Amador, CA Wine Tour Preview

Tour Intro CA-16E

Hello! Welcome to TASTE WINE-GUIDES, your uniquely accompanied Wine-Tour experience. This is Tyler, your personal, in-car guide! If you're hearing this, it means your day's adventure is about to begin. It is our great pleasure to be with you today, as you venture into the beautiful Amador County-California.Amador was once the center of viticulture in California during the Gold-Rush era, And since the years of prohibition, in the 1920's and 30s, it has grown to nearly 4,000 planted acres and over 40 wineries. Every region that grows wine-grapes is "unique", and "special". Amador County is no-different. Amador is perhaps the smallest growing region in the State, making up about 1% of the wine-grape, agriculture-business in California. Surprisingly, more than 30% of medals won in State competition come from grapes grown in this region. It could be said there are more gold medals coming from Amador per acre, than any other growing region in the state.Today you'll be getting to Taste these award-winning wines for yourself! Once you arrive in the Shenandoah Valley, you will be free to enjoy any of our 9 highlighted partner wineries. We recommend beginning your day at Convergence Vineyards, if you're coming in on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If not, check our partner wineries websites to be sure of which ones are open today.On your tour map, you will notice site-tags with different colors, don't let that confuse you! The commentary approaching the Amador-County wineries is different, depending on if you are coming from Sacramento on Highway 16, or from Nevada on Highway 88.Once you make it to California Highway 124 South, to Convergence vineyards, and beyond, all commentary is the same, regardless of which direction you are driving-in from. All audio clips on this tour may be accessed at any time, as long as the tour is downloaded, by manually clicking on it.While driving, we recommend keeping your device plugged in-to a power source to keep it charged. Although there is some navigation assistance, to keep you on track along the way, be sure to follow the live time tour-tracking on your screen, while the tour is open and running. This will ensure that you don't get lost, or wander too far off the tour-route during the day.As you make your way to the wineries, I'll be sharing commentary about the area, and our in-car sommelier, will be prepping you for the tasting rooms, as we get closer to the wineries. Upon your arrival at any of our selected estates, take a few-minutes to listen to our interviews with owners, winemakers, and tasting room managers, that will provide you with an insight to the property, and their wines, exclusive for Taste Wine-Guides. You can exit out of the tour while you go taste. Once inside, be sure to ask your tasting room associate what special perks they are offering today, for Taste Wine-Guides users.Be aware that each downloaded-tour will be valid for two people, or one couple to receive perks. Associates may ask to see the tour downloaded on your device. Once you've finished a winery-visit, and get back in-to your car, be sure to re-open the tour before continuing to your next location. When your day of tasting is through, keep the tour activated as you leave the Shenandoah Valley to hear some post-tasting tips, and farewell.Please remember, as fun as it is to enjoy the scenery and taste fabulous wines, somebody has to be in charge of driving safely from point A, to point B. We want everybody to enjoy their Taste Wine-Guides adventure responsibly, and stress that you don't drive, if you're over the legal limit, as set by federal law. Now that we've covered the basics, let's get started! Just continue on the tour-route, and enjoy the-ride!

Tour Intro

Hello! Welcome to TASTE WINE-GUIDES, your uniquely accompanied Wine-Tour experience. This is Tyler, your personal, in-car guide! If you're hearing this, it means your day's adventure is about to begin. It is our great pleasure to be with you today, as you venture into the beautiful Amador County-California.Amador was once the center of viticulture in California during the Gold-Rush era, And since the years of prohibition, in the 1920's and 30s, it has grown to nearly 4,000 planted acres and over 40 wineries. Every region that grows wine-grapes is "unique", and "special". Amador County is no-different. Amador is perhaps the smallest growing region in the State, making up about 1% of the wine-grape, agriculture-business in California. Surprisingly, more than 30% of medals won in State competition come from grapes grown in this region. It could be said there are more gold medals coming from Amador per acre, than any other growing region in the state.Today you'll be getting to Taste these award-winning wines for yourself! Once you arrive in the Shenandoah Valley, you will be free to enjoy any of our 9 highlighted partner wineries. We recommend beginning your day at Convergence Vineyards, if you're coming in on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If not, check our partner wineries websites to be sure of which ones are open today.On your tour map, you will notice site-tags with different colors, don't let that confuse you! The commentary approaching the Amador-County wineries is different, depending on if you are coming from Sacramento on Highway 16, or from Nevada on Highway 88.Once you make it to California Highway 124 South, to Convergence vineyards, and beyond, all commentary is the same, regardless of which direction you are driving-in from. All audio clips on this tour may be accessed at any time, as long as the tour is downloaded, by manually clicking on it.While driving, we recommend keeping your device plugged in-to a power source to keep it charged. Although there is some navigation assistance, to keep you on track along the way, be sure to follow the live time tour-tracking on your screen, while the tour is open and running. This will ensure that you don't get lost, or wander too far off the tour-route during the day.As you make your way to the wineries, I'll be sharing commentary about the area, and our in-car sommelier, will be prepping you for the tasting rooms, as we get closer to the wineries. Upon your arrival at any of our selected estates, take a few-minutes to listen to our interviews with owners, winemakers, and tasting room managers, that will provide you with an insight to the property, and their wines, exclusive for Taste Wine-Guides. You can exit out of the tour while you go taste. Once inside, be sure to ask your tasting room associate what special perks they are offering today, for Taste Wine-Guides users.Be aware that each downloaded-tour will be valid for two people, or one couple to receive perks. Associates may ask to see the tour downloaded on your device. Once you've finished a winery-visit, and get back in-to your car, be sure to re-open the tour before continuing to your next location. When your day of tasting is through, keep the tour activated as you leave the Shenandoah Valley to hear some post-tasting tips, and farewell.Please remember, as fun as it is to enjoy the scenery and taste fabulous wines, somebody has to be in charge of driving safely from point A, to point B. We want everybody to enjoy their Taste Wine-Guides adventure responsibly, and stress that you don't drive, if you're over the legal limit, as set by federal law. Now that we've covered the basics, let's get started! Just continue on the tour-route, and enjoy the-ride!

Convergence Vineyards

TROY: Welcome to the enchanting estate of Convergence Vineyards. Nestled in the hillside is an example of what you find when dreams become reality. This one in particular belongs to the estate owners of Winemakers Steve and Jamie Concannon. Their shared vision to open and operate their own winery brought them from their home base in Napa Valley, to the Historic Amador County in search of the perfect place to execute their ambitious plan. The moment they laid eyes on this beautiful piece of land, they knew they had found in front of them. Here's Steve to tell us in his own words how it all began.STEVE: Sixteen years ago we planted the vineyard, built this winery as the original production facility, this building and began crushing grapes and making wine sixteen years ago and the tasting room opened 13 years ago.TROY: The name convergence itself pays an homage to one of the properties defining features.STEVE: So there's three creeks converging below the tasting room, so we have Amador Creek Rancheria Creek and Dry Creek. TROY: One of the first things you'll pick up on here once you walk into the tasting room is that the Convergence label has received a whole lot of accolades for the quality of their wines. Of course, as any true winemaker should, Steve and Jamie have put so much love into their entire portfolio that choosing one of the favorites is a nearly impossible task, however, wine enthusiasts and experts from near and far have agreed that there's something extra special and unique about their most decorated blend. Steve's here to tell us about the wines and what their most proud of. And for good reason.STEVE: One that we're most proud of is our Tempranillo, we have won best Tempranillo in the state of California twice in the last seven years, so out of five thousand wineries our Tempranillo was voted best Tempranillo in the state not once, but twice.TROY: That's not the only thing here that's made it to the podium.STEVE: Our Estate Zinfandel just won 99 points Double Gold Best of Region at the California State Fair.TROY: You can never go wrong with a Tempranillo or Zinfandel from Convergence. But that's just scratching the surface! It is now, ime to TASTE. Steve and Jamie hope you enjoy their selections they're pouring for you today.STEVE: Welcome! Hope to see you here at the winery!

Paul J Wines

Monte: You have now arrived at Paul J Wines. This tasting room is one of the newest in the Shenandoah Valley. Although it hasn't been here long, the family behind it has. Camille Sobon, owner and tasting room manager took the time to share with us her family's deep-rooted history: Camille- Well my grandparents came up here in 1977 from the Bay Area, Los Altos area and they moved up to Plymouth where the Shenandoah vineyards location is with their six kids. So started Shenandoah vineyards 1977 and then purchased Soban Estate, which was called D'Augostini Winery in 1989. Then Paul Sobon their son, my father he started this tasting room and I in 2018. Monte: When you think Paul J Wines, think varietals. Camille tells us about two of their current favorites, the Vermentino and Tannat. (9 seconds) Camille- So our Vermentino is an Italian white wine that's one of our new releases we've just had it out about a month, (as of January 2019) it has notes of green apple and kiwi it's delicious.And then our Tannat is a varietal from southwest France originally and we grow that in Jackson Valley, so south of here about 30 minutes. Monte: Although the varietals are sure to please, there's definitely one selection in particular that you can't miss out on. The blend known as Camille has a special story; (10 seconds) Camille: Yes! So that is actually a blend of two Portuguese varietals Tinta Cão and Souzão and my dad named that after me. It was a surprise right before we opened. It was very cool, I think I teared up actually remembering, but its neat; it's fun to pour it too, it's one of my favorite wines here. Monte: Paul J Wines is contemporary, eco friendly as well as dog friendly as long as your pups are on leashes and good behavior! It's time to get in there and TASTE. (12 seconds) Camille: Well welcome everybody. This is Camille Soban over at Pual J Wines. Thank you for visiting us today and we look forward to pouring you some amazing wines!

