Wineries in California: It’s a steep drive up High Hill Road to Madroña Vineyards. When first-time guests arrive and realize how far they’ve climbed, they often report having an epiphany. They may have heard that Madroña stands at an elevation of 3,000 feet and is one of the highest-elevated wineries in the state of California, but now they feel it.

The altitude imparts a clean, crisp quality to the air. The warm mountain days lead to cool mountain nights, yielding intense flavors and mild acidity in the grapes. Madroña’s three estate vineyards total about 67 acres, offering an exciting range of terroir.

Owner and Winemaker Paul Bush, whose parents Dick and Leslie planted the winery’s first major vines here, as well as in some of the oldest renaissance vineyards in El Dorado County, reports: “We spend a great deal of time in the vineyard, assessing each individual block’s growth and conditions and hand-tending the grapes to ensure the highest quality.” Madroña’s commitment to sustainable farming is nothing new. Besides its conscientious practices in the vineyard, the winery has relied on 100 percent solar power for many years.

Paul and his wife Maggie continue the Old World winemaking practices Paul’s father began. Each of the wines is handcrafted to its finest potential, so it expresses a unique story of grape variety, terroir, and vintage. The result is wines that are precise, balanced, well-structured, and perfect for a variety of occasions.

Beyond the thrilling climb up High Hill Road and the pristine views that wait at the top, people find plenty of good reasons to visit Madroña. The cozy tasting room offers complimentary tastings and charges a nominal fee for reserve tastings. And the events are really fun. Many northern California neighbors make it a point to check the winery’s new website for upcoming parties and tastings.

Whether one is just getting into wine or a true connoisseur, the wines of Madroña Vineyards are wines to know. They speak of a special place and a family’s ongoing commitment to small-batch, high-integrity winemaking.

WHAT TO BUY

• ‘07 Estate Zinfandel Raspberry, black pepper, spice, dark cherry, plum, boysenberry $18
• ‘08 Reserve Estate Dry Riesling Dry, Granny Smith apple, citrus zest $18
• ‘07 Reserve Estate Syrah Spicy herbs, dark cherry, ripe plum, tart cherry, black pepper, tobacco $24
• ’06 Estate New-World Port Blueberry cobbler, cinnamon, boysenberry, dense marionberry, spice $25

CONTACT
530.644.5948
winery@madronavineyards.com
madronavineyards.com
2560 High Hill Rd
Camino, CA 95709
Tasting Room Open Daily 11–5

GETTING THERE
From Hwy 50, take the Carson Rd exit. Go west on Carson Rd 1/4 mile. Turn right and drive through High Hill Ranch.

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