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Explore Zinfandel in the Sierra Foothills |
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The Sierra Foothills and the California Gold Rush - this is where it started and once gold was discovered people from all over the world flooded into these foothills with the dream of becoming rich. Signs of this are evident from Nevada, Placer, El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa. You can visit towns that date back to the 1850s; stay in Bed and Breakfasts that are historic buildings or see remnants of mining activities along Highway 49, named after the men who rushed to California in 1849 looking for gold.
The Sierra Foothills is where the Zinfandel grape was introduced from the Northeast in the 1850's and now where some of the vines are among the oldest in the state. Old vine Zinfandel benefits from root systems that go deep through many strata that each contribute to the complexity of the wine. The older a vine gets the fewer clusters of grapes it produces resulting in flavors and characteristics that are more concentrated. Old Vine Zinfandels exhibit dense, vibrant characteristics that are highly desired.
Zinfandel predominates in El Dorado County and in Amador County where it was first introduced to the state during the Gold Rush. The northern county's, the terroir is very similar to the Rhone region of France. varietals have begun to predominate as they are more disposed toward the cooler climates. But, never underestimate the value of California's microclimates that allow award winning Zinfandels to grow almost shoulder to shoulder with cool climate loving varietals. The Sierra Foothills
Old Vine vs Old Clone vs Vine Management
Old vines, as stated above, have deep root systems that tap into a wide variety of minerals and nutrients that contribute particular characteristics to the wine. This is one of the features that adds true uniqueness and value to "old vine" wine. Increasingly, on the other hand, many wine labels indicate that a wine is "old clone." What does that mean? Should this increase the wine's value? These are new vines that have been cloned from old vines that consistently demonstrated particularly unique and desirable characteristics. The clones carry on that character and this generally means that they are special.
Nobody can simulate deep root systems but with vine management, many of the other factors that go into the creation of old vine wines can be simulated. Start with a premium grapes. Find the perfect terroir (defined below) and manage the vines to reduce yield which concentrates the character and you have spectacular wines.
How Great Zinfandel is Created - Terroir
The vineyards in the Sierra Foothills are relatively remote and are found at elevations between 1,200 to 3,600 feet above sea level which is well above the fog line. This makes for long, sunny, summer days. Nights are cooled by breezes flowing from the Sierra Nevada. The soils from 1,200 to about 2,000 foot levels are made of decomposed granite and at elevations above the 3,000 foot level are crushed volcanic rock. Both soil types provide good drainage but lack many nutrients creating the stressful conditions loved by Zinfandel. The Zinfandel wines from these regions are intense in color, fruit and spice attributed to the high elevations, drawn out season and cool nights. A distinctly different region in the foothills is the California Shenandoah Valley. Its valley position and the sandy and clay loams as part of the soil make-up along with the Sierra Series granitic rock that make this a unique viticultural area in the Sierra Foothills.
Zinfandel and Food Pairings
Traditionally, the spicy Zin is paired with barbeque foods: ribs, hamburgers, grilled chicken and other spicy foods like pizza. But, Zinfandel goes well with most cheeses, meats and poultry and feel free to pair it with Mediterranean herbs like basil and rosemary. On the other hand, raw onions will obliterate most of the Zinfandel's qualities. Basically though it is a wine with character that pairs well with a wide range of spicy ethnic cuisines as well as subtle flavors and textures. The chocolate, vanilla, baking spice character can also enhance chocolate desserts.
The Zinfandel flavors are those of ripe raspberries, blackberries and black cherry with moderate tannins, pepper and nutmeg and clove spices. Look for aromas of mint, chocolate, cedar, licorice, spice and tobacco along with a long finish is - "Classic Sierra Foothills Zinfandel."
Create Your Own Tour
Explore one region or sample the highlights of several. Find links in the navigation bar to the left to move back and forth between the different California AVA regions where Zinfandel is grown or visit different varietals. Those links will take you to pages like this that will direct you to information including list all of their sub AVAs that include lists of wineries and links to additional information about food, lodging and area highlights. Stay tuned as, over time, we will provide more information for you to fine tune your exploration.
Click on the Sierra Foothills sub-AVA links in the navigation bar on the left to go down the page to explore the AVAs listed in the table below. In the Navigation bar you will also find links to vineyard and winery associations and Chambers of Commerce which will direct you to information about area restaurants, lodging and local highlights.
