WINE & WHITEWATER
California’s Gold Rush began in El Dorado County in 1848 with James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill, on the South Fork of the American River in Coloma. As people flocked to California to claim their fortunes, the region’s winemaking industry was born.
Wine and Whitewater go hand in hand for Coloma and its surrounding areas. Our California wine rafting trips combine the very best of these experiences. So come join us on this unique trip through our vineyards and down our pristine river canyons.
El Dorado County has more than 2,000 acres of vines, is home to approximately 50 wineries, and produces some of California’s most sophisticated wines. El Dorado was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1983.
Wine Tasting at a Higher Level
The El Dorado Wineries are located throughout the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The El Dorado wine district is one of California’s oldest wine-producing areas. Vineyards and wineries first flourished here during the Gold Rush era, and then a century later in the 1970’s, a renaissance in the growth of premium vineyards and wineries began in this picturesque community
Our area wineries are renowned for making vibrantly flavorful, distinctly delicious wines, grown in the dramatic elevations of the Sierra Nevada.
Winemaking at a higher level
Our Sierra foothills range from 1,200 to 3,500 feet and hundreds of microclimates perfect for nearly 50 grape varieties. And all our artisan winemakers have a passion for experimenting and for this region.
Mountain grown wines
Want to know what gives El Dorado wines their intense flavors and deep colors? Our mountain vineyards are on steep hillsides with warm summer days and cool night air. It’s an environment that gives wines luscious fruit, an alluring balance, gentle tannins, and body and depth that valley floors just can’t match.
El Dorado’s wineries beckon visitors with a wide diversity of award winning wines, friendly tasting room staffs and idyllic views of snow-capped mountains and oak-studded foothills.
Explore the wineries of El Dorado County and enjoy an artisan style lunch overlooking a vineyard estate. Wine tasting at 4-5 of the area’s best wineries on day one and a full day of thrilling whitewater rafting on the South Fork Lower Gorge on day two.
- WHERE: Day 1 – Wine Tasting Tour, Day 2 – Coloma to Salmon Falls
- LENGTH: 15 miles
- Class: III
- DEPARTS: 10:30 AM
- MEALS: 5 meals included
- CAMPING: 2 nights camping FREE
| 1 day Gorge Run |
Thursday & Friday, Saturday & Sunday |
|---|---|
| Cost Per Person |
Adult $399 - $415 |
***Minimum age is 21. Maximum trip size is 21 guests so the experience is high quality and intimate.
8% Government Land & River Use Fee is added to all trip prices.
The wineries visited are subject to change.
Be sure to check out the group discounts and specials trip prices.
Click Here for Details and ItineraryClick Here to Hide Details and Itinerary
Leave behind the stress of the job and city life and embark on an exhilarating two-day outdoor experience including wine tasting and whitewater rafting with this awesome package from American Whitewater Expeditions. Go on a two-day, two-night camping excursion with a day of wine tastings in El Dorado County followed by a full day of rafting on the South Fork rapids of the American River.
Begin your adventure in the evening and pitch a tent at the American Whitewater Deluxe Campground nestled along the American River in the historic Gold Rush town of Coloma. With an in ground pool, free hot shower, modern restroom facilities, sitting just above Troublemaker Rapid and only a 5 minute walk from James Marshall Gold Discovery Park.
Rise and shine for a huge hot breakfast with eggs, sausages, juice, coffee and fruit. We depart around 10:30 AM for a day of winery tours and tastings at four to five local wineries, which may include the beautiful Gold Hill and David Gerard Wineries, the stunning Sierra Vista and Holly’s Hill. A picnic lunch is provided between winery visits that includes gourmet meats and cheeses, breads and fruit, cold drinks and desserts. The first day wraps up around 3:30 PM, lots of time to relax poolside or take a walk through James Marshall Park. In the evening enjoy a barbecue dinner of steak, chicken and fish, with all the trimmings and refreshments.
