About Us
About Gwinllan Estate Winery
At Gwinllan Estate Winery, winemaking is not just a process — it’s a passion rooted in family, heritage, and the land itself. Located in the scenic ridges of Fairplay, California, we are a small family vineyard and winery devoted to producing bold, full-bodied wines and a distinctive range of estate champagnes.
A Vineyard Born from a Dream
Our journey began with a vision: to craft exceptional wines from grapes grown in a place as unique as the wine itself. That journey led us to El Dorado County, where the combination of elevation, climate, and soil was perfect for growing premium fruit.

The vineyard sits at an elevation of 2,400 feet — high enough to escape the Central Valley heat yet low enough to avoid the snow. With expansive south-facing slopes and decomposed granite soil, our vines benefit from ideal sun exposure and optimal drainage. Every element was chosen with purpose to ensure that the fruit we harvest delivers maximum flavor and character.
From Wales to Wine Country
Our family roots trace back to Blaengwynfi in Wales and Bedford in England. After moving to the United States more than three decades ago, we eventually settled in California, where our love for winemaking fully bloomed. Having grown grapes in the south of England—despite the Siberian winds—we sought a better climate to pursue our craft more seriously.
Our search led us here, to the ridge top views of Fairplay. To honor our Welsh heritage, we named our vineyard Gwinllan Estate, the Welsh word for vineyard.
A Family-Run Operation
We take pride in being a hands-on, family-operated vineyard and winery. Each vine is tended with personal care, and every bottle reflects the dedication of our family team.
Meet the Team
- Gordon Pack – Owner and Winemaker
- Chris Pack – Owner and Winemaker
- Jonathan Pack – Viticulturist and Winemaker; U.C. Davis graduate in Viticulture and Enology
- Gwynn and Matilda – Our enthusiastic Border Collies and chemical-free vineyard patrol
- Katie Pack - Events
- Hazel Pack - next generation winemaker in training
Together, we manage every aspect of the winery — from tending vines and harvesting fruit to fermentation, bottling, and sharing our wines with guests in our tasting room.
Our Philosophy
Great wine starts in the vineyard — that’s our guiding principle. We personally tend to every vine to make sure our fruit is of the highest quality. This hands-on approach is what allows us to create wines that are full of character and true to the land they come from.
Sustainability and Estate Integrity
All of our wines are estate grown and sustainably farmed — Fish and Wild Turtle friendly. This means we have full control over the growing, harvesting, and winemaking process, ensuring quality, consistency, and care for the local ecosystem in every bottle.
Visit Us and Taste the Difference
Come experience the warmth of a true family-run estate. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned enthusiast, we invite you to visit our tasting room, open Friday through Sunday. You’ll find not only extraordinary wines but also a story you can be part of.
