In 2001 the Olivos purchased 21 acres in El Dorado County, California, with the intention of growing grapes for Nello’s winemaking hobby. With the
help of UCDavis, Nello established a showcase vineyard and sold the surplus to local winemakers. When they began winning gold medals with his
grapes Nello decided he would “go commercial” and began winning gold medals of his own. Danica’s background is in the movie industry but her
grandmother was from a German wine-merchant family. Danica sits on the Board of the El Dorado Winemakers Association. Like most El Dorado
AVA wineries they are small and family owned but have won such awards as Best Sangiovese in California and Best of Class at the prestigious
Orange County Fair. Specializing in Italian varietals, Nello and Danica look forward to sharing their award-winning wines on this wonderful cruise and
exploring the contrast with the celebrated wines of the region.