California American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)
American Viticultural Areas are unique legally designated grape growing areas that are defined by the ATF. These regions are most often defined by their topography, soil types, climate and sometimes historical relevance. Below are the AVAs for The Sierra Foothills.
| North Yuba | El Dorado |
| Fair Play | Fiddletown |
| CA Shenandoah Valley |
***A functioning website is the criteria for winery/vineyard inclusion in the lists below.***
Below are tables with lists of the wineries in each AVA. There is overlap between counties and AVAs. For example, El Dorado County and Amador County share the California Shenandoah Valley AVA. These are important designations on wine labels and are a way of communicating about the basic characteristics of the wine. Wineries are part of Counties as well as part of AVAs and may list their wines with the different designations. In addition, while most Sierra Foothills vineyards and wineries are single vineyard affairs although quite often they have premium offerings with grapes from other sources. These are reflected on their labels. The codes below can be found at the end of each winery listing and indicate the AVAs with which they overlap.
| CA SV = CA Shenandoah Valley | ED=El Dorado | FP=Fair Play | FT =Fiddletown |
A label with the AVA name, such as "El Dorado" often means that grapes were sourced from two or more vineyards within that region. Wineries that offer wines where the majority of their grapes come from outside of that region will list that on the label as the source, such as "Paso Robles." We indicate that by OS=Out Sourced. SV=Single Vineyard wines are often but not always the same thing as Estate Wines. Estate wines are indicated by ES. RE=Reserve Wine which is a special edition produced by the winery. The letters above can be combined in different ways, for example SV+OS=Single Vineyard+Out Sourced from another region. OV=Old Vine.
| ES=Estate | SV=Single Vineyard | OS=Out Sourced | SV+OS=Single Vineyard+Out Sourced | OV=Old Vine | RE=Reserve |
The tables below show complete lists of the wineries of the Sierra Foothills. Those listed in a lighter color do not offer any Zinfandel.
***A functioning website is the criteria for winery/vineyard inclusion in the lists below.***
If you go, North Yuba will be a quick tour since Renaissance Vineyard and Winery is only winery in North Yuba. The AVA is in the northwestern region of the Sierra Foothills. The vineyard is located at an elevation of 1,700-2,300 feet. This is a steeply sloping terraced vineyard that produces estate bottled wines. The soil is a mixture of decomposed granite and volcanic subsoil, clay and ash. Microclimates provide enough acres that produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and many more varietals.
Classic North Yuba Zinfandel is a medium bodied fruity wine with leather and smoke tones.
| Renaissance Vineyard and Winery | 12585 Rices Crossing Road (PO Box 1000), Oregon House CA 95962; Phone: 530.692.8229, 800.655.3277, Fax: 530.692.2497; email: sales@rvw.com, website: www.rvw.com. Tours and tasting Friday and Saturday by appointment only. Call the toll free #. ES |
The El Dorado AVA is a year round wine tasting destination and the award winning Zinfandel produced here make it a top choice for Zin lovers. The county of El Dorado has two wine regions, El Dorado AVA and Fair Play AVA, with their own unique geology, soil types and elevation: The El Dorado AVA region in the north has an elevation from about 2,000 feet to 3,600 feet. The soil is composed of crushed volcanic rock. The Fair Play AVA region in the south has an elevation from 1,200 feet to about 2,500 feet. The soil here is unique being composed of decomposed granite. The vineyards in these two regions benefit from their higher elevations which put them well above the fog line and allows for long, sunny days tempered by cool nights. Both regions are made up mostly of small, family wineries, which focus on small batches of single vineyard estate wines.
Classic El Dorado Zinfandel - think dark chocolate covered cherries with lush blackberry fruit, nutmeg and clove spices followed by a black pepper zing. The finish is long and backed up by firm, round tannins.
| Boeger Winery | 1709 Carson Road, Placerville CA 95667; Phone: 530.622.8094, 800.655.2634; Fax: 530.622.8112; email: tara@boegerwinery.com; website: www.boegerwinery.com. Open daily: 10-5. ES, SV |
| Chateau Rodin | 4771 Green Hills Road, Placerville CA 95667; Phone: 530.622.6839; email: inquire@chateaurodin.com; website: www.chateaurodin.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. SV |
| Colibri Ridge Winery & Vineyard | 6100 Gray Rock Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.7255; email: info@colibriridge.com, website: www.colibriridge.com; Open Friday-Sunday, 11-5. FP SV |
| Coulson Winery | 3550 Carson Road, Camino CA 95709-9507; Phone: 530.644.2854, (toll free) 877.253.9672, Fax: 530.644.3653; email: ed@coulsonwinery.com; website: www.coulsonwinery.com. Open daily 11-5. SV |
| Fitzpatrick Winery & Lodge | 7740 Fair Play Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.3248, 800.245.9166, Fax: 530.620.6838; email: b Brian@fitzpatrickwinery.com, website: www.fitzpatrickwinery.com. Open Wednesday-Monday 11-5. SV |
