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Amador County

Sierra Foothills · Old-Vine Zinfandel
38Wineries
ZinfandelSignature
Sierra FoothillsRegion
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Best Varietals
Zinfandel, Barbera, Rhône blends, Sangiovese
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Peak Season
Aug - Nov
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Region
Sierra Foothills
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Known For
Zinfandel
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🤓 Did You Know?
Amador County is home to some of America's oldest Zinfandel vines, some planted in the 1860s.
Zinfandel Barbera Rhône blends Sangiovese

Why This Region Matters

Amador County is the old-vine Zinfandel capital of the Sierra Foothills, home to some of the oldest continuously producing Zinfandel vines in America, some planted in the 1860s. The Shenandoah Valley and Fiddletown areas produce bold, brambly, full-throttle Zinfandel along with thriving Barbera and Rhône varieties, all from a warm, welcoming, unpretentious wine community.

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Zinfandel Country
Amador County is the old-vine Zinfandel capital of the Sierra Foothills, home to some of the oldest continuously producing Zinfandel vines in America, some planted in the 1860s.
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Distinctive Climate
Amador's foothill vineyards at 1,000 to 1,600 feet see hot, dry summer days and cool nights, a classic continental pattern that ripens Zinfandel fully while retaining structure.
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38 Wineries
38 producers in Amador County are catalogued on Wino Notion, from boutique family estates to established names.
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Part of Sierra Foothills
Amador County is a distinct sub-region within Sierra Foothills, with its own character worth seeking out on any visit.

Climate & Terroir

Amador's foothill vineyards at 1,000 to 1,600 feet see hot, dry summer days and cool nights, a classic continental pattern that ripens Zinfandel fully while retaining structure. Decomposed granite soils drain well and suit the old, dry-farmed vines that define the region.

Visiting Amador County

Plymouth is the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley wine district. Sutter Creek and Amador City offer Gold Rush charm.

Wineries in Amador County

See all 38 Amador County wineries →

🗺 Wino Notion Visitor Tip
Amador County rewards a focused visit. Plymouth is the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley wine district. Call ahead, many of the best estates here are by appointment only.
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More Amador County Guides

Best WineriesBudget GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Time Visitor GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonHidden GemsRomantic GetawayWeekend GuideWine Tasting Guide

Amador County Planning Guides

AVA GuideCouples GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Timer GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonWine Buying GuideWine Tasting Guide

More on Amador County

Best Zinfandel WineriesWine Region, Shenandoah Valley Zinfandel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Amador County known for?

Amador County is the old-vine Zinfandel capital of the Sierra Foothills, home to some of the oldest continuously producing Zinfandel vines in America, some planted in the 1860s. The Shenandoah Valley and Fiddletown areas produce bold, brambly, full-throttle Zinfandel along with thriving Barbera and Rhône varieties, all from a warm, welcoming, unpretentious wine community.

What is the climate and terroir of Amador County like?

Amador's foothill vineyards at 1,000 to 1,600 feet see hot, dry summer days and cool nights, a classic continental pattern that ripens Zinfandel fully while retaining structure. Decomposed granite soils drain well and suit the old, dry-farmed vines that define the region.

What is it like to visit Amador County?

Plymouth is the gateway to the Shenandoah Valley wine district. Sutter Creek and Amador City offer Gold Rush charm.