LES AND SHARON’S WINE JOURNEY
Les and Sharon’s story with wine isn’t just about vineyards and vintages—it’s about discovery, passion, and a life built together, one meaningful step at a time.
Their wine journey began in 1991, when they moved to Sacramento, California. Growing up in North Dakota, wine had never been a central part of their lives. It was something distant, unfamiliar—certainly not something they imagined would one day shape their future.
But California has a way of awakening new experiences. Surrounded by some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions—Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Sierra Foothills—Les and Sharon soon found themselves drawn into the simple pleasure of wine tasting. What began as a casual pastime quickly grew into something deeper. Each visit to a winery expanded their appreciation, not just for the flavors in the glass, but for the artistry, the land, and the stories behind every bottle.
As their passion grew, so did their collection. Bottles turned into cases, and before long, their enthusiasm demanded more than just a rack—it required a wine cellar. Building one in their home became a defining moment. It was more than a practical decision; it was a realization: this was no longer a hobby. This was passion.
That passion soon became something even more hands-on. Alongside a close-knit group of friends in Fair Oaks, Les and Sharon began making wine themselves. Weekends were filled with laughter, shared labor, experimentation, and the joy of creating something together from the fruit of the vine. It was during this time that the dream quietly took root: what if this could be more?
In 2016, that dream found its home.
After searching across many properties, their first visit to a breathtaking site in El Dorado County’s Fair Play AVA changed everything. It was love at first sight. The property—70 acres of “Vines and Pines” perched at 2,400 feet elevation—offered not just beauty, but possibility. Thirty two acres were planted to grapes, while the rest remained a tapestry of forest, meadows, and natural habitat.
The vineyard itself told a story. On the lower 20 acres grew Zinfandel and Syrah. Above, on 12 rolling acres, thrived Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier. Dividing them was a magnificent forest, complete with a seasonal stream—a quiet, living centerpiece of the land.
That same year marked another turning point: after a 38-year career with Aflac, Les retired in December 2016 to fully pursue this shared passion. Together, Les and Sharon made a bold decision—to transform their vineyard into something truly their own: a brand, a vision, and an experience centered around exceptional, terroir-driven estate wines.
Choosing a name for their new venture required reflection. They ultimately settled on Element 79—a name rich with meaning. It nods to gold (element 79 on the periodic table), honoring the vineyard’s place in the heart of California’s historic Gold Country. But even more importantly, 1979 was the year Les and Sharon were married—and the year Les began his career with Aflac, which provided the opportunities that made this dream possible. It was a name that honored both their past and their future.
In 2017, they began creating a space to bring their vision to life. Sharon partnered with Design Tech to design a tasting room that reflected both the land and their personal style. The result was an inviting “urban rustic” space—crafted from repurposed cedar from the property, accented with stone and steel, and thoughtfully furnished to feel less like a business and more like a home. Their goal was simple but heartfelt: to create a place where guests could settle in, relax, and experience wine in comfort and connection.
In February 2018, the tasting room opened its doors.
Their commitment to quality and evolution didn’t stop there. In 2017, they made the bold decision to remove 3 acres of original Syrah, replanting with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc—an investment in the future of their vineyard and wines.
As their journey continued, they expanded their estate. In 2019, they purchased a second property just 1.5 miles from the main vineyard. This special addition, now known as The Element House and The Element House Cottage, includes a home, a cottage, and three acres of grapes. Beyond its beauty, the property plays an important role in their winemaking portfolio—it is the source of their Estate Gray’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Primitivo, further deepening the connection between place and wine.
And in 2022, they reached another milestone: the completion of a 14,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art wine production facility. Equipped with advanced technology and winemaking equipment, it represents the culmination of years of learning, dreaming, and dedication.
Today, Element 79 stands as more than a winery. It is a living expression of Les and Sharon’s journey—one built on curiosity, courage, and a deep love for both the land and the people who share in it.
What began as a simple introduction to wine has become a legacy—rooted in the soil of Fair Play, shaped by decades of partnership, and poured into every glass they share.
And for every guest who walks through their doors, the experience is the same: you’re not just visiting a winery—you’re stepping into Les and Sharon’s story.
