Amador Wine Country

Amador Wine Country

Dillian Wines

ancient Zinfandel Vine - Courtesy Randy Caparoso

Dillian Wines is a small family winery specializing in Zinfandel, Barbera and Primitivo. Owner Tom Dillian has been growing high-quality grapes in Amador County for over 30 years. The winery tasting room is modeled after the home built by Tom's grandfather in the early 1900s and sits on property owned by the Dillians since 1917. The Dillian family, their fine wines and gracious hospitality remain Amador County trademarks. Dillian Wines is a small family winery specializing in Zinfandel, Barbera and Primitivo. Ancient Zinfandel Vine - Courtesy Randy Caparoso

Bella Grace Vineyards

winery sign

Bella Grace, like many other Plymouth wineries, is lovely and sophisticated without pretension. I must say that I am always pleased with the friendly service and warm greetings we receive when we arrive. Their 2010 Barbera is a multi-award winner. I have to say that this is a must-have! I've rarely tasted anything like it. Super friendly staff here, and the owner was very nice as well. The wine cave was worth checking out; its cool temperature was a haven from the summer heat. And...tasting is free! Wine Cave - 22715 Upton Road Plymouth, CA Open Saturday & Sunday 11-4 during winter Sutter Creek Tasting Room 73 Main Street Sutter Creek CA Open Thursday - Monday 11-5

Krissie Vineyards

grape clusters

This is a small vineyard making only 3500-4000 cases a year. A varitey for wines to choose from. Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Barbera Rosato, Black Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Port, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Shiraz / Syrah, Tempranillo, Verdelho, Vinho Tinto, Viognier, Zinfandel

Photo courtesy of photographer Randy Caparoso

Villa Toscano

Harvesting grapes

Beautiful grounds, it does seem like what an American would envision Italy to be like garden speakers playing American-Italian music abound, fountains, and lots of terra cotta planters. This winery was lovely! They have a great patio filled with flowers and a fountain. They also served lunch. The grilled chicken breast sandwich was really tasty, the same with their pizzas. It's definitely a winery to check out if you are in the area.

Image courtesy Randy Caparoso

Story Winery

Cabernet Franc Grapes

Story Winery

Since its founding in 1973, Story Winery has been dedicated to producing small-lot, vineyard-designate wines that authentically express the land from which they originate. Primarily utilizing estate-grown grapes, the winery strives to create wines that not only represent their terroir but also cellar well while being enjoyable in their youth.

The winery’s tasting room and picnic grounds are open daily, offering visitors a chance to experience great wine, find the perfect picnic spot, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment in nature. Guests are invited to discover the renowned estate vineyards, which include 130-year-old Zinfandel and Mission vines, as well as award-winning Italian and Georgian varietals. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide visitors through various tasting options while sharing stories about the wines, vineyards, and the events that have shaped the winery’s 120-year history.

The Team

Winemaking

Rob Campbell & Thomas Allan

Winemaker Rob Campbell, a fourth-generation San Franciscan, grew up in San Francisco and nearby Daly City. He ventured just 30 miles away to attend San Jose State University, where he studied Jazz. Rob earned a BA in Jazz Studies and a master’s degree in saxophone performance. Realizing that a musician’s income would struggle to sustain him in San Francisco, he leveraged his computer skills while completing his studies. Rob worked at Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and later at Digidesign (now part of Avid Technologies) during the early 1990s. Over a decade, he climbed the ranks to become Hardware Product Manager of digital audio workstations. He then transitioned into a consulting role for Avid’s worldwide training organization as an author, lecturer, and Master Trainer. After extensive global travel, Rob chose to settle back in San Francisco to manage One Union Recording, a premier post-production audio facility. It was during this period that he took over management and operations at Story Winery.

WinemakerThomas Allan, originally from Santa Barbara, has built a diverse career in the restaurant industry, serving as an owner, server, and sommelier. He also worked in high-end retail bottle shops in Santa Barbara before relocating to Amador County in 2000. Thomas was the original Sommelier at Taste Restaurant before moving to Bray Vineyards. In 2016, he established his own label, Fate Wines, which he continues to manage alongside his work at Story Winery, where he joined the winemaking team in 2018.

Image courtesy photographer Randy Caparosos

Helwig Winery

cluster of grapes - Pixabay

Helwig Winery

Located in Plymouth, California, Helwig Winery offers guests a multitude of wine-tasting experiences in a setting that cannot be beaten. With the winery's sweeping vistas overlooking lush vineyards, breathtaking views of the Sierra and Coastal mountains, and sunsets that will take your breath away, we are confident your experience will be a memorable one. If you are going to visit Amador County Wineries be sure to put Helwig WInery on the list. Tell winemaker Scott Helwig we suggested his wines and winery. 

Drytown Cellars

glass of wine

Drytown Cellars is a must go to spot when you are in the Plymouth area doing some winetasting.This sweet little find because the people are the most casual and friendly folks.The owner & winemaker, Allen and his wife Suzanne are such a pleasure.The wines are some of the best out there for the price. Especially fond of the Reserve Zin,Cab Franc,Red on Red and Primitivo

Lusso Della Terra Cellars

Lusso Della Terra Cellars is a boutique winery situated in the Fiddletown AVA, nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Fiddletown, California. Known for its small-lot specialty wines, the winery consistently wins competitions across the country and delights wine connoisseurs from around the globe. Lusso Della Terra focuses on high-quality, handcrafted, ultra-premium wines, released in limited quantities and designed to be shared with loved ones.

Luxury
The winery offers a luxurious experience for visitors, featuring a beautiful space for private events and stunning vineyard backdrops for small, intimate weddings.

Craftsmanship
Lusso Della Terra also provides full-service Custom Crush for a variety of clients, collaborating with winemakers from around the world, both large and small. Guests can experience true wine craftsmanship with the winery’s award-winning winemaker.

Vino Noceto

grape cluster

Established in 1987 by Suzy & Jim Gullett, Vino Noceto is a small, family-run vineyard and winery, renowned for premium Sangiovese wine. A pioneer in the renaissance of this noble Tuscan varietal, we now produce eight different Sangiovese wines Chianti, Brunello, and Super Tuscan styles, and have 25 acres of estate-grown grapes. Larger groups of 8 or more & limousines require appointments to ensure that Vino Noceto are staffed to provide the highest quality service and a memorable tasting experience.

Convergence Vineyards

cluster of grapes

Stephen and Jamie had a dream of owning their own vineyard someday. Their idea was to buy 5 to 10 acres in the Napa Valley and establish a vineyard. They created a five year plan to save the money they would need. Meanwhile Napa land prices skyrocketed from $35,000/ acre to well over a million dollars an acre. In the spring of 2000 their search lead them to the historic Amador County.While continuing to work full time jobs, they traveled to their ranch in Amador each weekend. Five wells were dug to find the water they would need to supply the vineyards. In 2004, they had their first crush as a bonded winery. 2006 saw the first crop from their estate vineyards. They expect to grow the winery production to around 2,000 cases annually, which they only sell in the tasting room and through their web site.They are now open with nine wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Barbera, Mourvedre, Zinfandel, Syrah, ZinRah, Petite Sirah and a Gnarly Vine Zinfandel Port.

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