Jeff Runquist Wines

TROY: Amador County is a special place for wine aficionados, and one of the main characters contributing to the splendors of Shenandoah is Jeff Runquist. It's for good reason that we want to bring you here to Jeff Runquist Wines. As one of the regions premier winemakers, the wine you'll be tasting here is a prime example of how the standard of this AVA has been established. The Associate Winemaker here at Jeff Runquist Wines is Trevor Grace. Who told us a bit about the background of this highly regarded mentor.TREVOR: Jeff's been a veteran of the industry I mean going back to the late 70s. He got his start at Montevina with Kerry Gott and you know he was a student down at Davis at that point but you know, I think he bonded with the area and that's what ultimately brought him back. As far as this facility here, I think he was probably getting it established in about 2008 or so but he's been making wine for almost 40 years.TROY: Aside from the natural beauty of the landscapes it's really what's underneath the ground that has attracted the all-star lineup of winemakers to the area. Rich volcanic soils have made for pristine conditions to grow a number of varietals. Cellar worker Justin Collier joined Trevor in telling us the main features that identify with the tenant grape and the wines it produces. JUSTIN: Color, it's going to be dark, its going to be super bright you're going to get a lot of nice color just a lot of bright purples its going to be a very dark, very bright wineTREVOR: Yeah when I smell tenant it's sort of got that magic marker smell I guess you know if you've ever been in the back of the class room you know you might get that kind of smell but yeah definitely lots of dark fruit, black berry it's a really serious and nice wine.TROY: You'd have to have been sitting in the back of the class if you didn't know that the buzz stirring around these foothills is really starting to pick up. After all, you've found yourself here today right? Justin describes what he sees going on here in Amador County today.JUSTIN: I think you're seeing a lot of guys who are starting to make some really fantastic wines. You know Ten, fifteen years ago it may have been one or two guys up here who was really kind of on that higher echelon, and now it's a dozen you know guys are getting smart. They're starting to realize what the market place is and how to apply to it. You know I tease my friends I say "hey we're kind of like the red headed step child of Napa," but I think its more like we're the sibling who's coming up fast.TROY: Before you head in, Jeff has a special recommendation aside from the lovely Zins, Barberas, Petit Sirah and Petit Verdot that they're always try to keep on hand inside.JUSTIN: I like Alicante, I'm an Alicante guy, love the Alicante grape big bright, super red fruit super delicious I call it a cigar wine because its one of the very few wines I know that will hold up to a nice cigar, so you can sit and have a glass of wine and nice mild bodied cigar and it's just a beautiful experience. So there you have it. For any of you cigar aficionados out there, it might be a good idea to get yourself a few bottles of Jeff Runquist Alicante to head back home with. Now, it's time to TASTE. The friendly team here at Jeff Runquist Wines awaits you inside the tasting room. Head on in and enjoy the day's selections.

Scott Harvey Winery

MONTE: You have found yourself at a property represented by one of the most famous names in the California wine world. With a presence spanning for over four decades in Amador County, Scott Harvey is considered one of the most influential figures in the regions emergence into the winemaking scene. Phil, the tasting room manager here at Scott Harvey Wines had a lot to say about the man he works for.PHIL: Scott was actually one of the pioneers in Amador county he's kind of one of the guys who put it on the map. This last harvest was his 48th harvest and 45 vintage of making wine up here. He is most noted for founding Renwood Winery up here he also is the man who created Manage à Trois Red Blend when he was over in Napa. When he got bought out by the Trinchero family to buy Manage á Trois, that's when he started Scott Harvey Wines about 15 years ago.MONTE: Even after all these years, Scott and his wife Jana show no signs of slowing down. They both continue to play huge rolls in the day to day operations, spreading their infectious passion for their craft to everyone around. (15 sec)PHIL: It's amazing I mean Scott is just a really passionate winemaker. I mean he easily could have easy retired when he got bought out, but he started Scott Harvey Wines and he's one of those guys that he'll make wine until he physically can't any more. I mean, you'll still see him out here driving the forklift around he MC's our whole grape stomp and barbeque, so he's a great guy to work for, he and his wife Jana are just wonderful people.MONTE: If you are a Zin or Barbera lover, you are definitely in the right place! Phil explains how the Zinfandel produced here is the most historic not just here in Amador, but the entire continent!PHIL: Well our flagship wine is definitely the vineyard 1869 Zinfandel it's the oldest documented Zinfandel vineyards still producing in the United States. First documented use of fruit from the vineyard was 1869. Scott bought the vineyard in 1984, was about 20 acres of still producing vines then and its down to about 8 acres now and we'll keep making it as long as it keeps giving us fruit. We get a little bit less and less every year but its one of the most coveted wines here. Beyond that the Barberas, all the Barberas they're all fantastic up here Barbera grows very well here in the Sierra foothills and Scott makes some phenomenal ones.MONTE: With that being said, it's time to TASTE! Head on in and enjoy what the tasting room has in store for you today. (7 sec)PHIL: Hi my name's Phillip welcome to Scott Harvey wines I'm the tasting room manager here in Shenandoah valley, we look forward to seeing you in our tasting room!

Andis Wines

TROY: Great wines taste like they come from somewhere. Lesser wines taste like they could come from anywhere. Well my friends, right now you'vce found yourself somewhere special alright. Welcome to Andis Wines. The canvas for winemaking that is Amador County inspired owners Andrew Freidlander and Janis Akuna to venture here and create what has become one of the region's most recognized labels The most recent addition to the Andis team roster is now head winemaker Mark Fowler. As a native here to the foothills and with deep family ties in the local wine scene, Andis is equipped with one of the best talents in the region. Straight out the gate, Mark was excited to tell us about the selection you're going to want to be on the look out for while you're here, especially the Semillon.MARK: The Semillon's relatively unique it's an off beat varietal that you don't see too often find its home in the Bordeaux region in France but there's not much of it planted in California or outside of France, so we find ourselves unique that we have a 40 year old vineyard and it just makes a really beautiful wine we've got some bright acidity to it some nice structure and weight and I find myself drinking it with just about anything.TROY: As is expected you're going to come across "the darlings' of the Sierra foothills here. You can count on the Barbera to be a hit as well as the Primativo and Zinfandel which Mark explains are one in the same, incase you didn't already know:MARK: Primativo and zinfandel are synonomous they're both the same varietal they're both zinfandel or primativo whichever way you want to fight that but Zinfandel came from Austria in a different route and Primativo's from Puglia in Italy kind of the heel of the boot. Again, They both grow amazingly well here the Primativo just doesn't have the really unique fruit expression but it maintains its acidity more and I find its more food friendly I really love drinking it so apples to apples I think it's a little more unique but it's not as expressive as our Zinfandels.TROY: The Primativo and Zinfandel may be quite similar but it will be up to you to decide which one your palate likes best. A new era has begun here at Andis wines, and with Mark now at the helm, things are looking bright. His standards are high and his vision is clear.MARK: We really want to try and elevate what we're doing we really want to get to the next level. We want to bring awareness to the foothills. There's a lot of people in Napa and Sonoma and the greater Bay Area that are winemakers that are buying fruit from this area but we're really trying to elevate the fruit, elevate the wines and keep it here as opposed to big name winemakers buying it, taking it to Napa and putting their own spin on it and taking the credit.TROY: The cat is already out of the bag you could say as more and more wine lovers make their way to the sierra foothills each year. Luckily you made it before the rest of the world. Now, it's time to TASTE. Enjoy the day's display and if you're up for it, grab a glass and enjoy a game of corn hole or bacci ball in the outdoor leisure area outside of the tasting room. Just one recommendation from Mark. MARK: Get here a little bit early though, the late afternoon it does, the sun is very bright on that side but some cold white wine remedies that.

Vino Noceto

TROY: You have just crossed into a little patch of the foothills, which from the taste of it, would lead you to believe you were on one of the countless vineyards dotted along the rolling hills of the Tuscan Italian country side. Welcome to Vino Noceto, where Italian inspiration collides with California sunshine. Rusty, a veteran in the wine making game has been keeping the Vino Noceto label among the most talked about in the California wine scene now for over two decades. Here's what Rusty had to say about it.RUSTY: It is crazy I've been in the wine business for almost 35 years, junior in high school, a lot of history here for sure.TROY: What Rusty does here at this winery is particularly special. He is the artist behind what I say with 100 percent confidence is the best Sangiovese in the State of California and perhaps all of North America. Rusty tells us a little about the interesting tale of Italy's most famous grape and how it found its way from the Tuscan countryside to the soil you're sitting on right now.RUSTY: It originally came out from a neighboring winery they were tearing it out and they originate out of Il Poggio over in Italy…Suitcase cuttings per say. That's right, the vines came from Italy direct! For anyone curious about the legality of the Sangiovese's arrival here the issue has already been solved. Honorary citizenship has been granted to the vines on behalf of every American wine lover. Wine experts from near and far have raved about Rusty and his crew at Vino Noceto, distinguishing them one of the best Sangiovese teams around.RUSTY: Yeah, I mean Mike Dunn and a few others have called us Califonria Sangiovese specialists. That's what we try and do. We hope we do it well. We make a fairly food friendly Chianti style Sangiovese and some block or vineyard designated Sangioveses and whatnot. We have about 5 plums on the property right now. We farm 24 acres and you can't get any more specialized in Sangiovese than us here.TROY: You think wine is all they have to offer you here at Vino Noceto? Think again. If you're taste buds are craving something different, Rusty has another treat for your palate. A treat that I have been known to consume straight out of the bottle:RUSTY: Olive oil! we have just about 400 trees on the property because we don't know when to quit, and everything is naturally farmed. We're not organic or anything but we don't go overboard with it and we think it's a great product. It kind of fits in our whole mold of trying to use all the land up here on the ranch produce every thing we can between the olive oil grapes and walnuts and lilacs even.TROY: So there you have it friends. A piece of Italy's heart awaits you inside the tasting room. It's time to head in and TASTE. Go and enjoy some of the best Sangiovese outside of Italy. Sound good to you Rusty? RUSTY: Sounds great, thank you Troy

