The California Shenandoah Valley is an American Viticulture Area that includes portions of Amador County and El Dorado County. The region was first settled during the California Gold Rush in the nineteenth century, and settlers in the region began planting the first grapevines and producing the first wine soon thereafter. In 1983 region became a designated American Viticulture Area. Shenandoah Valley is the westernmost and, therefore, the least elevated and warmest region within the Sierra Foothills. The high temperatures result in very ripe fruit and full-bodied, high alcohol wines. Many wineries are open daily for wine tasting and tours located in the Shenandoah Valley.