might not have tried before? Consider El Dorado’s Petite Sirah, Barbera, Sangiovese or Cabernet Franc – all of which are earning the region recognition as well as top medals.

Looking for something new to complement your favorite BBQ fare? Try El Dorado’s versions of wine made from Spanish grapes like Tempranillo and Primitivo. Or ven- ture into some increasingly popular Rhone varietals like Syrah, Mourvedre, Viognier and Grenache.

While you’re in El Dorado’s tasting rooms, be sure to taste this year’s medalists in the California State Fair Wine Competition. El Dorado’s wineries consistently bring home a significant share of medals from this annual competition.

It’s a great time to tour the scenic El Dorado region and enjoy its luscious wines while taking in its friendly tasting rooms and unhurried pace.