Helwig Vineyards and Winery

TROY: You have now entered the grounds of a winery complex that is sure to take your breath away from its sweeping vistas overlooking lush vineyards that seamlessly blend into the backdrop of the sierras and coastal mountains. Say hello to Helwig Winery. Tasting room manager Seth Norris tells us a bit about the properties transition from hillside grazing pastures to a destination winery. A humble plan quickly evolved into the vast operations you see in front of you.SETH: Basically there was nothing here but sheep and goats, it was just basically grazing lands. We purchased this property and 2009, that's when we broke ground we opened in May of 2011. The goal was just to build a small, you know a small winery and kind of go form there, but it slowly started to escalate. And the piece of property that they chose was just, you know, magnificent for not just wine making purposes and to have a tasting room but to also incorporate the amphitheater.TROY: You're sure to love the grounds here at Helwig Winery. One of the most impressive features here is the 5,000 square foot wine cave. One of the largest in Shenandoah Valley.SETH: What's really cool about the cave is they dug directly into the side of the hill. You know sometimes what they'll do is they'll bring in a bunch of dirt, they'll over fill and then they'll go through, so this is directly dug right into the side of the hill. All of the rocks and everything that we took out from under the ground we actually re-purposed for all of our DG pass, all our decomposed granite pass for all the rock walls you see around here. Everything is from you know, from the earth from what we pulled out down below.TROY: The stones aren't the only natural resources that found a new purpose for this new era.SETH: If you go into the tasting room you'll see a beautiful oak tasting room bar so any trees we that took down on the property we reused to build the tasting room so the bar you see out there is one valley oak tree that we took down on the propertyTROY: Here at Helwig, they don't waste anything! Including the opportunity to construct one of the finest small outdoor music venues. If you're one type that enjoys sipping wine while treating your ears to some unbelievable acoustics, you'll definitely going to want to try and make it back for one of Helwig's concert productions, if you're able to snag tickets.SETH: So we run a full summer concert series, we do four concerts a year like I said there's not a bad seat in the house everyone kind of brings their own low back chairs, blankets everybody gets cozy, you know we have a killer wine list we always do a nice cold sangria that we make with our own wine, so we have a little something for everybody.TROY: What everybody here wants a little something of, is Helwigs delicious wines. Seth's personal favorite is the only wine here that gets a distinct flavor from rare Hungarian oak barrels.SETH: For me Primativo is one of my favorite wines and we do a couple of different Primativos here. This area is just really you know it kind of screams Primativo as far as it just being perfect for that type of varietal. What I really love about it is Scott, our winemaker, has found that Hungarian Oak and Primativo are just a match made in Heaven.TROY: Along with the Primativo, the Zinfandel and Barberas you can try here in this tasting room are some definite crowd pleasers. Now that you know all of that, it is time to TASTE. If you're hungry, this also makes for a great lunch stop! Check inside to see what food pairings the estate's in house chef has in the works for you. The Helwig team is excited to have you here and hope you enjoy your time here. Cheers, Seth.SETH: Cheers!

Iron Hub Winery

Monte: Welcome to Iron Hub Winery, one of the most picturesque estates in Amador County. The vines you see alongside the famous Grandpere vineyard were planted in 1978, but in 2014 a new age on this hillside began when one of the most revered names in Northern California wine decided that this would be their new home. Tom Jones is a legendary winemaker in the Sierra Nevada foothills. He along with his wife Beth and son Spencer combined to bring their expertise and affection for winemaking to life with the Iron Hub Label, which was released in 2016. (31 sec)Tom: I've been in the foothills for about 35 years. My family started Lava Cap Winery up in Apple Hill and Eldorado County and we moved here in 2014, so five years. My wife and I and son have been rebuilding the property and making a brand new venture out of it and so this is where we're progressing.Monte: They could have chosen to build their new brand anywhere yet here they are. Aside from his scientific background and vast knowledge of the winemaking process a few other factors have contributed to his great success and kept him here in the beautiful Sierra Nevada.Tom: It's a wonderful growing area beautiful soil, lovely climate, we get splendid afternoon winds that help keep the vines healthy then we get the Sierra cooling at night and that slows down the ripening speed so we get a lot of hang time very flavorful fruit and it's just a great place to be.Monte: You'll see a variety of options to choose from depending on the day you're here in the tasting room. One of the current wines that will likely be a crowd favorite this upcoming season is the Grenache, which Tom says stands alone the best:Tom:It's very fruit forward and the structure is a lot to work with meaning a lot of potential.Monte: He's also liking the Semillon.Tom: The Semillon is very distinctive and that makes a very nice lighter style wine, you know they're old vines and fairly low yield and their still producing great fruit after about 40 yearsMonte: Don't get too used to these however, because things are always changing.Tom: Every year is unique. Every vintage is unique. Every wine is unique.Monte: And Iron Hub is just getting started. Plans to plant new vines on the property are in the works, which means that Iron Hub will continue to perfect Tom's philosophy of blending science, art, and respect for the rich complexity of each grape varietal. A process they love here from beginning to end.Tom: We're basically a farmstead and we do everything from the vineyard to the bottling. Spencer and I do all of the winemaking, all the work involved and its very gratifying doing it all the way from the plant to the bottle. Monte: And Now it's time to TASTE. Head on in, enjoy the breathtaking views, great wines, and if you're lucky to see a handsome border collie running around, say hi to Smokey!Tom Jones: Hi welcome to iron Hub Winery. My name is Tom Jones and we hope you have a great stay!

Karmere Vineyards and Winery

MONTE: Welcome to Karmere Vineyards and Winery, an estate that bustles with creative and artistic energy inside and out. Notice the quirky sculptures that decorate the outside and greet you as you find your parking spot. Once inside, a beautiful collection of paintings create the feel of a sheik tasting room /art gallery. You may even recognize some of the images you see on the walls, on the bottles as well. Hayley Hups, the General Manager that oversees the operations of her family's 67 acre estate tells us how sculpture, paintings, and wine have all found a home in the same place.HAYLEY: My mom's a bit of an artist and she has followed various artists throughout her life time and a good family friend did all the garden art outside and we just think it's a lot of fun and whimsical and something interesting to look at. And the artwork inside, her name is Stephanie Gardner and she was a starving artist twenty years ago that my mom believed in. And she did these series of paintings called the Empress series and there's 20 in all. They're all privately owned and at the time my mom bought four of them and when we were trying to think of what to put on our label my mom looked up on our wall and thought ah that'd be a good idea. So she called Stephanie up and bought the rights to thirteen of them and we now own seven of them and the original ones are hanging here in the tasting room.MONTE: While browsing through the tasting room menu, pay attention to the different names and you'll realize they all have something in common. Karemere pays tribute to the bold and strong spirited women that have made such a large contribution to the brand's identityHAYLEY: We named all the vineyards for women in the family so when you see the name on the label it represents a different family member.MONTE: The displays of art are intriguing, the estate grounds are gorgeous, and the wines coming out of here are racking up the accolades. What should you be looking for when you come to Karmere? Haylie has a few favorites you may want to try and tells us the story behind their most unique grape the Nebbiolo.HAYLEY: I personally love Petit Sirah. I also like Barbera and we have ten different varietals and one of our unique varietals is Nebbiolo. It's a grape that is very hard to grow so you don't see it very often, and as I said before the wines are named for people in the family and when the grandchildren were born, my mom wanted a vineyard planted that day. And when my sister in law went into labor so did we, and she called up the nursery and all there was, was 151 Nebbiolo vines. And everyone said "Don't plant it because it's a hard grape to grow" and my mom said , "I don't care, I want a vineyard planted that day" and so that's how we ended up with NebbioloMONTE: It's a varietal that has acquired quite the following, and perhaps you too will be one of those who jump on the Nebbiolo train! If you haven't noticed our Somm Troy seems to have a thing for these Italian blends. I imagine that by now you're ready to get in there and TASTE. Take your time, relax and appreciate the vines. Haylie and the entire family here at Karmere can't wait to see you inside.MONTE: Thanks so much HayleyHAYLEY: Thank you

Granpere Vineyard

Coming up soon on the right hand side just before you make the turn into Iron Hub winery you'll see the famous Granpere Vineyard. With land deeds that prove its planting in 1869 it is considered the oldest documented zinfandel vineyard in the United States and it still produces wines of high quality. Granpere is the word for Grandfather in French. Zinfandel originally comes from Croatia, and made its way to New England in the 1820s, where it was cultivated as a table grape. At the time that the Granpere Vineyard, also known as Vineyard 1869, was established, Zinfandel cultivation was a rising trend in California, as growers preferred its wine to that of the Mission grapes that the Franciscan friars were producing. Today it remains as a symbol of Amador's wine heritage dating back over 150 years. There are only a handful of wineries fortunate enough to create wines from these prized grapes. Scott Harvey, Vino Noceto and Andis Wines are some of the estates included on your tour that have access.