| David Girard Vineyard | 741 Cold Springs Road, Placerville CA 95667; Phone: 530.295.1833; email: info@davidgirardvineyard, website: www.davidgirardvineyard.com. Open Saturday & Sunday 11-5. |
| Gold Hill Vineyard | 5660 Vineyard Lane, Placerville CA 95667; Phone: 530.626.6522; email: winemaster@goldhillvineyard.com; website: www.goldhillvineyard.com. Open Thursday-Sunday 10-5 otherwise by appointment. SV |
| Granite Springs Winery | 5050 Granite Springs Winery Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.6395, Fax: 530.620.4884, 800.638.6041; email: granitespr@directcon.net, website: www.latcham.com. Open daily 11-5. ED |
| **Holly's Hill Winery | 3680 Leisure Lane, Placerville CA; phone: 530.344.0227; email: winery@hollyshill.com; web site: www.hollyshill.com. Open Friday-Sunday 10-5. SV |
| Jodar Vineyards & Winery | 2393 Gravel Road, Placerville CA 95667; Phone: 530.644.3474. Tasting Room: 3405 Carson Court, Camino, CA; Phone: 530.644.3474; email: jodarwinery@foothill.net, website: www.jodarwinery.com. Open Thursday-Monday 11-5. SV |
| Latcham Vineyards | 2860 Omo Ranch Road (P.O. Box 80) Mt. Aukum CA 95656; Phone: 530.620.6395, 800.638.6041, Fax: 530.620.4884; email: granitespr@directcon.net; website: www.latcham.com. Open daily 11-5. |
| Lava Cap Winery | 2221 Fruitridge Road, Placerville CA 95667; Phone: 530.621.0175; Fax: 530.621.4399; email: lavacap@calweb.com; website: www.lavacap.com. Open daily 11-5. RE, SV |
| Madrona Vineyards | 2560 High Hill Road (P.O. Box 454) Camino, CA 95709; Phone: 530.644.5948 Fax: 530.644.7517; email: Winery@MadronaVineyards.com; website: www.MadronaVineyards.com. Open daily 11-5. RE, ES |
| Charles B Mitchell Vineyards | 8221 Stoney Creek Rd, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.3467, 800.704.WINE (9463) ; email: info@charlesbmitchell.com, website: www.charlesbmitchell.com. Open daily 11-5. FP, OS |
| Mount Aukum Winery | 6781 Tower Road (P.O. Box 830) Mount Aukum CA 95656; Phone: 530.620.1675, Fax: 530.620.1676; email: brandie @mountaukum.com; website: www.mountaukum.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. FP, OS, RE |
| Narrow Gate Vineyards | 4282 Pleasant Valley Rd., Placerville CA 95667; Phone: 530.644.6201; email: wine@narrowgatevineyards.com; website: www.narrowgatevineyards.com. Open Friday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5 or by appointment. |
| **Oakstone Winery | 6440 Slug Gulch Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.5303, 877.OAKSTONE (toll free), Fax: 530.620.5304; email: oakstone@innercite.com, website: www.oakstone-winery.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. OS ES |
| Perry Creek Vineyards | 7400 Perry Creek Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.5175; email: wines@perrycreek.com, website: www.perrycreek.com. Open daily 11-5, except major holidays. OS, SV |
| Sierra Oaks Estates | 6713 Mount Aukum Road (P.O. Box 617), Fair Play CA 95656; Phone: 530.620.7079; email: , website: www.sierraoaksestates.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. OS |
| Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery | 4560 Cabernet Way, Placerville CA 95667; Phone: 530.622.7221, 800.946.3916; email: syrah@innercite.com; website; www.sierravistawinery.com. Open daily 10-5. SV, OCV |
| Single Leaf | 7480 Fairplay Road, Fairplay CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.3545, (toll free 888.663.5323) email: sales@singleleaf.com, website: www.singleleaf.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. SV, RE |
| Sogno Winery | 3046 Ponderosa Road, Shingle Springs, CA 95682; Phone: 530.672.6968, Fax: 530.672.8458; email: info@sognowinery.com, website: www.sognowinery.com. Open Thursday-Sunday 11-5. OS |
| Venezio Vineyards & Winery | 5821 Highway 49, Coloma CA 95613; Phone: 530.885.WINE, Fax: 530.885.9659; email: info@venezio.com, website: www.venezio.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. |
| Windwalker Vineyard & Winery | 7630 Perry Creek Road, Somerset CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.4054; email: agilpin@innercite.com, website: www.windwalkervineyard.com. Open daily 11-5. OS |
In the Fair Play AVA there are 19 wineries that are all family owned, and they are located all within a 5 mile radius. The Fair Play Region is 2,000 - 3,000 feet above sea level giving the growing season long, warm days and cool evenings. Soils are deep, decomposed granitic sandy loam and produce distinctive and intense wines. The topography is responsible for a variety of microclimates which contribute to the wide diversity of wine varietals. Here we will focus on the wineries that produce Zinfandel. Visit the wineries' websites for more information including events, maps and for their lists of the other varietals they grow. While Zinfandel was most certainly originally grown in these foothills more than 100 years ago, Prohibition and other factors resulted in its disappearance from the appellation. Zinfandel vineyards were started again 25 years ago from clones of old vines from the Sierra Foothills AVA. This is a particularly fine location to explore local Zinfandel terroir because of the concentrated clustering of wineries and because of the unique granitic sandy loams of the region.
