Sierra Vista Vineyards and Winery (Back to Previous Page)

Appellation: El Dorado Viticultural Area Location: 4560 Cabernet Way Placerville, California 95667 Phone: (530)622-7221 Winemaker: John MacCready Tasting Room: Medium Days/Hours: Daily, 10:00 to 5:00 Parking: Medium Picnic Facilities: Picnic Area Red Wines: Red Wine Blend, Syrah, Grenache, Red Rhone Blend, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvedre White Wines: Fume Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Viognier, Rose, Viognier Doux Production: 7,000 cases

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The Winery

The winery is located in the Pleasant Valley area of the El Dorado AVA. The founders, John and Barbara MacCready are among a small group of pioneers who are credited with the re-emergence of fine winemaking in the El Dorado County area. They purchased the Sierra Vista estate in 1972, and followed with their first crush in 1977. Located atop Red Rock Ridge, the winery’s lawn and picnic area has breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Crystal Range, from whence it got its name. The tasting room is medium in size, and features a very creative tasting counter on top of old wine barrels. The walls are covered with years of well-earned awards.

The Vineyards

In 1974 John and Barbara MacCready planted the first estate grapes, 5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2800’ elevation. That first 5 acres has since grown to 32 acres, ranging from 2500 to 2900 feet in elevation, with significant differences in microclimate and terroir. In addition to the original Cabernet Sauvignon, the estate boasts Zinfandel, Cinsaut, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Merlot, Viognier, Roussanne and Chardonnay grapes.

The Wines

When John began exploring the Northern Rhone Valley in France, it became apparent to him that the soil and climate were extremely similar to that of his family estate in the Pleasant Valley area of El Dorado County. There were soon many Rhone varietals added to the Sierra Vista repertoire, as well as John being elected as the first president of the California ‘Rhone Rangers’ group. In addition to the Rhone varietals, they have produced some very smooth, full-bodied Zinfandels and great Cabernet Sauvignon capable of many years of aging.

The Winemaker

The winemaker is John MacCready, an electrical engineer by training, but a winemaker by passion. John is a past president of the El Dorado Winery Association as well as the Rhone Rangers.  

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