About the Winery
Ursa Vineyards, led by French-born winemaker Dominique Elissagaray, brings a distinctly European perspective to the Sierra Foothills of El Dorado County. Working with Rhône varietals grown in decomposed granite soils under warm days and cooling nighttime conditions, the wines lean toward structure, balance, and restraint. This approach sets the winery apart within a region often associated with riper, more expressive styles.
The tasting experience is intimate and personal, reflecting the scale and hands-on nature of the operation. Guests can expect a more focused interaction with the wines, often shaped by the winemaker’s perspective and attention to detail. It’s a setting that invites a closer look at how style and site come together in a smaller production environment.
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Expect a lineup centered on Rhône varietals like Syrah and Grenache, presented in a style that may feel more restrained than some of the richer expressions found elsewhere in the region. The wines tend to highlight structure and balance, making them worth approaching with a bit of attention to how they evolve in the glass.
Take your time with the tasting and focus on how each wine develops rather than moving quickly through the lineup. This is a place where slowing down and noticing subtle differences can make the experience more rewarding, especially if you’re interested in a more European-influenced approach.