OUR VINEYARDS
Nestled in the rolling hills of El Dorado County, deep in the heart of California Gold Country, our property is located in the Fair Play AVA, which has the distinction of being the California AVA with the highest average elevation. Situated at 2,400 feet above sea level, our property encompasses seventy acres, thirty two of which are planted with grapes.
The lower vineyard consists of twenty acres planted with ten acres of Zinfandel, two acres of Cab Franc, one acre of Petite Verdot and seven acres of Syrah. The upper vineyard consists of twelve and one half acres planted with five acres of Petite Sirah, five acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and two and one half acres of Viognier.
Our soil of decomposed granite are sandy loam classified with excellent drainage and are ideal for the grapes they support.
Our mission is to employ the best farming practices to grow the highest quality grapes and produce premium estate-grown single varietal and blended wines.
SUSTAINABILITY
Cool breezes from the Sierra Nevada combined with our high elevation and mountainous terrain create the perfect conditions for growing the finest grapes.
As an estate winery, we grow all the grapes used to produce our wines within our own vineyard, which means we don’t have to rely on other growers.
In addition, we have full control of all vineyard practices and can ensure that our grapes will be grown using environmentally friendly and sustainable methods from the time they are planted until they end up in a bottle of your favorite Element 79 wine.
Our Team
Les & Sharon Heinsen
Owners
Both born and raised in North Dakota with rich farming backgrounds, Les and Sharon have long had a dream of getting back to their roots and owning a vineyard in beautiful El Dorado County and the Fair Play AVA.
Upon retiring from a 38-year career in the insurance industry, Les has made his vineyard owning dreams a reality and takes his many years of experience in nurturing people to now nurturing grape vines. As they say, “you can take the boy out of the country, but not the country out of the boy”.
With a hospitality background and a caring and nurturing personality, Sharon is the perfect host and representative for our brand and wines made from the heart.
Together, Les and Sharon are creating exclusive wines with extraordinary winemaking practices seldom employed by wineries in the Sierra Foothills, and even in California.
Scott Johnson
Consulting Winemaker
Scott Johnson, consulting winemaker for Element 79 Vineyards, was born and raised in California’s Sierra Foothills, where his deep connection to the region continues to shape his approach to winemaking. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California, Davis, and has built an impressive career working with respected wineries across California and New Zealand.
His experience includes roles at Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves in Sonoma, Vineyard 29 in Napa Valley, and Elephant Hill in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand—each contributing to his versatile and globally informed winemaking style. In 2010, Scott returned to the Sierra Foothills to become head winemaker at Perry Creek Winery, where he honed his focus on showcasing the region’s unique terroir.
Since the founding of Element 79 Vineyards, Scott has served as consulting winemaker, helping to define the winery’s vision and style. Known for crafting balanced, expressive wines, he combines innovative, contemporary techniques with a deep respect for the land. His wines consistently highlight the character and complexity of Fair Play vineyards and have earned 90+ point ratings from Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and other respected competitions.
In addition to his work with Element 79, Scott is co-owner of Solid Ground Brewing and Winery, where he continues to explore his passion for thoughtful, high-quality winemaking alongside his wife and partners.
Chef Brian Overhauser
Director of Hospitality & Estate Chef
Chef Brian Overhauser has been bringing flavor, creativity, and energy to Element 79 Vineyards for the past three years. As Director of Hospitality and Estate Chef, he leads the charge in crafting memorable guest experiences, combining his culinary expertise with a deep understanding of wine.
A classically trained chef and Escoffier graduate, Brian also holds WSET certifications, giving him a unique ability to pair food and wine in ways that are both thoughtful and approachable. Before joining Element 79, he refined his skills at respected wineries including Hahn Estate and Cuvaison, building a strong foundation in wine country hospitality.
While Brian oversees the culinary and guest experience programs, he’s most at home creating new and exciting wine and food pairings that surprise and delight. His philosophy centers on the “alchemy” of wine and food—bringing them together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.
Brian’s current favorite pairing is a chilled glass of Rare Earth with a duck confit salad on a warm summer evening. What keeps him inspired? Sharing great wine, great food, and great moments with guests and the team.
Known for his passionate, fun-loving, and easygoing nature, Brian is dedicated to making every visit feel special. For him, the goal is simple: create an experience where every guest feels like family.
