Maybe you’ve been here, but based on my discussions with other Bay Area natives, most of my friends rarely make it to the Amador County Wine region. Which is a shame. For many of us, it’s just a tad longer drive than going to Napa, Sonoma, Healdsburg, etc. But it is closer than you think, and absolutely worth the drive. Wine tasting here is casual, more like Napa Valley 30 years ago, and there are over 50 wineries concentrated in the area anchored by the Shenandoah Road “loop”. Wine tastings are typically a nominal fee, and the warm weather varietals that grow here are often a great value for 90+ point vintages. The old Gold Rush era towns of Plymouth, Sutter Creek, Volcano, and Amador City are worth visiting by themselves, but today’s Day’ve Trip will give you some excellent wine options, a great place for food, an option for a good brewery, and some fantastic roads.
The road there: You are headed to Plymouth, CA. Put it in your nav system and take any number of optional drives, as each one has its charm. Highway 12 and Highway 88 through Lockeford, Clements, and Ione up to Highway 49 gives you lots of Central Valley agricultural views and plenty of small town shtick on the way. Stop at the family-run fruit stands or the popular sausage/butcher in Lockeford. Coming from the North on Highway 50 to Highway 49 lets you explore a bit through Diamond Springs near Placerville. Ultimately, you will be exploring the Shenandoah Rd, Ostrom Rd, Fiddletown Rd area and all the many offshoot roads. Check out the winery map to see your many choices along the way. The road itself is a gem of rolling asphalt ribbon through bucolic vineyards and majestic oaks. Drive the road before your first sips and if you can do it in the Autumn when the vines are full, it is extra spectacular. Bring a designated driver and pay them off with food and olive oil.
Visit: Some of my favorite wineries include Turley, Skinner, C.G. Di Arie, Vino Noceto, Bella Grace, Sabon, Story, and Amador Cellars. Bella Grace also has amazing olive oil tasting (in their wine cave) and Sabon’s olive oil is also top-drawer! I go up here about twice a year and discover something new every time. My favorite views are at Skinner and Turley, and those places include some of my favorite hosts as well. The collection of single-vineyard Zinfandels from Turley are a real treat and it’s one of the places I never miss if I can help it. Check this set of suggestions from the California Winery Advisor “The 8 Best Amador County Wineries” (although I think my set is just as good or better 😉
Food Time! I have two favorite spots in the very charming small gold-rush town of Plymouth. The restaurant that is my go-to is Taste and the hotel is called Rest. See the connection? Taste is one of the most well-regarded restaurants in all the Sierra Nevada region and it’s Zagat-rated menu and wine list is simply amazing. Try the Rack of Lamb or the fresh fish of the day. The chef is supremely talented and the staff is attentive and wonderful. If you do nothing else, drive to Plymouth to try this restaurant. You will not be disappointed. If you want to stretch your day trip, book a room a block away at the Uber-comfy and inviting Rest, Boutique Hotel, a true treasure in the golden foothills. Another option for a bite is The Amador Brewing Company. Tasty brews and a rotating calendar of food trucks to satisfy your mid-day lunch break.
Other local spots: Check out the town of Sutter Creek for a bunch of options to eat and stay. The Foxie (Formerly Foxes Inn) Inn is a great B&B. The Hotel Sutter is early-California “settler charm” at it’s best. In Diamond Springs, the ever-popular Poor Red’s BBQ (over 70 years of history here!) might be your stop for a rib dinner. Ione, Volcano, Jackson, Diamond Springs all call to you and after driving through some of them, you’ll make a pact with yourself to come back for another day trip. Over and over, if you’re like me.
Yvonne Gilchrist
Thank you
I will definitely put this on my fall activity list
Jean Lindberg
Thanks for a great post on the Gold Country. We went for the weekend, and loved it so much we will be back. We ate at your recommendation, the Hotel Sutter, and couldnt get into the michelin mentioned Taste restaurant (next time). Loved visiting all the cool little towns in the gold country. and we also visited the Black Chasm cavern, which was a wonderful diversion from our wine tasting! thanks also for the winery map!