Since the gold rush of 1849…
About Saureel
A 148 acre estate in the “Gold Hill” area of El Dorado County — farmed for 126 years, ridden for three decades, and planted to vineyards in 2015.
1849
Where it begins
The property currently named “Saureel Vineyards” has a rich history that dates back to the California gold rush of 1849.
Located just miles from where gold was first discovered, this property was at the center of a short-lived mining community of Cold Springs and is considered the “Gold Hill” area of El Dorado County.
1850
The Veerkamp Family
Pears, peaches, plums & produce for the miners
The property was first settled in 1850 by the Veerkamp family who, since that time, took advantage of the areas fertile soils and began a family farming operation by planting many acres of pears, peaches, plums, and garden vegetables which they sold to the miners and later took wagons full of produce to other areas to sell.
126 years of family farming
1912
The Iconic Pear Shed
Still standing, still selling
In 1912, William Veercamp built the now iconic “Pear Shed” across from the original homestead to process his crops to support the family farm fruit operation.
Built across from the original homestead
1976
Citrus, Cherries & Walnuts
A new family, a new orchard
The Veerkamp family continued to farm the property for a total of 126 years. In 1976, the family sold the property to Bill Graham, a citrus farmer from Southern California, who removed the aging pear trees and planted oranges, cherries, walnuts, peaches, apricots, and avocados.
In 1999, the cherry trees died and were replaced with a special variety of mandarins which are sold to this day at the historic Pear Shed, using the honor system.
Mandarins still sold on the honor system
1987
A World-Class Equestrian Facility
Where the cutting horses came
By 1987, the majority of the farming operation was beyond its useful life and most of the orchards were removed. Looking for a property for a horse operation, Ken Hill purchased the property and began the process of creating a world-class equestrian facility which bred and trained cutting horses.
Stables & arena still on the estate today
Introducing
2015
Saureel Vineyards
Pastures into vineyards
In 2015, the property was acquired by the current owner, Tim Sauer, who transformed the pastures into vineyards and manicured the property to support weddings & events.
Behind the Name
A Play on Words
Sauer
Family name
+
Creel
Mother’s maiden name
=
Saureel
Saureel is the combination of his family name (Sauer) and his mother’s maiden name (Creel), which is a play on words that truly captures the breathtaking beauty of this property.
The Estate Today
One Property, Six Experiences
148 acres in the Sierra foothills
The estate at a glance — ceremony site, barn, Lakehouse, vineyards, orchard, arena & parking
Gold Hill · El Dorado County
Where to Find Us
Just miles from where gold was first discovered
Saureel Vineyards sits on Cold Springs Road in Placerville, California, at the heart of what was once the short-lived mining community of Cold Springs.
Visits
By appointment ONLY — no public tasting room
Estate
148 acres, with a 9 acre lake and parking for 200 vehicles
Contact
Come See It
175 Years of History,
One Wedding a Day
It’s not amazing… It’s Saureel!
Private tours are by appointment and generally last 30 to 45 minutes, with Sundays as our primary tour days. We also offer personalized virtual tours via Google Meet or FaceTime.