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Shenandoah Valley Wine Country

Amador County's premier wine region featuring over 40 boutique and family-run wineries across five sub-regions, with more than 170 years of winemaking history and some of California's first Zinfandel vineyards.

Plymouth, Amador County (209) 245-6992 Website

Shenandoah Valley Wine Country is the heart of Amador County’s wine region, centered around the town of Plymouth and spanning five distinct sub-regions within the Sierra Foothills appellation. With more than 170 years of winemaking history, the area is home to some of California’s first Zinfandel vineyards and was an original Rhone Ranger location. Today over 40 boutique and family-run wineries produce award-winning Zinfandel, Barbera, Syrah, and a range of Italian and Spanish varietals from vineyards planted in volcanic rock, sandy loam, and granite soils.

The Amador Vintners Association coordinates the region’s wine trail — often called California’s first — and hosts seasonal festivals that draw visitors year-round. Many tasting rooms are relaxed and unpretentious, with picnic areas, pet-friendly patios, and views of rolling vineyard hills. A printable winery map and online locator are available at amadorwine.com, and local tour and transportation services make it easy to visit multiple wineries in a single day trip from Sacramento or the Bay Area.

Activities & Experiences

Wine Tasting

Visit over 40 boutique, family-owned wineries specializing in Zinfandel, Barbera, Syrah, and Italian and Spanish varietals across five sub-regions — Shenandoah Valley, Fiddletown, Sutter Creek, Willow Creek, and Ione.

Year-round (hours vary by winery)

Vineyard Tours

Tour working vineyards in the Sierra Foothills appellation, where volcanic soil, sandy loam, and granite terroir produce award-winning wines at some of the highest mountain vineyards in California.

Year-round (reservations recommended)

Seasonal Wine Events

Annual festivals hosted by the Amador Vintners Association including the Four Fires Food & Wine Festival, Barbera Festival, Big Crush Harvest Wine Festival, and Behind the Cellar Door event series.

Various dates throughout the year

Website

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