Winery Row and Prep

It's time to discuss wine terms, so you can stay informed and taste like a pro. Let's begin with the word "tannin," which denotes the sensation of dryness. Think of how tea and coffee dry out the sides of your mouth. Red wines, contain tannin. White wine, on the other hand, doesn't have any tannin. Certain red grapes can be distinguished by their tannin levels, with some being light, like Pinot Noir, or heavy, like Cabernet Sauvignon.Another term that frequently arises is "acidity." Acidity relates to the fruit spectrum in wine. To illustrate, consider a green banana, which tastes entirely different from a black one, due to differences in sugar content, sweetness, and sensation. All fruit in wine has a spectrum from tart to ripe, so if a wine displays red fruit, you might be tasting a tart cherry versus a ripe one.Now, let's discuss "terroir." Terroir is a French term that can be challenging to describe, but we'll do our best. When talking about terroir, we're referring to more than just dirt. We consider soil and what's beneath the ground, that nourishes the vines, and produces beautiful fruit. However, terroir also encompasses the passion, love, and energy that the winemaker pours into the vineyard and winemaking process, to create an exquisite wine.Furthermore, terroir goes beyond the individual winemaker. This European French term essentially encapsulates the blood, sweat, and tears of a hundred generations of a family's legacy within the soil, beautifully transcribed and captured in a glass. It's almost indescribable. When using the word "terroir," you must truly appreciate the effort, love, and passion that someone has put into the wine, as well as its origins.

Winery Row Instructions

Now you are approaching what we like to call "Winery Row" which is where you will find the majority of the wineries that are included on your tour today. At this point you are free to visit the vineyards in any order you wish, however to keep it easy we recommend beginning with the wineries on your right hand side. The partner Wineries on the right hand side of the road will begin with Jeff Runquist followed by Andis and ending at Karmere. From there you can make your way to Iron Hub Winery and Vineyards, then ultimately return back to Shenandoah road and make stops at any of our partner wineries going back towards Plymouth starting with Helwig, Scott Harvey, Vino Noceto and finally Paul J Wines before heading out of town. Remember, you don't have to try and fit all of them in in one day! Come back and enjoy any winery you weren't able to visit today before the expiration date of your tour.

Somm Tips 2

Here's some tasting room etiquette and tips as you make your way to the next stop. First, be sure to remove any gum, asthis will ruin the flavor of the wine. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Know that visitors arrive in waves, so having towait for service will be normal, especially on weekends. When it is your turn for service, feel free to ask your tasting room associate any questions.You'll notice that in most wineries, there will be a set list of the selection they will be pouring today. Taste through all of them and don'tgo out of order and skip.The staff has worked hard to put that list together, so enjoy the session the way it was intended. In between pores, eat some crackers to help your palate adjust to new flavors. Many, but not all, wineries provide complementary crackers. It's not recommended to smoke or vape, as itcan negatively alter the flavor of the wine. But if you do, be sure to keep it in designated areas. Finally, don't pack too much into the day. We, along with most people in the industry, agree that three to four wineries in one day is the most you should try and visit. We don't recommend doing more than that. Remember, your tour is valid for 90 days, so you'll definitely have times to come back. And enjoy. Any estates included on the tour thatyou don't have time for today?

Leaving Winery Row

Wow, what a trip. You're probably reflecting on a few of your favorite wines, some of the views, some of the fantastic experiences you had and hopefully you joined a wine club or two. Remember if you have your wine in your car, keep it inside of your car. Heat is the enemy of wine and if the car has AC this will help keep the car cool in warmer months. If your car is a truck or has a removed trunk it won't be temperature controlled. Also remember to crack the windows as you stop anywhere on your way home. If you're staying multiple nights in a warm or hot area, take the wine into the hotel room or room and do not leave it inside your car. We recommend parking in the shade whenever possible as well. There is nothing more civilized than wine. It is liquid art, poetry and an homage to the land. You may not have heard of some of the grapes that you've tried today but never stop exploring wine. It's a glorious noble and endless pursuit as every year the grapes change. The wine you like is the wine you like but never rule out a single grape because next year it's going to taste different and that same grape planted in a different area will also taste different. Remember your experience may also be different at home which will affect your senses. Things like sitting vs standing, the lighting in the room, the food that you're eating, the music that was on and most importantly, who you're with will all affect the flavor and experience.

North American Wine History

As we approach the vineyards, it's time for a quick history lesson. Wine has been apart of human life for longer than you might think. Proof of wine consumption dates all the way back to 60BC, from sites in what is today the country of Georgia. In 2007, researchers from UCLA, working in Armania, discovered what is believed to be the world's very first winery, from around the year 4100 BC. Here in the US however, the wine history is a bit more recent. Wine on the continent of North America can be dated back to as early as the 1560s, when French Hugonauts attempted unsuccessfully to create palatable wine, from the native grapes, in what is today Jacksonville, Florida. In 1785, Thomas Jefferson was appointed as the ambassador to France. While there on diplomatic duty, Jefferson fell in love with French wine, and was perhaps the first American to believe that we could make wine here in our country, just as well as the French could. Before Jefferson had his visions of planting great American vineyards in his home state of Virginia, the party had already started in the Spanish territory of Alta, California, where wine culture was already taking root. Here on the west coast of North America, it's Spanish Franciscan monks that are credited for the birth of California wine. Father Junipero-Serra arrived in what is now San Diego, in 1769, in order to create the first of an eventual, 21 missions, that would dot the California coast. The vines he brought along and planted produced the region's first wine. From there, the craft of winemaking made its way all the way up the California coast, with the first winery opening in Sonoma, California, in 1805. Today, wineries are still found along the California coast, along the historic, Camino Royale, stretching from just north of San Francisco to San Diego. Some decades later, the California Gold Rush became the catalyst that brought wine making here, to the Sierra Nevada foothills. This vibrant industry finds its roots amid these rugged western hills. While fortune seekers from around the world inundated the Sierras to prospect for gold, small wineries arose to help quench their thirst. Within a few decades of the gold rush, there were over 100 wineries in the Mother-Lode region, more than any other part of California at the time.There are vines that were planted during that era that still survive today. Today, you'll be able to see the Granpere Vineyard, which is considered to be the oldest fruit-producing zinfandel vineyard, in the United States.

North American Wine History

As we approach the vineyards, it's time for a quick history lesson. Wine has been apart of human life for longer than you might think. Proof of wine consumption dates all the way back to 60BC, from sites in what is today the country of Georgia. In 2007, researchers from UCLA, working in Armania, discovered what is believed to be the world's very first winery, from around the year 4100 BC. Here in the US however, the wine history is a bit more recent. Wine on the continent of North America can be dated back to as early as the 1560s, when French Hugonauts attempted unsuccessfully to create palatable wine, from the native grapes, in what is today Jacksonville, Florida. In 1785, Thomas Jefferson was appointed as the ambassador to France. While there on diplomatic duty, Jefferson fell in love with French wine, and was perhaps the first American to believe that we could make wine here in our country, just as well as the French could. Before Jefferson had his visions of planting great American vineyards in his home state of Virginia, the party had already started in the Spanish territory of Alta, California, where wine culture was already taking root. Here on the west coast of North America, it's Spanish Franciscan monks that are credited for the birth of California wine. Father Junipero-Serra arrived in what is now San Diego, in 1769, in order to create the first of an eventual, 21 missions, that would dot the California coast. The vines he brought along and planted produced the region's first wine. From there, the craft of winemaking made its way all the way up the California coast, with the first winery opening in Sonoma, California, in 1805. Today, wineries are still found along the California coast, along the historic, Camino Royale, stretching from just north of San Francisco to San Diego. Some decades later, the California Gold Rush became the catalyst that brought wine making here, to the Sierra Nevada foothills. This vibrant industry finds its roots amid these rugged western hills. While fortune seekers from around the world inundated the Sierras to prospect for gold, small wineries arose to help quench their thirst. Within a few decades of the gold rush, there were over 100 wineries in the Mother-Lode region, more than any other part of California at the time.There are vines that were planted during that era that still survive today. Today, you'll be able to see the Granpere Vineyard, which is considered to be the oldest fruit-producing zinfandel vineyard, in the United States.