The second day commences with another hearty breakfast before getting on the river for 15 thrilling miles of South Fork fun of the American River. The first few rapids you'll encounter on the river are small but spirited and will allow you to practice your new paddling skills. Then a huge deli-style lunch to match those big, outdoor appetites will be set out for you by the side of the river. After lunch, we're off to challenge "The Gorge" and experience the excitement of outstanding rapids such as Satan's Cesspool and Hospital Bar. Just before you hit Folsom Lake our own Honda Jet Ski will meet you for the tow to the take-out at Salmon Falls – this way you avoid a 2 mile paddle out with a headwind. Cold beverages will be provided at the end of your trip, and we will shuttle you back to camp around 4:00 pm. Shower after getting back, look at your photos from your trips taking home memories to last a lifetime.
Additional night's camping and meals are available. Please call 1-800-825-3205 or email us for details.
Please check our Equipment List for items you will need for your trips as well as maps and directions to our River Camp. We look forward to seeing you and get ready for some rafting action!
Tour El Dorado’s finest vineyards sipping sophisticated wines one day followed by an exhilarating day whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork.
- WHERE: Day 1 – Wine Tasting Tour, Day 2 – Middle Fork Whitewater Rafting
- LENGTH: 18 miles
- Class: IV
- DEPARTS: 10:30 AM
- MEALS: 5 meals included
- CAMPING: 2 nights camping FREE
| Middle Fork |
Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday, Saturday & Sunday |
|---|---|
| Cost Per Person |
Adult $439 - $450 |
***Minimum age is 21. Maximum trip size is 21 guests so the experience is high quality and intimate.
8% Government Land & River Use Fee is added to all trip prices.
The wineries visited are subject to change.
Be sure to check out the group discounts and specials prices.
Click Here for Details and ItineraryClick Here to Hide Details and Itinerary
Leave behind the stress of the job and city life and embark on an exhilarating two-day outdoor experience including wine tasting and whitewater rafting with this awesome package from American Whitewater Expeditions. Go on a two-day, two-night camping excursion with a day of wine tastings in El Dorado County followed by a full day of rafting on the Middle Fork of the American River.
Begin your adventure in the evening and pitch a tent at the American Whitewater Deluxe Campground nestled along the American River in the historic Gold Rush town of Coloma. With an in ground pool, free hot shower, modern restroom facilities, sitting just above Troublemaker Rapid and only a 5 minute walk from James Marshall Gold Discovery Park.
Rise and shine for a huge hot breakfast with eggs, sausages, juice, coffee and fruit. We depart around 10:30 AM for a day of winery tours and tastings at four to five local wineries, which may include the beautiful Gold Hill and David Gerard Wineries, the stunning Sierra Vista and Holly’s Hill. A picnic lunch is provided between winery visits which include gourmet meats and cheeses, breads and fruit, cold drinks and desserts. The first day wraps up around 3:30 PM, lots of time to relax poolside or take a walk through James Marshall Park. In the evening enjoy a barbecue dinner of steak, chicken and fish, with all the trimmings and refreshments.
On the second day of your adventure enjoy a delicious continental breakfast before heading off on your Middle Fork rafting trip for a day of thrills, challenges, and excitement as well as a true wilderness experience. This beautiful river, flowing through rich gold-bearing country, has impressive rapids, including the ultimate in “Big Drops” at the Tunnel Chute Rapid. Here the river descends 80 feet through a very narrow chute. Then you'll suddenly find yourself underground for 90 feet traveling through a tunnel blasted by the gold miners long ago.
Covering 18 river miles, you'll experience one long, thrilling day on the river on this adventurous trip. We provide you with a hearty deli lunch along the river and ice-cold beverages at the end of your trip.
There are limited spaces available on the Middle Fork. Weekends fill up fast so book soon!
Additional night's camping and meals are available. Please call 1-800-825-3205 or contact us for details.
Please check our Equipment List for items you will need for your trips as well as maps and directions to our River Camp. We look forward to seeing you and get ready for some rafting action!