Classic Fair Play Zinfandel starts out with flavors of dark cherry and raspberry followed by clove and pepper spice. The aromas are of blackberries and plums.
| Busby Cellars | 6375 Grizzly Flat Road, Somerset CA 95684; Phone: 530.344.9119; email: info@busbycellars.com, website: www.busbycellars.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-5:30 or by appointment. ES |
| Cantiga Wineworks | 5951 Mt. Aukum Road, Somerset CA 95684; Phone: 530.621.1696 or 530.621.3352; email: info@canitgawine.com; website: www.cantigawine.com. Open Saturday-Sunday 11-5 or by appointment. SV+OS |
| Cedarville Vineyard | 6320 Marestail Road (P.O. Box 419), Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.9463 (WINE); email: info@cedarvillevineyard.com; website: www.cedarvillevineyard.com. Open by appointment only. Tastings daily @ Amador Vintage Market in Plymouth CA dkcellars.com. ES |
| Chalet Fleur De Lys | 7696 Perry Creek Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.2246; email: MLajoie@entrix.com, website: ww.fleurdelys4wine.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-5 or by appointment. |
| Charles B Mitchell Vineyards | 8221 Stoney Creek Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.3467, 800.704.WINE (9463) ; email: info@charlesbmitchell.com, website: www.charlesbmitchell.com. Open daily 11-5. OS |
| Chateau Routon Winery | 2800 Omo Ranch Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.5815, Fax: 530.620.5504; email: winery@chateauroutoninc.com, website: www.chateauroutoninc.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-4. OS, OS+OV |
| Colibri Ridge | 6100 Gray Rock Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.7255; email: info@colibriridge.com, website: www.colibriridge.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-5. |
| dk cellars | 7380 Vineyard View Dr, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.1132; email: wines@dkcellars.com, website: ww.dkcellars.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-5. SV |
| Fitzpatrick Winery & Lodge | 7740 Fair Play Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.3248, 800.245.9166, Fax: 530.620.6838; email: brian@fitzpatrickwinery.com, website: www.fitzpatrickwinery.com. Open Wednesday-Monday 11-5. SV, OS |
| Granite Springs Winery | 5050 Granite Springs Winery Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.6395, 800.638.6041, Fax: 530.620.4884, 800.638.6041; email: granitespr@directcon.net, website: www.latcham.com. Open daily 11-5. |
| Latcham Vineyards | 2860 Omo Ranch Road (P.O. Box 80), Mt. Aukum CA 95656; Phone:530.620.664,2 800.750.5591, Fax: 530.620.5578, 800.750.5591; email: latcham@directcon.net; website: www.latcham.com. Open daily 11-5. |
| Mt. Aukum Winery | 6781 Tower Road (P.O. Box 830) Mount Aukum CA 95656; Phone: 530.620.1675, Fax: 530.620.1676; email: brandie @mountaukum.com; website: www.mountaukum.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. OS, RE |
| Oakstone Winery | 6440 Slug Gulch Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.5303, 877.OAKSTONE (toll free), Fax: 530.620.5304; email: oakstone@innercite.com, website: www.oakstone-winery.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. OS, SV |
| Perry Creek Vineyards | 7400 Perry Creek Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.5175; email: wines@perrycreek.com, website: www.perrycreek.com. Open daily 11-5, except major holidays. OS, OS+SV |
| Sierra Oaks Estates | 6713 Mt. Aukum Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.7079; email: info@sierraoaksestates.com, website: www.sierraoaksestates.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5 and summer, daily 11-5. OS |
| Single Leaf | 7480 Fairplay Road, Fairplay CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.3545, (toll free 888.663.5323) email: sales@singleleaf.com, website: www.singleleaf.com. Open Wednesday-Sunday 11-5. SV, ES+RE |
| Toogood Estate Wine Caves | 7280 Fair Play Road, Fair Play CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.1910; email: info@toogoodwinery.com, website: www.toogoodwinery.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-5:30 or by appointment. ES, SV, SV+RE |
| Sogno Winery | 3046 Ponderosa Road, Shingle Springs, CA 95682; Phone: 530.672.6968, Fax: 530.672.8458; email: info@sognowinery.com, website: www.sognowinery.com. Open Thursday-Sunday 11-5. SV |
| Windwalker Vineyard & Winery | 7630 Perry Creek Road, Somerset CA 95684; Phone: 530.620.4054; email: mailto:agilpin@innercite.com, website: www.windwalkervineyard.com. Open daily 11-5. OS |
The Fiddletown AVA is part of Amador County and is located at an elevation between 1,500 feet and 2,500 feet. Zinfandel is the primary grape grown in the appellation. The wineries listed below with the ** beside their names, are not technically within the Fiddletown AVA but these wineries use 85% of the grapes from the region allowing them to legally use the Fiddletown AVA on their label. Wineries entered in a lighter color do not feature Zinfandel.
