Chateau Routon

Open: Year Round

This is a family owned business, with its beginnings in 1995. At that time, we set out in search of new property that would support our Arabian  horses, as well as offer prime land for growing grapes. Our search  landed us in southern El Dorado County, on 85 acres of rolling hills,  ponds and fantastic views! Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra  Nevada Mountains, we're part of the smallest viticultural area in the  world, Fair Play, California.The soil on the property is mostly decomposed granite, perfect for  growing grapes at an elevation above 2000 feet. We studied the wine  industry and found a niche in port wines. Only a handful of wineries  specialize in port, and no one in the foothills. Therefore, we chose  varieties of Portuguese port and Barbera grapes, initially planting  grapes on five acres. Over the next two years, we added another seven  acres of grapes and twelve more acres in 2004.We've become known for our award-winning, well structured and  balanced wines, our unparalleled ports and the sweeping views from the  Grand Deck.