Amador County Wineries: Your Favorites?
Dec 19th, 2006, 04:42 PM
#1
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Amador County Wineries: Your Favorites?
We are heading to Sacramento on Friday to spend Christmas with my boyfriends' family. We have been to Amador County a few times and stopped at a few wineries and I would like to go again because it has been a few years.
Would you please share what your favorite wineries are in that area and also what makes them special for you?
If you are familiar with that area it might help for you to know that his folks live in Rancho Murieta.
We have both been to Napa and Sonoma several times so we want to stay closer to Sacramento for a few nice tastings.
Thanks in advance!
Would you please share what your favorite wineries are in that area and also what makes them special for you?
If you are familiar with that area it might help for you to know that his folks live in Rancho Murieta.
We have both been to Napa and Sonoma several times so we want to stay closer to Sacramento for a few nice tastings.
Thanks in advance!
Dec 19th, 2006, 05:23 PM
#2
I have several favorites - but all my files are at home and I am staying the night at my Mom's so I will try to remember to post to this when I go home tomorrow a.m.
Starting from R. Murietta will make it a very short drive for sure. If you want ro pick up really yummy gourmet sandwiches or other goodies to eat during your tour, be sure to stop at the market on the main street in Plymouth (not hwy 49 but actually in "old downtown" Plymouth). From there it is only a few hundred yards to Shenandoah School Rd and the start of the winery loop.
Starting from R. Murietta will make it a very short drive for sure. If you want ro pick up really yummy gourmet sandwiches or other goodies to eat during your tour, be sure to stop at the market on the main street in Plymouth (not hwy 49 but actually in "old downtown" Plymouth). From there it is only a few hundred yards to Shenandoah School Rd and the start of the winery loop.
Dec 19th, 2006, 05:56 PM
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Thanks for the tip on the sandwiches!
Looking forward to hearing about your favs.
I am considering Sobon Estates, Dobra Zemlja, Nine Gables and Story Winery. I don't think I have been to any of those yet.
Cheers!
Looking forward to hearing about your favs.
I am considering Sobon Estates, Dobra Zemlja, Nine Gables and Story Winery. I don't think I have been to any of those yet.
Cheers!
Dec 19th, 2006, 09:55 PM
#6
Well - still at Mom's but the four you mentioned are among my favorites for sure. Sobon has the great old bldgs and the museum plus pretty good wines. When I take first timers I usually head out to Sobon first and then do a sort of figure 8 drive on Steiner and Shenandoah roads which will take you past all the 4 you list and the others as well. Plus the Amador flower farm - which of course wouldn't be much in Dec -- but in May it is sublime.
Several of the wineries specialize in vintage Ports which are terrific.
Several of the wineries specialize in vintage Ports which are terrific.
Dec 20th, 2006, 08:46 AM
#7
You probably already know about this site for the vintners' association - but just in case http://www.amadorwine.com/
The catering company I mentioned is at http://www.amadorvintagemarket.com/
Since the places on your list are in the N/NE sector, you could also stop at Deaver, which is very close to Dobra Zem.
But some do have quite limited visitor hours so be sure to check
The catering company I mentioned is at http://www.amadorvintagemarket.com/
Since the places on your list are in the N/NE sector, you could also stop at Deaver, which is very close to Dobra Zem.
But some do have quite limited visitor hours so be sure to check
Dec 20th, 2006, 09:50 AM
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Thanks janisj!
Montevina has a wonderful Zinfandel port that we absolutely love! We always buy a couple of bottles when we head down there from Portland.
Yeah, I have googled and found just about every website that has info about this area.
Cheers!
Montevina has a wonderful Zinfandel port that we absolutely love! We always buy a couple of bottles when we head down there from Portland.
Yeah, I have googled and found just about every website that has info about this area.
Cheers!
Dec 20th, 2006, 11:27 AM
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Another festie option is Apple Hill and Placerville, more "dressed-up" for the holidays perhaps, and the drive out/back on Latrobe Rd between Hsy 50 & Hwy 16 can be beautiful this time of year. I'm a fan of Madrona & Lava Cap.
http://www.eldoradowines.org/wineries.htm
and if either of you is interested in other libations, Jack Russell Brewing is also in that "neighborhood", though I don't what their holiday hours will be.
http://www.eldoradowines.org/wineries.htm
and if either of you is interested in other libations, Jack Russell Brewing is also in that "neighborhood", though I don't what their holiday hours will be.
Dec 20th, 2006, 12:04 PM
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Hey ronin, I had looked at that website as well. Thanks for the suggestions of your favorites!
My boyfriend isn't a fan of wine so he will be very interested in checking out the brewery. I am a fan of Oregon IPA's. Does this brewery have a decent one?
My boyfriend isn't a fan of wine so he will be very interested in checking out the brewery. I am a fan of Oregon IPA's. Does this brewery have a decent one?
Dec 21st, 2006, 09:45 AM
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It's really 6 of one, half-dozen of the other if everyone isn't a wine enthusiast - I've had that experience in Napa Valley & wondered why we went to so much trouble! ;-)
I've "tasted" with a couple of the brewers at Jack Russell and they're passionate about their beer. I know they have a very hopped-up pale, but I'm more familiar with their porters & dark malts. I hope they're open for your visit.
https://www.jackrussellbrewing.com
the Apple Hill detour has a lot of appeal if you're taking kids (or Gramps) since they have hay-rides, etc., at some of the bigger farms. The weather isn't looking too cooperative, however - rain Friday...
I've "tasted" with a couple of the brewers at Jack Russell and they're passionate about their beer. I know they have a very hopped-up pale, but I'm more familiar with their porters & dark malts. I hope they're open for your visit.
https://www.jackrussellbrewing.com
the Apple Hill detour has a lot of appeal if you're taking kids (or Gramps) since they have hay-rides, etc., at some of the bigger farms. The weather isn't looking too cooperative, however - rain Friday...
Dec 22nd, 2006, 10:22 AM
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MMMMM - I have a Montevina cabernet at home, have not tried it, but am planning to open it on Christmas eve. Seems like it would pair well with pork tamales I love the Montevina pinot grigio. Goes great with Christmas ham, by the way.
Now that you all have reminded me, I think I will stop and pick some up to take to Christmas dinner
I love the Montevina pinot grigio. Goes great with Christmas ham, by the way. Now that you all have reminded me, I think I will stop and pick some up to take to Christmas dinner