OVC=Old Vine Clone
Classic Fiddletown Zinfandel has complex flavors of jammy blackberry and cherry, plum fruit, black pepper, cocoa and blueberry. The aromas feature cherry, blackberry and black pepper.
| **Domaine de la Terre Rouge & Easton Vineyards | Dickson Road, off Shenandoah Rd; Plymouth CA; P.O. Box 41, Fiddletown CA 95629; Phone; 209.245.3117; Fax: 209.245.5415; email: info@terrerougewines.com; website: www.terrerougewines.com. Open Friday-Monday 11-4. SV+OV, OS |
| **Folie a Deux Winery | PO Box 248; St. Helena CA 94574; phone: 707.963.1160, fax: 707.963.9223, toll free: 800.437.4454; email: fadinfo@folieadeux.com, website: www.folieadeux.com. Open daily 10-5; tours by appointment only. OS |
| Le Mulet Rouge | 16915 Red Mule Road, Fiddletown CA 95639; Phone: 209.245.3037, fax: 209.245.3038; email: imr@muletrouge.com, website: www.muletrouge.com. Tasting at Sutter Creek Wine Tasting, 85 Main Street, Sutter Creek, CA 95685. Open daily 11-6. |
| **Renwood Winery | 12225 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6979, Fax: 209.245.3732; email: info@renwood.com, web site: www.renwood.com. Open daily 10:30-4:30. OS, OV, SV+OVC, OV |
| **Sobon Estate | 14430 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth CA; Phone 209.245.6554, Fax: 209.245.5156; email: info@sobonwine.com; web site: www.sobonwine.com. Open daily 9:30-5. SV, SV+OV, SV+RE |
| */**Thomas Fogarty Winery | 3270 Alpine Road, Portola Valley CA 94028; Phone: 650.851.6777, Fax: 650.851.5840; email: info@fogartywinery.com, website: www.fogartywinery.com. Open Thursday-Sunday 11-5 (tasting fee) |
The CA Shenandoah Valley AVA is the newest Sierra Foothills appellation and it is located in Amador County. The designation comes because of geographic and historic reasons. Does the name sound familiar? It was named by settlers from the east after the Virginia Shenandoah River Valley from which they came. Shenandoah is north west of Fiddletown and north east of Plymouth in Amador County. The soil is well drained decomposed granite, sandy loam and clay. The elevation is around 1,100 feet. Summer temperatures can be very warm, ranging from 80 to 100 degrees.
Classic CA Shenandoah Valley Zinfandel has aromas of rich cherry and raspberry and pepper spice. The wines are characteristically dense and jammy with flavors of black plums and blackberries touched by cardamom, nutmeg and cumin spices followed up with hints of mocha.
** = Old vine
| Amador Foothill Winery | 12500 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA; Phone: 209.245.6307, 800.778.WINE, Fax: 209.245.3580; email: winenerd@amadorfoothill.com; web site: www.amadorfoothill.com. Open Friday-Sunday 12-5. SV, SV+OV |
| CG di Arie Winery | 5200 di Arie Road, Mt. Aukum CA 95656-0589; Phone: 530.620.6500, Fax: 530.620.6505; email: info@cgdiarie.com, www.cgdiarie.com. SV+OV |
| Charles Spinetta Winery | 12557 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3384;Fax: 209.245.3386; email: website: www.charlesspinettawinery.com. Tastings Saturday & Sunday 9-4:30, Monday, Thursday & Friday 8-3:30. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. ES |
| Deaver Vineyards | 12455 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.4099, Fax: 209.245.6661; email: deaver@deavervineyard.com; web site: www.deavervineyard.com. Open daily 11-5. SV+OV |
| Dobra Zemlja | 12505 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3183; Fax: 209.245.5022; email: info@dobraz.com; website: www.dobraz.com. Open daily 10-5. |
| Domaine de la Terre Rouge & Easton Vineyards | Dickson Road, off Shenandoah Road; Plymouth CA; P.O. Box 41, Fiddletown CA 95629; Phone; 209.245.3117; Fax: 209.245.5415; email: info@terrerougewines.com; website: www.terrerougewines.com. Open Friday-Monday 11-4. SV+OV+OS, OS, ES |
| Karly Wines | 11076 Bell Road (P.O. Box 729), Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3922 Fax: 209.245.4874; email: karly@karlywines.com, website: www.karlywines.com. Open daily 12-4 except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day. Large groups by appointment only. |
| Montevina | 20680 Shenandoah School Road (P.O. Box 100), Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6942 Fax: 209.245.6617; website: www.montevina.com. Open daily 11-4:30. SV+LR+OV, SV+LR |
| Renwood Winery | 12225 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6979, Fax: 209.245.3732; email: info@renwood.com, web site: www.renwood.com. Open daily 10:30-4:30. OS, OV, SV+OVC, OV |
