Inspired by the family, friends, and experiences that make us rich, Element 79 Vineyards was born of our love of wine, winemaking, and the opportunity to follow our dreams and immerse ourselves in the winemaker lifestyle.

Gold, the 79th element on the periodic table, was the inspiration for our name. More than just the symbol for the gold on the vine and in the bottle, the name was also inspired by our love of the region and a recognition of its importance in our nation's history as the location that began the legendary California Gold Rush.

Vino Noceto, a small family-run winery founded in 1987 by Jim and Suzy Gullett, has become a staple along the Shenandoah Valley wine-tasting circuit in Amador County—and for good cause. For 34 years now, starting with their 110 case 1990 vintage, Noceto consistently produces one of the most authentic Italian Sangioveses this side of the Atlantic. Most recently lauded in the Sacramento Bee, wine writer Mike Dunne conjectured “…the Gulletts’ Vino Noceto winery has become the most respected producer of Sangiovese wines in California, that that’s not overstating their impact.”

Consistent quality product has put Vino Noceto on the map, but visitors know the winery’s long history of dedication to the grape is what is responsible for the accessible, food-friendly wine they have relied on for two decades. In 1984, the Gulletts began pursuit of their dream with a vague, but well-researched, idea of growing grapes. A trip to Tuscany in 1985 convinced them that Sangiovese could produce high quality wine in the Shenandoah Valley, and with the help of local vintners and merchants, the first vines were planted in the Dos Oakies block of their Shenandoah Valley estate in 1987.

The Boeger Winery estate was homesteaded during the 1849 Gold Rush by the Fossati-Lombardo family. Like many of that time, they tried their luck in the gold fields, only to learn that there was a bigger fortune to be made from selling goods and services to the miners than in mining itself. Thus, their land was turned into a fruit and nut farm, then a winery and distillery as well. They made wine from Mission grapes and an early clone of Zinfandel, a small block of which still remains...producing wine to this very day.

In 1972, decades after the last winery in the county was shut down due to Prohibition, Greg and Sue Boeger stumbled upon this magical place and decided to call it home. As a result, Boeger Winery became the first modern-day (post-Prohibition) winery in the El Dorado American Viticultural Area.

Where Passion Meets Heritage

It all began in the picturesque vineyards of Amador County, where Scott, our founder, grew up savoring the rich flavors of his step-grandfather’s homemade wine, crafted from the very grapes that adorned their family estate.

Today, as we raise our glasses to celebrate life’s moments, both big and small, we invite you to join us in this remarkable journey. With every sip of our wine, you taste not just the fruits of our labor but also the culmination of a tale steeped in passion, heritage, and the pursuit of winemaking excellence. Together, we savor the beauty of a dream fulfilled and the promise of a future filled with exceptional wines, one bottle at a time.