Skinner Vineyards and Winery's origin story revolves around a fortuitous encounter that unveiled six generations of family heritage rooted in the ambitions of a Scottish immigrant and miner during the California Gold Rush. This lineage nurtured a fervent devotion to winemaking in the lush foothills of El Dorado County. The original Skinner Ranch, now recognized as Rescue, was the nucleus of this legacy. The land's significance led to the town's name, Skinners, California, during the 1860s—an unincorporated settlement that still maintains a presence on contemporary maps. The cellars of the J. Skinner Winery's original site endure, formerly serving as the Cameron Park Nursery.
In 2014, Mike and Carey Skinner took on the role of guardians for this property, with a dual mission of conservation and protection from urban development. The vicinity of present-day Skinners, CA is now adorned with vines personally cultivated by Mike and Carey. These vines are lovingly referred to as Legacy Grapes, as they encompass James' original varietals, such as Mission, Zinfandel, Trousseau, Grenache, Carignane, and the exclusive Skinner clone of Petit Bouschet. Constructed from 80% recycled steel, the expansive 12,000 sq ft. winery was meticulously designed to facilitate chemical-free, small-batch fermentations, ensuring unwavering quality within an energy-efficient environment. Solar power, nocturnal air circulation systems, and humidity-controlled workspaces to the north underscore the environmentally conscious approach embraced by the winery.
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