| Shenandoah Vineyards | 12300 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.4455; Fax: 209.245.5156; email: info@sobonwine.com; website: www.shenandoahvineyards.com. Open daily 10-5. CA SV |
| Sobon Estate | Sobon Estate; 14430 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth CA; Phone 209.245.6554, 209.245,4455, Fax: 209.245.5156; email: info@sobonwine.com; website: www.sobonwine.com. Open daily 9:30-5. 1 SV, SV+OV, SV+RE |
| Story Winery | 10525 Bell Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6208, 800.713.6390, Fax: 209.245.6619; email: storyzin@cdepot.net; website: www.zin.com. Open Monday-Friday 12-4; Saturday-Sunday 11-5. SV, SV+OV |
| Sutter Ridge | 14110 Ridge Road, Sutter Creek CA 95685; Phone: 209.267.1316, Fax: 209.267.9108; email: info@sutterridgewine.com; website: www.sutterridgewine.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-4. FT |
| TKC Vineyards | 11001 Valley Drive (P.O. Box 759), Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: (toll free) 888.627.2356; Fax: 209.245.4006; email: info@tkcvineyards.com; website: www.tkcvineyards.com; open Saturday 11-5, Sunday 1-5 & by appointment. |
| Villa Toscano | 10600 Shenandoah Road (P.O. Box 1029), Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3800, Fax: 209.245.3332; email: sales@villatoscano.com, web site: www.villatoscano.com Open daily 10-5. OS, SV+OV |
| Vino Noceto | 11011 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6556, 209.245.6555, Fax: 209.245.3446; email: vino@noceto.com, website: www.noceto.com. SV, SV+OV |
Amador County is not itself an American Viticultural Area but it does contain and share regions as described below. The elevation is 2,00-3,000 feet but Amador has relatively warm summer days and the typical foothill cool evenings which prolongs the growing season. The soils are loam and/or sandy loam. The California Shenandoah Valley (settled by former Virginians) and The Fiddletown Appellation are part of Amador County. The wines produced in the Fiddletown AVA have less alcohol and more refined fruit character. Fiddletown AVA's elevation is between 1,500-2,500 feet. A * marks the wineries below that are part of the Fiddletown AVA. Many of Amador's wineries farm organically. Amador shares the California Shenandoah Valley AVA with El Dorado County and the Amador wineries that fall within that jurisdiction have the letters: "CA SV" at the end of their addresses. Because of the overlap, you will find many of these vineyards and wineries listed in the AVAs described above.
| Amador Cellars | 11093 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6150; email: website: www.amadorcellars.com. Open 12-5. ES, ES+RE |
| Amador Foothill Winery | 12500 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6307, Fax: 209.245.3580; email: info@amadorfoothill.com; website: www.amadorfoothill.com. Open Friday-Sunday 12-5. |
| Avio Vineyards and Winery | 14520 Ridge Road, Sutter Creek CA 95685; Phone: 209.267.1515; email: stefano@aviowine.com, website: www.aviowine.com. Open Thursday-Sunday 11-5 and by appointment. |
| Bray Vineyards | 10590 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6023; Fax: 925.370.8558; email: sales@brayvineyards, website: www.brayvineyards.com. Open Friday-Monday 10-5. SV |
| Convergence Vineyards | 14650 Highway 124, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209-245.3600; email: info@convergencevineyards.com website: www.convergencevineyards.com. Open Saturday and Sunday 10-5 or by appointment.. FT |
| Cooper Vineyards | 21365 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6181, Fax: 916.218.6264; email: cooperwines@sbcglobal.net; website: www.cooperwines.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-5. Groups of 6 or more by appointment. |
| Deaver Vineyards | 12455 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.4099; email: deaver@deavervineyard.com, website: www.deavervineyard.com. Open daily 11-5. |
| Dillian Wines | 12138 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3444; Fax: 209.245.3433; email: dillianwines@hotmail.com, website: www.dillianwines.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-4:30. SV |
| Dobra Zemlja | 12505 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3183; Fax: 209.245.5022; email: info@dobraz.com; website: www.dobraz.com. Open daily 10-5. |
