Big things are happening at DGV

DAVID GIRARD welcomes visitors to the new Viticulture Galleria at 741 Cold Springs Road in Placerville. Democrat photo by Pat Dollins

By Mike Bush
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What was just a dream a few years ago is now a reality.

In 1992, David Girard purchased 85 acres of land at 741 Cold Springs Road in Placerville to start David Girard Vineyards.

Today, he describes what is happening at the vineyard in one word, ”Exciting.”

Girard, a Placerville attorney, explained that his goal from the early 1990s was to expand the vineyard into one of El Dorado County’s finest. He also wanted to create a destination spot that would attract visitors to the county.

Over the years, additions to the vineyard include a tasting room to enjoy the Rhône style wines crafted at David Girard Vineyards. The winery produces about 5,000 cases a year, Girard said. Girard also sells some of the grape crop to several local wineries.

Another addition to the enterprise was wine maker Mari Wells-Coyle. Wells-Coyle was hired in 2005. She holds degrees from University of California, Davis, in enology and viticulture and has been working as a winemaker for the last 10 years.

Besides the vineyards and the tasting room, the property offers an out-door theater used for weddings, wedding receptions and concerts.

According to Judy Collinsworth, event manager for the vineyards for the last 6 1/2 years, one more venue was needed to ensure that an event could occur no matter the weather conditions.

On Sunday, July 1, the Viticulture Galleria will open to meet that need.

The grand opening of the 7,000 square-foot event center will take place from noon to 4 p.m. The public is invited to see the new building.

Guests will be able to sample many gourmet foods from Selland’s Market in El Dorado Hills, Bocca Catering in Cameron Park, Sierra Rizing Café and Bakery in Lotus, Maranello’s Catering in Sacramento and Beth Sogaard Catering from Plymouth in Amador County.

Midtown Jazz will perform a mixture of jazz, R&B and light rock music during the festivities.

The Viticulture Galleria can be used for many types of events. A portable stage will be available for musical acts to perform and caterers will have a commercial kitchen to use, Girard said.

The new venue can hold up to 700 for concerts, weddings and wedding receptions, Girard and Collinsworth said. More seats could be added outside if needed.

The galleria also has separate men’s and women’s dressing rooms and an outdoor covered veranda overlooking the vineyards.

Seven months ago, Girard held the ground-breaking ceremony for the galleria. Construction started immediately and despite a few weather delays things moved along at a good pace.

“They were able to stay on schedule,” said Girard.

Girard is confident that the new facility will become one of El Dorado County’s points of interest and will have a positive boost to the local economy.

For more information on the grand opening or scheduling upcoming events at the Viticulture Galleria, contact Collinsworth at 530-295-1833 or e-mail events@davidgirardvineyards.com.

Contact Mike Bush at 530-344-5079 or mbush@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @MBushMtDemo on Twitter.