Element 79 Vineyards
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Element 79 Vineyards

Fair Play

Our Story

Element 79 Vineyards is nestled in the rolling hills of El Dorado County, deep in the heart of California Gold Country, our property is located in the Fair Play AVA, which has the distinction of being the California AVA with the highest average elevation. Situated at 2,400 feet above sea level, our property encompasses 70 acres- 32 of which are planted with grapes.


The lower vineyard consists of 20 acres planted with 8 acres of Zinfandel, 2 acres of Cab Franc, 1 acre of Petite Verdot and 7 acres of Syrah. The upper vineyard consists of 12.5 acres planted with 5 acres of Petite Sirah, 5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.5 acres of Viognier.

Our soil of decomposed granite are sandy loam classified with excellent drainage and are ideal for the grapes they support.

Our mission is to employ the best farming practices to grow the highest quality grapes and produce premium estate-grown single varietal and blended wines.

Meet the Winemaker

Scott Johnson Winemaker - Element 79 Vinyards

Scott Johnson was born and raised in the California Sierra Foothills. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California, Davis and has worked in wineries throughout California and New Zealand. Scott's extensive winemaking resume includes working for Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves in Sonoma; Vineyard 29 in Napa; and Elephant Hill in Hawks Bay, New Zealand. In 2010, he turned his attention back to the Sierra Foothills and became the head winemaker at Perry Creek Winery as well as Element 79 Vineyards.

Scott has been producing balanced wines for wineries in the Fairplay area, imparting innovative contemporary techniques to both showcase his winemaking style and to highlight the region's unique personality and flavors. Scott is in tune with the area’s vineyards and terrain and creates fine hand crafted wines earning 90+ ratings in Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and numerous other competitions.

Amenities

  • Food & Wine Pairing
  • Private Tours*
  • Wine Club
  • Scenic Views
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Indoor Seating
  • Picnic Area
  • Pet Friendly
  • Kid Friendly
  • Outdoor Games
  • Gift Shop
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Event Space
  • Site Fee: $4000

Reviews

My Review

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Headed to the vineyards?

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