| **Domaine de la Terre Rouge & Easton Vineyards | Dickson Road, off Shenandoah Rd; Plymouth CA; P.O. Box 41, Fiddletown CA 95629-0041; Phone; 209.245.3117; Fax: 209.245.5415; email: info@terrerougewines.com; website: www.terrerougewines.com. Open Friday-Monday 11-4. OS, SV, ES |
| Drytown Cellars | 16030 Highway 49 (P.O. Box 155), Drytown CA 95699; Phone: 209.245.3500; Fax: 209.245.6844, toll free: 866.DRYTOWN; email: folks@drytowncellars.com; website: www.drytowncellars.com.Open Friday-Sunday 11-5 and by appointment on weekdays. OS |
| Karly | 11076 Bell Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3922, Fax: 209.245.4874; email: karly@karlywines.com; website: www.karlywines.com. Open daily 12-4 except Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day. SV, OV |
| Karmere Vineyards and Winery | 11970 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone & Fax: 209.245.5000; email: information@karmere.com, website: www.karmere.com. Open Thursday-Monday 11-5. SV |
| Kelson Creek Winery | 11919 Shenandoah School Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.4700, Fax: 209.245.4707; email: sales@kelsoncreekwinery, website: www.kelsoncreekwinery.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-4:30, and holiday Mondays. SV+OV |
| Montevina | 20680 Shenandoah School Road (P.O. Box 100), Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6942 Fax: 209.245.6617; website: www.montevina.com. Open daily 11-4:30. SV+LR+OV, SV+LR |
| Nine Gables Vineyard | 10778 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3949, Fax: 209.245.3693; email: 9Gables@plymouthca.net; website: www.9gables.com. Open Thursday-Sunday 11-5 and by appointment. RE |
| Nua Dair | 13825 Willow Creek Road, Ione CA 95649; Phone: 209.245.5567; email: info@nuadair.com; website: www.nuadair.com. Open Saturday-Sunday 10:30-5:30 and weekdays by appointment. |
| Serenidad Winery | 21339 Dickson Day, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.5304; Fax: 209.245.5038; email: info@seranidadwinery.com; website: www.serenidadwinery.com. Open Saturday-Sunday 11-5. ES |
| Shenandoah Vineyards | 12300 Steiner Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.4455; Fax: 209.245.5156; email: info@sobonwine.com; website: www.shenandoahvineyards.com. Open daily 10-5. |
| Sobon Estate | Sobon Estate; 14430 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth CA; Phone 209.245.6554, Fax: 209.245.5156; email: info@sobonwine.com; website: www.sobonwine.com. Open daily 9:30-5. SV, SV+OV, RE |
| Stonehouse Vineyards & Winery | 10861 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6888; email: winery@stonehousewines.com; website: www.stonehousewines.com. Open Friday-Sunday 10-5. ED |
| Story Winery | 10525 Bell Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6208, 800.713.6390, Fax: 209.245.6619; email: storyzin@cdepot.net; website: www.zin.com. Open Monday-Friday 12-4; Saturday-Sunday 11-5. SV, SV+OV |
| Sutter Ridge | 14110 Ridge Road, Sutter Creek CA 95685; Phone: 209.267.1316, Fax: 209.267.9108; email: info@sutterridgewine.com; website: www.sutterridgewine.com. Open Friday-Sunday 11-4. ES |
| TKC Vineyards | 11001 Valley Drive (P.O. Box 759), Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: (toll free) 888.627.2356; Fax: 209.245.4006; email: info@tkcvineyards.com; website: www.tkcvineyards.com; open Saturday 11-5, Sunday 1-5 & by appointment. |
| Villa Toscano | 10600 Shenandoah Road (P.O. Box 1029), Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.3800, Fax: 209.245.3332; email: sales@villatoscano.com, seb site: www.villatoscano.com Open daily 10-5. OS, SV+OV |
| Vino Noceto | 11011 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6556, 209.245.6555, Fax: 209.245.3446; email: vino@noceto.com, website: www.noceto.com. Open Monday-Friday 11-4, Saturday-Sunday 11-5, otherwise by appointment. SV, SV+OV |
| Wilderotter Vineyard | 19890 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth CA 95669; Phone: 209.245.6016, Fax: 209.245.6018; email: jay@wilderottervineyard.com; website: www.wilderottervineyard.com. Open Friday-Sunday 10:30-5 ES |
Calaveras County, home of Mark Twain's jumping frog. Calaveras County is the southern most region of the Sierra Foothills and the vineyards lie at an elevation of 1,500 to 2,400 feet. The county has the distinction too of being at the northern edge of Yosemite National Park. French and Italians settled here during the gold rush so that Rhone and Italian varietals predominate in the region.