North American Wine History

As we approach the vineyards, it's time for a quick history lesson. Wine has been apart of human life for longer than you might think. Proof of wine consumption dates all the way back to 60BC, from sites in what is today the country of Georgia. In 2007, researchers from UCLA, working in Armania, discovered what is believed to be the world's very first winery, from around the year 4100 BC. Here in the US however, the wine history is a bit more recent. Wine on the continent of North America can be dated back to as early as the 1560s, when French Hugonauts attempted unsuccessfully to create palatable wine, from the native grapes, in what is today Jacksonville, Florida. In 1785, Thomas Jefferson was appointed as the ambassador to France. While there on diplomatic duty, Jefferson fell in love with French wine, and was perhaps the first American to believe that we could make wine here in our country, just as well as the French could. Before Jefferson had his visions of planting great American vineyards in his home state of Virginia, the party had already started in the Spanish territory of Alta, California, where wine culture was already taking root. Here on the west coast of North America, it's Spanish Franciscan monks that are credited for the birth of California wine. Father Junipero-Serra arrived in what is now San Diego, in 1769, in order to create the first of an eventual, 21 missions, that would dot the California coast. The vines he brought along and planted produced the region's first wine. From there, the craft of winemaking made its way all the way up the California coast, with the first winery opening in Sonoma, California, in 1805. Today, wineries are still found along the California coast, along the historic, Camino Royale, stretching from just north of San Francisco to San Diego. Some decades later, the California Gold Rush became the catalyst that brought wine making here, to the Sierra Nevada foothills. This vibrant industry finds its roots amid these rugged western hills. While fortune seekers from around the world inundated the Sierras to prospect for gold, small wineries arose to help quench their thirst. Within a few decades of the gold rush, there were over 100 wineries in the Mother-Lode region, more than any other part of California at the time.There are vines that were planted during that era that still survive today. Today, you'll be able to see the Granpere Vineyard, which is considered to be the oldest fruit-producing zinfandel vineyard, in the United States.

California Gold Rush CA-88W

The time has come to officially welcome you to gold-country! The modern identity of this entire region of California, stems from the discovery of gold, in these foothills, that you're traveling through right now. Historical declaration made in San Francisco's, Jackson square, triggered the largest mass migration, in the country's history. And between the announcement in 1848, and the end of the rush, in 1855, an estimated 300,000 people made their way to the west coast, in hopes of striking it rich. The first major wave of these fortune seekers who arrived in 1849, became famously known as the 49ers. As with most gold rushes, California's rush started with the discovery of plasser gold, in the sands and gravels of stream beds, where the gold had eroded, from the hard rock vein deposits. Plasser miners, with their gold pans in hand, would follow the gold bearing sands, upstream, to discover the main source in the bedrock. In 1869, the term, the "mother lode", was coined, for this portion of the western sierra foothills. It is a long alignment of hard rock gold deposits, stretching north-west to south-east, ranging from 1 to 4 miles wide, and 120 miles long. Within this section of earth, individual deposits were discovered, containing gold bearing quartz-veins up to 49 feet thick, and a few thousand feet long, making the mother-load, one of the most productive gold producing districts in the history of the United States. A total of 750 pounds, or $2 billion worth of precious metal, was extracted from the mother-lode mines. That would be about $50 billion in today's value! Believe it or not, it's estimated that only about 20% of mother-lode gold was extracted, which means there's still a whole lot of gold out there in these hills.

California Gold Rush CA-16E

The time has come to officially welcome you to gold-country! The modern identity of this entire region of California, stems from the discovery of gold, in these foothills, that you're traveling through right now. Historical declaration made in San Francisco's, Jackson square, triggered the largest mass migration, in the country's history. And between the announcement in 1848, and the end of the rush, in 1855, an estimated 300,000 people made their way to the west coast, in hopes of striking it rich. The first major wave of these fortune seekers who arrived in 1849, became famously known as the 49ers. As with most gold rushes, California's rush started with the discovery of plasser gold, in the sands and gravels of stream beds, where the gold had eroded, from the hard rock vein deposits. Plasser miners, with their gold pans in hand, would follow the gold bearing sands, upstream, to discover the main source in the bedrock. In 1869, the term, the "mother lode", was coined, for this portion of the western sierra foothills. It is a long alignment of hard rock gold deposits, stretching north-west to south-east, ranging from 1 to 4 miles wide, and 120 miles long. Within this section of earth, individual deposits were discovered, containing gold bearing quartz-veins up to 49 feet thick, and a few thousand feet long, making the mother-load, one of the most productive gold producing districts in the history of the United States. A total of 750 pounds, or $2 billion worth of precious metal, was extracted from the mother-lode mines. That would be about $50 billion in today's value! Believe it or not, it's estimated that only about 20% of mother-lode gold was extracted, which means there's still a whole lot of gold out there in these hills.

Gold Rush Bandits

There are two infamous names embedded in Gold Rush lore that are commonly associated with the region of the mother load that we're in now Black Bart and Joaquin Marietta. Black Bart was a gentleman bandit who never harmed drivers or passengers and always left behind some quirky verses along with his anonymous name P Eight. He would have probably never been caught had it not been for a hold up at nearby Funk Hill. On November 3, 183, the article of clothing he left behind was traced back to a San Francisco laundry and identified as belonging to Ce Bolton, one of the city's leading citizens. He was arrested and brought back to San Andreas, where he confessed to the robbery. His trial was held in the San Andreas courtroom, where he was sentenced to six years in San Quentin Prison.The jail where he was held during his hearing still stands and is part of the Calabaris County Museum complex. Joaquin Marietta was considered by some as a Latin Robin Hood who arrived in California in 1849 with the dream of striking it rich in the mines. According to a fairly contemporary biography, Marietta encountered racism, the stealing of his claim, and the violation of his wife, all of which fueled his legendary bandit lifestyle. It is believed that he led a gang on a sweep of revenge that killed a dozen Anglo Americans and more than two dozen Chinese. A bounty was placed on his head, and Rangers formed by the California legislature were assigned to track them down.In 1853, they allegedly found and killed Marietta, putting an end to his spree. In 1919, Johnston McCulley supposedly received his inspiration for his fictional character Don Diego de laVega, which you probably know better as Zoro, from the 1854 book entitled titled the Life and Adventure of Joaquin Marietta the Celebrated California Bandit by John Roland Ridge.

The Sierra Nevada Range CA-16E

You're now making your way towards the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, one of the most breathtaking ranges on the Continent of North America.The name of these mountains date all the way back to the year 1542 when a commander by the name of Juan Cabrillo was the first to make note of the white blanketed mountains in the distance while surveying what is known today as the California Coast. He named them la Sierra Nevada, or The Snow Covered Mountains, a name that was officially adopted by Spanish map makers in the late 18th Century, has remained the same ever since.The range spans over 400 miles from the Mojave Desert in the South to the Cascade Mountains in the North. It ranges between 50 and 80 miles wide from East to West. Most of the range is found within the state of California, however, a small portion falls within the Nevada state line. Some of its most famous features include the glacier carved valley of Yosemite National park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoias thrive as the biggest trees on the planet, The crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, make up the worlds second largest alpine lake and Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states that towers 14,505 feet above sea level are all part of the Sierra's mystique.To add to that, The Sierra Nevada is home to two-thirds of California's animal species. As habitat to 276 species of birds, 112 mammal, 32 reptile and 25 amphibian species, the Sierra Nevada is a wildlife wonderland. The Sierra Nevada boasts everything from black bears and beavers to bighorn sheep and a large variety of squirrels, chipmunks and bats. Seasonal animal visitors add to this array since it serves as a migratory route for birds traveling from South America to Alaska.One thing is for sure, once you've seen and experienced the Sierra Nevada Mountains, you never forget them.

The Sierra Nevada Range CA-88W

Having journeyed through the enchanting Eldorado National Forest, you find yourself amid the awe-inspiring, Sierra Nevada mountain-range, a true natural wonder of the North American continent. This magnificent range dates back to 1542, when explorer Juan Cabriyo first observed the snowcapped peaks while charting the California coast. He dubbed them "la Sierra Nevada," which translates to, "the snowcapped mountains", in English. A name that has endured since its adoption by Spanish cartographers in the late 18th century.Stretching over 400 miles from the Mojave Desert in the south, to the Cascade Mountains in the north, and spanning 50 to 80 miles in width, the Sierra Nevada range predominantly lies within California's borders, with a small portion extending into Nevada. Among its most renowned features are Yosemite National Park's glacier-carved valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the colossal Giant Sequoias of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, the largest trees on Earth; the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, the world's second-largest alpine lake; and the towering Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, standing at 14,505 feet above sea level.The Sierra Nevada Mountains teem with life, hosting approximately 3,000 plant species, including 26 distinct types of pine trees. An impressive two-thirds of all known California animal species reside within this majestic range, comprising 290 bird species, 135 mammals, 60 fish varieties, 46 reptile species, and 37 amphibian species. The breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity of the Sierra Nevada Mountains create an unforgettable experience that stays with you, long after you've left their awe-inspiring presence.

Rancho Murieta/ Cosumnes River

You're now about to make your way through Rancho Murieta. A small town of just 5400 residents nestled along the Cosumnes River. One of the most interesting facts of this relatively new city is it's namesake, Joaquin Murrieta Carrillo. The Robin Hood of the West or the Robin Hood of El Dorado, was a Sonoran forty-niner, a vaquero and a gold miner that became a famous outlaw in California during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. The popular legend of Joaquin Murrieta is that of a peace-loving man driven to seek revenge when he and his brother were falsely accused of stealing a mule. His brother was hanged and Joaquin horsewhipped. His young wife was brutally beaten died in Joaquin's arms. Swearing revenge, Joaquin hunted down all who had violated his sweetheart. He embarked on a short but violent career that brought death to his Anglo tormentors. The state of California then offered a reward of up to $5,000 for Joaquin "dead or alive." He was reportedly killed in 1853, but the news of his death was disputed and myths later formed about him and his possible survival. In 1919, Johnston McCulley supposedly received his inspiration for his fictional character Don Diego de la Vega, better known as Zorro, from the 1854 book entitled The Life and Adventures of Joaqui­n Murieta: The Celebrated California Bandit by John Rollin Ridge. John heard about a Mexican miner who had turned to banditry and was intrigued by the story. The Cosumnes River rises on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and flows approximately 52.5 miles into the Central Valley, emptying into the Mokelumne River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed. However, its salmon and steelhead populations have been harmed by invasive fish species and pollution from illegal mining activity, as well as the two irrigation diversion structures near Rancho Murieta. There are plans to re-introduce salmon spawning into the river.

