Cedarville Vineyard: A Dream Realized

Cedarville Vineyard is the fulfillment of a dream that my late spouse, Susan Marie Marks, and I shared from the moment we met at a UC Davis student wine tasting. We both earned degrees in Enology, and after my first internship at Cakebread Cellars, I knew small-scale, hands-on winemaking was my true calling. Together, Susan and I gained valuable experience in Napa Valley and the Central Coast, while refining our technical and business skills outside the industry. Over time, it became clear that our ultimate goal was to create something uniquely our own. In 1995, that vision came to life when we discovered the ideal setting in the historic Gold Rush town of Fair Play, nestled within the El Dorado and Sierra Foothills AVAs. Today, at 2,500 feet elevation, our estate winery is surrounded by 10 acres of organically farmed vines, thriving in the decomposed granite soils that define this special place. Cedarville Vineyard is the heart and soul of our winemaking, driven by a deep commitment to quality and sustainability.

Though Susan Marie passed away in 2020, her spirit continues to inspire everything we do. Each year, we honor her memory by fundraising for research led by Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) through the sale of a unique "Susan Marie" wine, available exclusively to our e-mail list.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2021, the Caldor Fire wiped out what promised to be an exceptional vintage. Yet, 2022 brought new beginnings. I was invited to make wine for two neighboring brands, and on a personal note, found love again with an extraordinary woman. Through these transitions, Cedarville Vineyard remains a place of passion, resilience, and connection. I’m proud to carry forward the legacy we built, while continuing to craft wines that reflect the soul of our vineyard.

ABOUT OUR VINEYARD AND WINERY ≫

ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AT CEDARVILLE ≫