Scott Harvey Wines

A Pioneer of Amador County Wine

Scott Harvey is one of the most important figures in the story of Amador County winemaking. Growing up in the foothills, he developed a love for wine through his step-grandfather’s homemade vintages, produced from the family’s own estate vineyards. As a teenager, a transformative experience as a foreign exchange student in Germany’s Rhineland Pfalz region set him on his path. When a local winemaking family took him into their cellar to taste wine straight from the barrel, Scott knew he had found his calling. He returned to Germany to attend formal winemaking school, where he honed the old-world techniques that would later define his approach to California winemaking.

From Napa Valley to the Sierra Foothills

Armed with European training and a deep appreciation for terroir, Scott came back to California determined to put Amador County on the world wine map. His career took him through Napa Valley, where he worked under renowned winemaker Dr. Richard Peterson, and where he created the now-famous “Menage a Trois” wine. It was in Napa that he met his wife Jana, who brought twenty years of sales and marketing expertise to their eventual partnership. When his Napa employer was sold, Scott and Jana seized the opportunity to pursue their original dream and founded Scott Harvey Wines, dedicated to crafting premium wines that showcase the Sierra Foothills’ unique character.

The Wines

With over forty years of winemaking experience, Scott focuses on Barbera, Zinfandel, and Syrah sourced from Sierra Nevada vineyards. His approach blends old-world sensibility with an intimate knowledge of Amador County’s volcanic soils and warm days. The wines are designed to be approachable and food-friendly, full of luscious fruit yet balanced in a way that invites you to open a second bottle. The winery has earned notable recognition, including 96 points and Double Gold honors from the Sunset Magazine Competition.

Two Tasting Rooms

The main winery and tasting room sits at 10851 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth, open daily from 12:00 to 5:00 PM, with newly remodeled outdoor tasting areas overlooking the estate vineyards. Scott and Jana also operate a tasting room at 79 Main Street in the heart of historic downtown Sutter Creek, making it easy for visitors exploring the Gold Country to sample their wines without the drive out to Shenandoah Valley. The winery offers multiple wine club options, including the Griffin Society Club and specialty clubs, as well as a wine-in-a-can subscription for those who appreciate great wine in a more portable format.