Michigan Bar

Gold was discovered on the Cosumnes River in 1849 by two men from Michigan in the vicinity of where you're driving now. In the 1850s the town of Michigan Bar was the largest in Cosumnes Township, with as many as 1500 people. By 1900 the town had declined but still retained its post office, Wells Fargo office, and important pottery works. Little remained continuing into the 20th century and much of the town was destroyed by hydraulic mining and dredging. The Michigan Bar School however, was in use until the 1940s.The Michigan Bar Mining District covered a vast area roughly between the towns of Michigan Bar and Sloughhouse. The district's placer gold deposits were mined extensively between 1849 and 1900, primarily by hydraulic and ground sluicing techniques. Dredging was another successful technique and extended the district's mining life into the 1950s. Total gold production in this district has been estimated at over 1,500,000 ounces.Placer mining followed the typical sequence of starting with easily reached river deposits. Once those deposits were exhausted, miners turned to nearby gulches but had to haul their dirt to the rivers for processing. The construction of ditches made it possible to work deposits far from water sources and the first in the Michigan Bar area was completed in 1851. The Prairie Ditch, still visible near here, was completed in 1858, and signaled the beginning of hydraulic mining in the area.Miners and their families were a diverse group from the United States and Canada, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Islands. Native Americans continued to live in the vicinity for some years after the discovery of gold led to the loss of their homelands. Some no doubt worked for miners and ranchers in the Michigan Bar District.

The Miwok CA-16E

As we continue west, you'll be hearing commentary as we pass through the small communities of Pioneer and Pine Grove. Pioneer California started as nothing more than a roadside stop known as Pioneer Station in 1925, and today has a population of just over 1000 residents. Pine Grove is a larger town of about 2,200 people that lies between what used to be known the Clinton and Irishtown mining settlements which date back to the 1850s and were popular stops for miners making their way to set up claims in the southern portion of the mother lode. When the first gold seekers arrived in this area, they came upon an ancient city of dwellings and a vast collection of grinding bowls carved out of the exposed limestone that were used for food processing by a native tribe known as the Miwok. The Miwok were a hunter-gatherer tribe believed to have arrived in this area some 3000 years ago. They lived in small bands and their presence spanned from the sierra Nevada mountains into the central valley all the way to the central pacific coast with an estimated population of about 11,000 tribe members prior to contact with the Spanish and Anglo settlers. They shared a mythology similar to other tribes native to the Northern California region, believing in the connection between human and animal spirits. The Coyote in particular was considered to be responsible for creation of humans using the help of other animals to create people out of simple materials such as bird feathers or sticks. The Miwok that lived in the sierras benefited greatly from the natural food sources. Their mass cultivation of acorns is thought to be directly connected to the abundance of the modern-day California Black Oak forests found in areas near Yosemite National park. They also took advantage of abundant, bulbs, seeds, and fungi. Animals were hunted with arrows, clubs or snares, depending on the species and the situation. When it came to delicacies, the Miwok were condensers of Grasshoppers and also enjoyed feasting on trout, salmon and mussels found in nearby rivers. Unfortunately for the Miwok as well as other native tribes in the region, the gold rush had catastrophic effects on their way of life. The influx of white settlers stirred up great conflict that resulted in the loss of life as well as sacred land that the Miwok were never able to get back. The tribe remained resilient and the local Jackson Rancheria Me band was officially recognized by the US government in 1898. Today tribe's presence is still felt here in Amador County and much of it is thanks to a member of the local band by the name Margaret Dalton. Her vision to help her tribe become self-sufficient and free of US government fund dependency resulted in a 40-year long journey. A plan that started as nothing more than a bingo hall eventually evolved into the beautiful and contemporary Jackson Rancheria Casino and Resort. It is the largest employer in all of Amador county and has donated tens of millions of dollars into the local economy. The resort contains a full casino floor, multiple restaurants, an entertainment venue a hotel an RV park, a gas station and a general store that is frequented by visitors from all around. Does that work Miwok sound kind of familiar for some reason? Well here's a fun fact for you. Any Star Wars fan may be surprised to find out that George Lucas, who grew up in nearby Modesto California named his adored Ewok Species after the Miwok tribe that was native to the nearby forests of his hometown. If you're curious to learn more I recommend a visit to, Grinding Rock State park, located just outside of the nearby town of Jackson. It is considered to be the world's largest collection of bedrock mortars with 1,185 visible specimens and is a great way to learn more about the local native culture.

Somm Tips 1

Welcome to paradise. As you pull off the road and onto the winery driveway be sure to go slowly, as dust will affect the grapes and there may be a dog or two on site as well. Going slow is a great approach to the drive as well as the tasting room experience. It is important to note that wineries operate on an "ag" (agriculture) calendar and will have seasonally adjusted hours of operation. As a tip, consider going in the off season, November thru March, if you prefer a quieter and more intimate experience. If you like a crowd, then summer is probably more your speed. Many wineries will have a full calendar of events including food, music and much, much more, so be sure to ask what's cooking. Extremely important tasting room etiquette: Here's a list of things to avoid.First, remove all gum or candy, as this will ruin the flavor of the wine. If you have just brushed your teeth, try to have a cracker and if you don't have any on you, ask the tasting room as many of them provide them. Two, be sure to avoid spicy food, heat will ruin your wine. Three, do not use heavy perfume or cologne as the aroma will ruin your wine as well as everyone else around you. Four, if you smoke or vape, try not to during your tasting day or experience. If you absolutely have to, save it for the end of the day and be respectful of the wineries aromas and flavors outside of their rooms. Five and lastly, don't pack too much into the day. I personally believe that three or four wineries is perfect and highly don't recommend doing more than that.

Drytown

This is Drytown, home to a population of less than 200 people and about 5 antiques stores. But if you go back to the mid 1850's you would be driving through a vibrant town of 10,000 people which is what it reached during it's peak. Drytown is distinguished as the first mining community founded in Amador County. Despite the name, the town was certainly not "dry" as accounts tell of there being up to 26 saloons in operation in its hay day. The last one that remains now is the Drytown Club. The gold started to become more rare by 1857 and when a fire destroyed most of the town that year, most of its inhabitants packed up and moved to more successful mines elsewhere in the county. The town was only saved by the construction of State Route 49 which went through it, in 1920.

Relationship between Wine and Geology

Lets take a second to talk a little about the terroir of Amador County. Its an accepted fact that the flavors you'll be coming across in the tasting room today are a direct reflection of the land the vines are planted in. The majority of Amador's 3,700 vine acres and wineries are located in the northern part of the county in the Shenandoah Valley. Here, vines are planted on rolling, oak-studded hillsides ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet in elevation. The majority of the vines in Amador are planted in volcanic Sierra Series soils which is mostly sandy clay loam derived from decomposed granite. These friable, moderately dense soils effectively retain Amador's 36 to 38 inches of annual rainfall, enabling most growers to dry-farm their vineyards. Dry farming, coupled with the low nitrogen and phosphorous content of the soils, results in sparse vine canopies affording the grapes excellent sunlight exposure. Temperatures average between 40 and 70 degrees in the winter and get up to 100 degrees in the summer. Amador's warm climate, high solar radiance and low humidity promote the full ripening of their grapes. While Amador heats up earlier in the day than those appellations, it rarely exceeds 100 degrees during the growing season. Equally important, temperatures typically drop 30-35 degrees in the evening as breezes cascade down from the Sierras. This rapid cooling helps the grapes retain the acidity essential to this region bold yet balanced wines.

Amador City

It's time to discuss the namesake of our host county, Amador City. José María Amador was born in the Mission of San Francisco in 1794. He was the son of Sergeant Pedro Amador, a Spanish soldier who settled in California in 1771, when this area was part of the Spanish Empire. José spent his early years as a soldier and explorer, serving in the Spanish army of Nueva España from 1810 to 1827. Later, from 1827 to 1835, he worked as an administrator at the Mission San José.In 1835, José was granted 4,400 acres of Mission land, which he named Rancho San Ramon. In 1848, alongside several Indigenous people, José established a successful gold mining camp near the present-day Amador City. Gold outcroppings were discovered by Amador on both sides of the creek, a few hundred yards upstream from today's downtown area.The original, Little Amador Mine, and the Spring Hill Mine were likely the county's first gold mines. Before long, the creek, the town, and a new county bore Amador's name. The Keystone Mine, organized in 1853, became the city's most famous gold mine, and a key reason for the town's growth. At its peak, Amador City had an estimated population of four to six thousand residents. Today, only about 200 remain. Before closing in 1942, the mines had produced an estimated $24,000,000 in gold.Amador City still has many remnants from the 19th century for you to explore. The oldest structure, built around 1855, is the central portion of the Amador Hotel. Further up Main Street is the stone Fleehart Building (now the Whitney Museum), which once housed the Wells Fargo Building and dates back to the 1860s. If you decide to make a quick stop to look around, you'll undoubtedly appreciate the essence of the past. While you're there, be sure to visit Andréa's Bakery between your antique shop or museum visits for some delectable freshly baked bread and other treats.

