Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
AMADOR COUNTY WINE REGION
Amador County might be something of an underdog among California's winemaking re-
gions, but a thriving circuit of family wineries, Gold Rush history and local characters
make for excellent imbibing without a whiff of pretension. The region lays claim to the
oldest Zinfandel vines in the United States and the surrounding country has a lot in com-
mon with this celebrated variety - bold and richly colored, earthy and constantly surpris-
ing.
The region has two tiny towns, Plymouth and Amador City (
Click here
). Start in
Amador and follow Hwy 49 north through the blip known as Drytown and on to Plymouth
by Hwy 49, and then follow Shenandoah Rd northeast, which takes you past rolling hills of
neatly pruned vines. Most hosts are exceedingly welcoming and helpful, offering free
tastes and whatever you want to know about their operations. In July, 38 wineries throw
an annual 10-day
tasting extravaganza
.
Maps are available at the wineries, and from the
Amador Vintners Association
(
www.amadorwine.com
).
Deaver Vineyards
WINERY
(
www.deavervineyards.com
;
12455 Steiner Rd, Plymouth; 10:30am-5pm)
A true family affair where nearly everyone pouring has the last name on the bottles.
Drytown Cellars
WINERY
(
www.drytowncellars.com
; 16030 Hwy 49, Drytown; 11am-5pm)
This is the most fun tasting room in Amador County, thanks to vintner Allen Kreutzer, a
gregarious host, and his array of stunning reds.
Sobon Estate
WINERY
(
www.sobonwine.com
; 14430 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth;
9:30am-5pm Apr-Oct, to 4:30pm Nov-
Mar)
Founded in 1856, it's also home to the free Shenandoah Valley Museum featuring wine-
making memorabilia.
Wilderotter
WINERY
