David Girard Vineyards

Owner:

David Girard

Founded:

1998

Location:

El Dorado County/Placerville

David Girard remembers looking out at the picturesque landscape rising from the South Fork American River Valley twenty years ago, and seeing beyond its beauty into its great potential. Here in the heart of California’s famed historic Gold Country in the El Dorado Appellation located at 1300 feet elevation, David envisioned a vineyard producing premiere,  estate-grown grapes.

From good earth may come gold, but also great wine. David Girard Vineyards (DGV) was founded by good earth, great vision, and, like the most intrepid of the earliest gold seekers, a high tolerance for risk. Beginning in 1998, David’s first endeavor was growing Merlot grapes, and selling them to Robert Mondavi. While this partnership was successful, his love for French wines drew him down a new path. David joined Vineyard Manager Ron Mansfield in researching and journeying to southern France’s Rhône River Valley. This was the valuable inspiration and information needed to lead David to produce Rhône varietals on our 85-acre estate.

Nearly all DGV wines are crafted with estate-grown, small-lot productions. With each production approximately 5,000 cases, our winemaker is able to focus on the full and unique expression of the Gold Country fruit, highlighting the particular attributes from our climate, soil, and each chosen variety.