Straight to Wine

Sutter Creek

You are now approaching Sutter Creek. The town takes its name from the creek, and the creek takes its name from John A. Sutter, who owned the sawmill in Coloma where the first Mother Lode gold was discovered in January of 1848. Unable to stop the tide of gold-seekers flowing over and destroying his lands, Sutter decided to follow the call of gold, trying in vain to recoup what the Gold Rush had taken from him. He arrived where Sutter Creek is currently located in 1848 with a band of Native Americans and upon finding a likely spot, began mining along the creek. Sutter Creek eventually achieved prominence as the supply center for all the mines that circled the town. It was hard rock mining more than placer mining that helped the town boom. A number of mines owned by Alvinza Hayward (the Gold Country's first millionaire), Hetty Green (at one time the country's richest woman), and Leland Stanford (at one time California's governor and the founder of Stanford University) were located nearby and were some of the best producing deep rock mines in the Mother Lode. Today, Sutter Creek is a tourist town with about 2500 residents with a great selection shops, restaurants as well as wine tasting rooms to wander through! It is registered as a California Historical Landmark and many of the original brick buildings are still standing as are some of the mansions built by wealthier residents. If you decide to make a stop in Sutter Creek during your time here in Amador, you'll be sure to enjoy the historic charm. If history is your thing, consider dropping by to visit The Knight Foundry, located on Eureka St. It is considered to be one of the best-preserved 19th-century industrial-age workplaces in the United States.

The Miwok CA-88W

As we continue west, you'll be hearing commentary as we pass through the small communities of Pioneer and Pine Grove. Pioneer California started as nothing more than a roadside stop known as Pioneer Station in 1925, and today has a population of just over 1000 residents. Pine Grove is a larger town of about 2,200 people that lies between what used to be known the Clinton and Irishtown mining settlements which date back to the 1850s and were popular stops for miners making their way to set up claims in the southern portion of the mother lode. When the first gold seekers arrived in this area, they came upon an ancient city of dwellings and a vast collection of grinding bowls carved out of the exposed limestone that were used for food processing by a native tribe known as the Miwok. The Miwok were a hunter-gatherer tribe believed to have arrived in this area some 3000 years ago. They lived in small bands and their presence spanned from the sierra Nevada mountains into the central valley all the way to the central pacific coast with an estimated population of about 11,000 tribe members prior to contact with the Spanish and Anglo settlers. They shared a mythology similar to other tribes native to the Northern California region, believing in the connection between human and animal spirits. The Coyote in particular was considered to be responsible for creation of humans using the help of other animals to create people out of simple materials such as bird feathers or sticks. The Miwok that lived in the sierras benefited greatly from the natural food sources. Their mass cultivation of acorns is thought to be directly connected to the abundance of the modern-day California Black Oak forests found in areas near Yosemite National park. They also took advantage of abundant, bulbs, seeds, and fungi. Animals were hunted with arrows, clubs or snares, depending on the species and the situation. When it came to delicacies, the Miwok were condensers of Grasshoppers and also enjoyed feasting on trout, salmon and mussels found in nearby rivers. Unfortunately for the Miwok as well as other native tribes in the region, the gold rush had catastrophic effects on their way of life. The influx of white settlers stirred up great conflict that resulted in the loss of life as well as sacred land that the Miwok were never able to get back. The tribe remained resilient and the local Jackson Rancheria Me band was officially recognized by the US government in 1898. Today tribe's presence is still felt here in Amador County and much of it is thanks to a member of the local band by the name Margaret Dalton. Her vision to help her tribe become self-sufficient and free of US government fund dependency resulted in a 40-year long journey. A plan that started as nothing more than a bingo hall eventually evolved into the beautiful and contemporary Jackson Rancheria Casino and Resort. It is the largest employer in all of Amador county and has donated tens of millions of dollars into the local economy. The resort contains a full casino floor, multiple restaurants, an entertainment venue a hotel an RV park, a gas station and a general store that is frequented by visitors from all around. Does that work Miwok sound kind of familiar for some reason? Well here's a fun fact for you. Any Star Wars fan may be surprised to find out that George Lucas, who grew up in nearby Modesto California named his adored Ewok Species after the Miwok tribe that was native to the nearby forests of his hometown. If you're curious to learn more I recommend a visit to, Grinding Rock State park, located just outside of the nearby town of Jackson. It is considered to be the world’s largest collection of bedrock mortars with 1,185 visible specimens and is a great way to learn more about the local native culture.

Trails and Stations

Before arriving to this point you've already passed by gorgeous Caples lake and once again you're about to see a beautiful body of water coming up on your left. Most people are surprised to learn that both bodies of water are in fact reservoirs! Caples lake was created by the damming of Caples Creek in 1922 and Silver Lake was created by the damming of the South Fork of the American River also in the 1920s. It has become a popular destination for hikers and anglers with a number of great trailheads and an annual stocking of a number of trout species such as Brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout and lahanton cutthroat trout you'll notice one island in the middle of the lake which is known as treasure island which visitors enjoy boating or swimming to. The highest point that you came across on your way here to the Western Slope of the sierra was at Carson Pass, which was 8,574 feet above sea level. The pass was named for a General by the name of Kit Carson who successfully led the legendary explorer, soldier and politician John C. Freemont through a dangerous trek across the snowy sierra Nevada range in January of 1844. Following the successful crossing Freemont deemed the trail as Carson Pass in honor of his trusted companion. Your drive to this point roughly followed that historic trail, which became one of the western bound gateways to the California gold mines. As time progressed this passageway became known as the Amador Nevada Wagon trail and was heavily trafficked by ranchers transporting cattle. A business opportunity to accommodate arose and the emergence of stations became commonplace. Stations would serve as rest stops for the ranchers and their herds. They provided clean beds, warm meals and other comforts while making the journey across the Sierras. In some of the stations brothels could even be found. The Stations were typically spaced around 5 miles apart along the trail which represented the normal distance a cattle drive would cover in one day. The first of these that you'll be passing by is Ham's station, which was established as a trading post in 1855 with the original building going up in 1862. Following Ham's Station, you'll be passing by another historic landmark called Cook's Station which originally dates back to 1863. It is one of the last remaining toll houses which existed along the old highway and has become popular among avid ghost hunters for its alleged haunting by spirits that date back to the old days of the Trail. Both Ham's and Cook's remain in operation and still serve as rest stops for travelers crossing the range. The Amador Nevada Wagon Trail evolved into California Hwy 8 and was part of one of the first networks of highways that spanned from the east to the west coast. The current designation of Hwy 88 has been in place since the 1940s.

Mokulemne Wilderness

At this time directly to the south is an area of the Sierra Range known as the Mokelumne Wilderness. It encompasses over 105 thousand acres of rugged landscape and great scenic beauty. Much of the area is dominated by volcanic ridges and peaks. The name Mokelumne is a word from the native Miwok tribe and means People of the river. There just so happens to be river in this region with the same name. The wilderness protects habitat for a great variety of plants and animals. But rather than talk about the wildlife that can be found, you may be more interested in hearing about one species that unfortunately can be found no longer in these parts, the extinct California Grizzly Bear. Before the Spanish began pushing their presence further north into modern day California in the second half of the 18h Century, it is estimated that around 10,000 grizzly bears thrived in the great valleys and low mountains throughout the state. It was cattle ranching that became the trade of choice for many of the new Spanish Rancheros in the interior of Alta California as it was known back then. Unsurprisingly, large groups of domesticated livestock were sitting targets for a hungry grizzly. To address this threat, the rancheros took matters into their own hands. They started hunting the grizzlies, but in many cases took things a level further, often roping and capturing them to be put up against other large animals such as bulls in battles that would be attended by the public. It would have no place in California today, but back in those times bloody bear baiting events were popular spectacles Unfortunately, less than 75 years after the discovery of gold in 1848, almost every grizzly bear in California had been tracked down and killed. The last hunted California grizzly bear was believed to have been shot in August 1922. Two years later in 1924, the last reported grizzly was spotted in Sequoia National Park. The California grizzly bear is one of the state's most recognizable symbols, with the first bear flag appearing in 1846 as a symbol of the short-lived California Republic which lasted less than a month. The bear that we all see on the California state flag today is claimed to have been modeled on the last California Grizzly bear in captivity. The bear known as Monarch was captured in 1889 by newspaper reporter Allen Kelley, at the behest of the eventual media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Monarch was on display at a pair of zoos in San Francisco until his death in 1911 which is the same year the current flag was adopted. Monarch can still be seen today on display in the California Academy of Science in SF. The bear has become an integral part of the state's identity, being included as part of the State seal in 1849 and in 1953, regardless of being extinct it was designated as the state animal. Due to its symbol status, the California Grizzly has been considered as a possible candidate for attempts at de-extinction through the proposed use of back-breeding, cloning and genetic engineering to recreate extinct species.

