David Girard Vineyards

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. 2001 marked the first year these Rhône varietals were planted in Gold Country soil. Though vastly different in history, our vineyard and its region mirrors the typography, microclimates and soil-type of its French counterpart. Mari Wells Coyle, DGV Winemaker, arrived in 2005, completing our formula for the production of fine Rhône inspired wines. Twenty years after David's vision, David Girard Vineyards is widely known for the superior quality of its estate grown grapes. Our outstanding winemaker continually crafts award-winning, Gold Country inspired Rhône varietals, such as Syrah, Greanche, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Viognier and Rolle. Our Premium selections include Okei San Syrah, Grenache, Syrah Select and Mourvèdre Select.