Drytown Cellars

Gold Rush Town, Wine Country Roots

Drytown Cellars takes its name from the historic Gold Rush-era town of Drytown, California — a place that, despite its name, was never actually dry. During the Gold Rush, Drytown was one of the largest foothills communities, packed with hotels and saloons serving thousands of miners determined to enjoy life while chasing their fortunes. That spirit of determination and good living carries right through to the winery today. Allen and Julie Kreutzer acquired their forty-acre property in October 2000, and it was not long before they began transforming it into a working winery. Construction on the first winery building started in May 2002, and a Petite Sirah vineyard was planted in July of the same year. A temporary tasting room opened in the farmhouse in November 2001, giving visitors an early taste of what was to come.

The Winery Takes Shape

By August 2005, the Kreutzers broke ground on a second building, completing it in January 2006 and adding it to the bonded premises. That same spring, they installed a 19.7-kilowatt solar system on the new building — an early commitment to sustainability that still powers the operation. Today the winery draws fruit from three vineyard sites: an on-site Petite Sirah planting, the Georgetown Vineyard in El Dorado County, and the South Side Vineyard, planted in fall 2017. Winemaker Allen Kreutzer focuses on producing wines that are “well balanced, intensely flavored, yet good for every day,” crafting zesty Zinfandels, bold Barberas, smooth Syrahs, and bright Sauvignon Blancs from Amador County and Sierra Foothills fruit.

Visiting and Wine Club

Situated on Historic Highway 49 between Plymouth and Sutter Creek, the tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Charcuterie options are available daily to complement your tasting. Visitors can sample wines in the production house or settle into the outdoor seating area, where panoramic Sierra Foothills views stretch out in every direction — it is one of the best patios in Amador wine country. The winery is pet-friendly and welcomes buses and limos by appointment. Wine lovers can join “The Wet Ones,” the winery’s wine club, which is free to join and includes year-round wine access, special event invitations, discounts, and winemaker notes from Allen himself.