Lava Cap is a small, family-owned and operated winery producing premium estate-bottled wines using mountain-grown grapes from their two vineyard properties. The winery has a grand backdrop of vineyards, hills, and distant peaks.

The winery is owned by the Jones family, with its president being a UC Berkley geologist. The vineyard soils here are formed from young volcanic rocks that lend distinctive rich varietal flavors and intense aromas to their wines. The vineyards have low yields and receive lots of sunlight.

The tasting room is an easygoing, friendly place loaded with award ribbons, gift items, a crayon area for the kids, and a spacious deck and grassy lawn area out in front of the vineyard.

As part of the Apple Hill Region of El Dorado County, the area has abundant apple and other fruit orchards. To create the vineyard, 20 acres of pear trees were removed and replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.