Yorba Wines

Four Generations of California Land

The Yorba name traces back to Jose Antonio Yorba, a Spanish soldier who received the 62,512-acre Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana land grant in 1810 — one of the largest in California history. Four generations later, owner Ann Kraemer carries that agricultural legacy into the Sierra Foothills. A UC Davis graduate, Kraemer built a resume working for some of California’s most respected wineries — Domaine Chandon, Swanson, Cain, Calera, Paul Hobbs, and Schaefer — before purchasing the Shake Ridge Ranch property in Amador County in 2001. Vines went in the ground in 2003, the first harvest came in 2005, and Yorba Wines was formally established in 2006.

Shake Ridge Ranch & the Wines

The estate vineyard at Shake Ridge Ranch sits between 1,650 and 1,810 feet of elevation, with 42 to 46 acres planted in well-drained loams over quartz, soapstone, shale, and granite. The site has earned a serious reputation — over thirty winemakers source fruit from the ranch, and the vineyard’s name appears on bottles from some of California’s most respected small producers. Winemaker Ken Bernard, who also runs the acclaimed Ancien label (known for Pinot Noir), crafts Yorba’s lineup of Barbera, Tempranillo, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Graciano, Sangiovese, Greco di Tufo, and a Rosado that Wine Enthusiast has reviewed favorably.

The Tasting Room

The Yorba tasting room sits just off Main Street in Sutter Creek at 51 Hanford Street, open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The setting is relaxed and welcoming — dogs are allowed, picnics are encouraged, and groups arriving by bus or limo are accommodated. TripAdvisor reviewers have given the tasting room a 4.8 rating and a Travelers’ Choice designation. Whether you are working your way through Sutter Creek’s downtown tasting rooms or looking for a quieter spot a block off the main drag, Yorba is a stop that rewards the detour.