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 Dono dal Cielo, an Estate Vineyard
5960 Wise Rd, Hours of operation
Internet sales are available from the winery website. Our Amenities
Our AwardsGold Awards2005 Zinfandel - 25th Annual West Coast Wine Competion Silver Awards2005 Zinfandel - 2007 San Francisco Chronical Wine Competition Winery History
In 1932, nestled in a quiet little valley in Placer County, Domingas and Maria Ferreira built Rancho Serra da Estrela, named after their native town in Portugal. The ranch and fertile farmland produced many decades of dairy products and fresh fruit including plums, peaches, cherries and pears. Though Rancho Serra da Estrela is no longer operational, another family is still sowing dreams in the same quiet little valley.
Today, 75 years later, William and Karen McGillivray are following their lifelong passion for that perfect balance of earth, sun and soul on 30 acres of the Ferreira's original ranch. That passion has brought them to their own Dono dal Cielo, meaning "gift from Heaven". In 2001, they began with just 10 acres and a shared vision. Their dedication to build, from the ground up, a vineyard that would be nurtured with their passion, hard work and excitement has brought them to where they are today. In 2002, they planted their first 7 acres with 6000 Zinfandel vines. Along with their original 6000 vines, the McGillivrays have added another 20 acres of land to their vineyard and are carefully nurturing the newest vines to be ready for harvest. William and Karen have lived in Newcastle for nearly 20 years, raising children, playing with their first beautiful grandchild and enjoying rural living. There is not a day that goes by that they are not in the vineyard and both cherish every moment...to watch their "gift from Heaven" come to life through their hands' work, their hearts' investment and the earth's patience. Please join William and Karen in letting a little piece of Heaven's gift warm your heart and refresh your soul About the Winemakers
Derek Irwin was hired by Dono dal Cielo in 2006 to ensure high-caliber wines for the future. He comes with years of experience in winemaking and vineyard management gained while working with wineries such as Viansa Winery and Bouchaine Vineyards.
We were not looking for a winemaker, but after we met Derek we were convinced we needed him. Always our thoughts are for the grapes, for the vineyard, and we knew Derek could help us fine-tune the growing side of our wine. "Dono dal Cielo has what every winemaker honestly wants", according to Derek, "and that is great terroir for Zinfandel and owners who understand that it is both a creative and scientific process that takes time and money to evolve. Dono dal Cielo was created through divine inspiration in my mind - listen to their story, what hurdles they have gone over, what efforts they have and will continue to take and the passion behind them, it could be nothing but. A lot of people believe that making Zinfandel is easy in the foothills......not so. There is a lot of Zinfandel made up here but not many great Zinfandels and that is exactly William and Karen's intention - great Zinfandel with a signature all their own." We are a great team - very hands on and very one-minded. What is good for the vineyard is good for all. Our winemaking begins in the vineyard and we are in love with the growing and making of the wine. Tour InformationAdditional Information
Dono dal Cielo is pleased to announce our participation in Auburn's premier new cooperative wine tasting room and boutique called The Wine Rack. The Rack is located at 13464 Lincoln Way in Auburn near Lou Labonte's and Ikedas. In addition to our heralded wines, visitors may also enjoy outstanding varietals from Vina Castellano, The Green Family and Mt Vernon. We invite you to stop by, say hello and have a taste!
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