- LIFESTYLE -
The town of El Dorado was
incorporated in 1855 and until that
time it was known as Mud Springs. It
was an important center for trade and
lodging amongst the miners. Based
on historical accounts and evidence it
is estimated that the population was
about 500.
The vast majority of these people
were young men who came to
prospect for gold. Those who did not
mine worked to provide services for
the miners. A massive population
influx of single males created a huge
market for alcohol virtually overnight.
After a long day of difficult manual
labor, alcohol was a hot commodity
amongst the miners. By the 1860s,
wineries in the region were producing
approximately 200,000 gallons of
wine a year to satisfy this market.
This rush in demand resulted in over
100 wineries in El Dorado County by
the turn of the century.
by wineries located in the Central
Valley. Unfortunately, the bad times
were just beginning for the local
wine industry. The only bright spot
was the fact that many of the region’s
vineyards were too remote to be
seriously affected by phylloxera.
These almost microscopic pale yellow
sap-sucking insects are related to
aphids and feed on the roots and
leaves of grapevines. Interestingly
the Fossati-Lombardo Winery was
the only producer allowed to stay
open during prohibition since the
winery had a contract to make wine
for local churches.
At the end of Prohibition there were
only about 600 acres of vineyards in
region. The wine industry continued
to decline in the ensuing decades,
and by 1970 there were less than 200
acres of vines.
The demand was short lived, however,
and the surge in wine production
ended quickly. In 1884, hydraulic
mining was outlawed and effectively
ended the major economic base of
the region. The end of the gold rush
meant the market for wine was slowly
dwindling.
During the early 1970s there was a
renewed interest in producing local
wine. In 1972, Dick Bush planted
a 35 acre vineyard that came to
be known as Madroña Vineyards.
Greg and Sue Boeger also led the
wine region’s renaissance when they
bought the old Fossati-Lombardo
Winery in 1972, becoming what is
now known as the Boeger Winery.
At this time, most of the grapes
were purchased and transported
The Boegers initially planted their 60
acre vineyard at 2000 feet. In 1974,
SELECT LIVING
- 9 -
2015 EDITION - ISSUE 1