Calaveras Zinfandel is rich with red raspberry, blackberry and cherry flavors and aromas and warm spice accents.
| Black Sheep Winery | Located west end Murphys Main St., P.O. Box 1851, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.728.2157; email: info@blacksheepwinery.com; website: www.blacksheepwinery.com. Open Fri - Sun 12-5 and by appointment. OS |
| Brice Station | 3353 East Highway 4, Murphys CA 95247; Phone. 209.728.9893, Fax: 209.728.8805; email: wine@bricestation.com; website: www.bricestation.com. Open Fri-Sun, some Mon, 12-6 and by appointment. |
| Broll Mountain Vineyards | 106 Main Street, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.728.9570; email: bill@brollmountainvineyards.com; website: www.brollmountainvineyards.com. Open Sat-Sun 1-5. |
| Chatom Vineyards | 1969 Highway 4, Douglas Flat, CA 95229; Phone: 209.736.6500; Fax: 209.736.6507; email: info@chatomvineyards.com; website: www.ChatomVineyards.com. Open daily 11-5. |
| Domaine Becquet | 2173 Highway 12 East, Valley Springs CA 95252; Phone: 209.772.1303; Fax: 209.772.9469; email: BecquetWinery@yahoo.com; website: www.BecquetWinery.com. Open Wed-Sun 11-5. OS |
| French Hill Winery | 8032 South Main Street, Mokelumne Hill CA 95245; Phone: 209.286.1800; Fax: 209.286.1434; email: Rod@FrenchHill.com; website: www.FrenchHill.com. Open Tuesday-Sunday 11-5. OS |
| Hatcher Winery | 419 Main Street, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.605.7111; fax: 209.736.0085; email: info@HatcherWinery.com; website: www.HatcherWinery.com. Open Fri-Sun 11-5. ES |
| Indian Rock Winery | 1154 Pennsylvania Gulch Road, Murphys CA 95247; Phone & Fax: 209.728.8514; email: dave@IndianRockVineyards.com; website: www.IndianRockVineyards.com. Open Fri-Sun 12-5 ES |
| Irish Vineyards | 2849 Highway 4, Vallecito CA 95251; Phone: 209.736.1299; Fax: 209.736.1558: email: Irish@goldrush.com; website: www.IrishVineyard.com. Open Sat-Sun 11-5, Mon, Tues, Fri 1-5 |
| Ironstone Vineyards | 1894 Six Mile Road, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.728.1251; Fax: 209.728.1275; email: info@IronstoneVineyards.com; website: www.IronstoneVineyards.com. Open daily 10-5, tours daily 11:30, 1:30 & 3:30. OS |
| Laraine Wines/Gerber Vineyards | 3675 Six Mile Road, Vallecito CA 95251; Phone: 209.736.4766, 866.571.0966; Fax: 209.736.6730; email: GerberVineyards@aol.com; website: ww.GerberVineyards.com. Open Fri-Sun & holidays 11-5 otherwise by appointment ES |
| Lavender Ridge Vineyard | 431 Main Street #B, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.728.2441; email: info@LavenderRidgeVineyard.com; website: www.LavenderRidgeVineyard.com. Open Fri-Sun 11-5. ES |
| Milliaire Winery | 276 Main Street, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.728.1658; Fax: 209.728.1658; email: wines@MilliaireWinery.com; website: ww.MilliaireWinery.com. Open daily 11-5 |
| Newsome-Harlow Vineyards | 403 Main Street, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.728.9817; Fax: 209.728.0278; email: Natalie@Newsome-Harlow.com; website: www.Newsome-Harlow.com. Open Fri-Sun 11-6 |
| Rocco's Com e Bella Winery | 457-C Algiers Street, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.728.9030; Fax: 209.728.9031; email: RoccosBella@sbcglobal.net. Open Wed-Fri 12-5. |
| Stevenot Winery | 2690 San Domingo Road, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.728.0638; Fax: 209.728.0635; email: info@StevenotWinery.com; website: www.StevenotWinery.com. Open daily 11-5. Downtown Main Street Tasting Room: Phone: 209.728.0148. Open Wed-Mon 11-6. |
| Twisted Oak Winery | 4280 Red Hill Road, Vallecito CA; Phone: 209.736.9080; Fax: 209.736.9068; email: TastingRoom@Twisted Oak.com; website: www.TwistedOak.com. Open daily 10:30-5:30 Downtown Main Street Tasting Room: 350 Main Street; Phone: 209.728.3942. Hours Thurs-Sun 1:30-5:30. |
| Zucca Mountain Vineyards | Vineyard: 7830 Airola Road (PO Box 438) Vallecito CA 95251; Phone: 209.736l.2949; Fax: 209.736.1295 Tasting Room: 425 E Main Street, Murphys CA 95247; Phone: 209.736.2949; Fax: 209.736.1295; email: info@ZuccaWines.com; website: www.ZuccaWines.com. Open Daily 12-5. |
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| The Sierra Foothills |
Explore Zinfandel in The Sierra Foothills AVA. Click on the links below to learn more about Zinfandel in those AVAs.