Jackson

You are now nearby the town of Jackson, California, which predates the founding of Amador County, going back to 1848. The settlement was named for a local lawyer who was liked by miners named Alden Jackson. The camp grew quickly, and besides being a popular mining spot, it was also a convenient stopping place on the road from Sacramento to the Southern Mines. Jackson grew first as a watering hole for cattle then as one of the earliest and most durable of the Mother Lode's hard rock mining areas. The camp became an important supply and transportation center for the neighboring towns and by 1850 the population was estimated to have reached 1,500. Since then Jackson has remained the most populated town in the region and today there are nearly 5000 residents. This early gold rush camp turned city was like so many other rugged gold rush towns along Highway 49, laden with rowdy saloons and over priced supply stores. After a fire destroyed most of the town in 1862, the city was rebuilt and over 40 of the buildings that are seen here on Historic Main Street today date back to the civil war era.

Mines

As you continue ahead, you'll notice a tall structure out in the distance to your right. That is what remains of two of the most productive mines of the Mother Lode, the Argonaut and Kennedy mines. The Argonaut mine was discovered in the 1850s and the nearby Kennedy mine began operations in 1860. They became two of California's top producers, before the federal government closed the nation's gold mines at the beginning of World War II. .The Argonaut and Kennedy mines were the heartbeat of Jackson, where ore-crushing hammers shook the earth around the clock. Shortly before midnight on Aug. 27, 1922, when most of Jackson was asleep, a fire broke out 3,000 feet below the surface of the Argonaut mine, trapping many men working the night shift. It took two and a half days, until Aug. 30th, to extinguish the blaze.Forty-seven lives were lost and it remains the largest mining disaster in California history. Nine of the victims are buried in the cemetery of the St. Sava Orthodox Church you passed earlier. At the time of the Gold Rush the Kennedy Mine was the deepest in the world at 5,919 feet, well over a mile below the earth's surface. Both the Kennedy and Argonaut mines are now registered as California Historical landmarks and open for tourists to visit.

Tour Outro

It appears that the day is through and you are making your way back from what we hope was an incredible wine tasting escapade. We at Taste Wine Guides thank you for choosing to let us be part of your experience today. We wish you safe travels and will be waiting to join you on your next wine tasting adventure. Check out the app to find a list of all of our tours in regions throughout California and beyond. Keep up with everything wine and share your photos with us on any of our social media platforms @ Taste Wine Guides. Until we meet again, love the wine your with.

Optional Route Via Ridge Rd.

Plymouth Roundabout

Off Tour Route Advisory - Iron Hub

Off Tour Route Advisory CA-124S

Off Tour Route Advisory Karmere

Off Tour Route Advisory- Plymouth Roundabout

Convergence Vineyard Entrance

Driving Directions Vino Noceto Arrival

Driving Directions - Karmere Entrance

Driving Directions- Old Rte.49 to CA-49N

Driving Directions Scott Harvey Wines Arrival

Driving Directions - Directions CA-16E to CA-124S

Driving Directions - To Plymouth

Driving Directions- Main Street Jackson to CA-49N/ 88W/ Sutter Creek

Driving Directions- Bypassing Downtown Jackson

Driving Directions Jeff Runquist Arrival

Driving Directions- Approaching CA-16 Junction

Driving Directions- Turn onto Old Rte. 49

Driving Directions- Left onto CA 124

Navigation to Stay on Ridge Road

Driving Directions Leaving Iron Hub

Driving Directions Andis Wines Arrival

Driving Directions- Stay on CA-49N towards Sutter Creek

Driving Directions Iron Hub Winery

Driving Directions- Ridge Rd. Shortcut to CA-49N

Driving Directions- To CA-124S from CA-16W

Driving Directions Helwig Entrance West

Driving Directions Paul J Wines

Driving Directions Leaving Karmere

Tour Intro CA-16E

Hello! Welcome to TASTE WINE-GUIDES, your uniquely accompanied Wine-Tour experience. This is Tyler, your personal, in-car guide! If you're hearing this, it means your day's adventure is about to begin. It is our great pleasure to be with you today, as you venture into the beautiful Amador County-California.Amador was once the center of viticulture in California during the Gold-Rush era, And since the years of prohibition, in the 1920's and 30s, it has grown to nearly 4,000 planted acres and over 40 wineries. Every region that grows wine-grapes is "unique", and "special". Amador County is no-different. Amador is perhaps the smallest growing region in the State, making up about 1% of the wine-grape, agriculture-business in California. Surprisingly, more than 30% of medals won in State competition come from grapes grown in this region. It could be said there are more gold medals coming from Amador per acre, than any other growing region in the state.Today you'll be getting to Taste these award-winning wines for yourself! Once you arrive in the Shenandoah Valley, you will be free to enjoy any of our 9 highlighted partner wineries. We recommend beginning your day at Convergence Vineyards, if you're coming in on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. If not, check our partner wineries websites to be sure of which ones are open today.On your tour map, you will notice site-tags with different colors, don't let that confuse you! The commentary approaching the Amador-County wineries is different, depending on if you are coming from Sacramento on Highway 16, or from Nevada on Highway 88.Once you make it to California Highway 124 South, to Convergence vineyards, and beyond, all commentary is the same, regardless of which direction you are driving-in from. All audio clips on this tour may be accessed at any time, as long as the tour is downloaded, by manually clicking on it.While driving, we recommend keeping your device plugged in-to a power source to keep it charged. Although there is some navigation assistance, to keep you on track along the way, be sure to follow the live time tour-tracking on your screen, while the tour is open and running. This will ensure that you don't get lost, or wander too far off the tour-route during the day.As you make your way to the wineries, I'll be sharing commentary about the area, and our in-car sommelier, will be prepping you for the tasting rooms, as we get closer to the wineries. Upon your arrival at any of our selected estates, take a few-minutes to listen to our interviews with owners, winemakers, and tasting room managers, that will provide you with an insight to the property, and their wines, exclusive for Taste Wine-Guides. You can exit out of the tour while you go taste. Once inside, be sure to ask your tasting room associate what special perks they are offering today, for Taste Wine-Guides users.Be aware that each downloaded-tour will be valid for two people, or one couple to receive perks. Associates may ask to see the tour downloaded on your device. Once you've finished a winery-visit, and get back in-to your car, be sure to re-open the tour before continuing to your next location. When your day of tasting is through, keep the tour activated as you leave the Shenandoah Valley to hear some post-tasting tips, and farewell.Please remember, as fun as it is to enjoy the scenery and taste fabulous wines, somebody has to be in charge of driving safely from point A, to point B. We want everybody to enjoy their Taste Wine-Guides adventure responsibly, and stress that you don't drive, if you're over the legal limit, as set by federal law. Now that we've covered the basics, let's get started! Just continue on the tour-route, and enjoy the-ride!

North American Wine History

As we approach the vineyards, it'stime for a quick history lesson. Wine has been a part of human life for longer than you might think. Proof of wine consumption dates all the way back to 60BC from sites in what is today the country of Georgia. In 2007, researchers from UCLA, working in Armania discovered what is believed to be the world's very first winery from around the year 4100 BC. Here in the US, however, the wine history is a bit more recent. Wine on the continent of North America can be dated back to as early as the 1560s when French Hugonauts attempted unsuccessfully to create palatable wine from the native grapes in what is today Jacksonville, Florida. In 1785, Thomas Jefferson was appointed as the ambassador to France. While there on diplomatic duty, Jefferson fell in love with French wine and was perhaps the first American to believe that we could make wine here in our country just as well as the French could. Before Jefferson had his visions of planting great American vineyards in his home state of Virginia, the party had already started in the Spanish territory of Alta, California, where wine culture was already taking root. Here on the west coast of North America, it's Spanish Franciscan monks that are credited for the birth of California wine. Father Junipero Serra arrived in what is now San Diegoin 1769 in order to create the first of an eventual 21 missions that would dot the California coast. The vines he brought along and planted produced the region's first wine. From there, the craft of winemaking made its way all the way up to California coast with the first winery opening in Sonoma, California, in 18 five.Today, wineries are still found along the California coast along the historic Camino Royale stretching from just north of San Francisco to San Diego. Some decades later, the California Gold Rush became the catalyst that brought wine making here to the Sierra Nevada foothills. This vibrant industry finds its roots amid these rugged western foothills. While fortune seekers from around the world inundated the Sierras to prospect for gold, small wineries arose to help quench their thirst. Within a few decades of the gold rush, there were over 100 wineries in the Mother Lode region more than any other part of California at the time.There are vines that were planted during that era that still survive today. You'll be able to see the Granpere Vineyard, which is considered to be the oldest fruit producing zinfandel vineyard in the United Dates.

California Gold Rush CA-16E

As with most gold rushes California's rush started with the discovery of placer gold in the sands and gravels of streambeds, where the gold had eroded from the hard-rock vein deposits. Placer miners with their gold pans in hand would follow the gold-bearing sands upstream to discover the main source in the bedrock In 1869 the term The Mother Lode was coined for this portion of the western sierra foothills. It is a long alignment of hard-rock gold deposits stretching northwest-southeast ranging from around 1 to 4 miles wide and (120 mi) long. Within this section of earth, Individual deposits were discovered containing gold-bearing quartz veins up to 49 feet thick and a few thousand feet long, making the Mother Lode one of the most productive gold-producing districts in the history of the country. A total of 750,000 pounds or $2 billion worth of precious metal was extracted from mother lode mines. That would be about 50 billion dollars in today's value. Believe it or not, it's estimated that only about 20 percent of mother lode gold was extracted which means there is still a whole lot of gold out there in these California hills!

Rancho Murieta/ Cosumnes River

You're now about to make your way through Rancho Murieta. A small town of just 5400 residents nestled along the Cosumnes River. One of the most interesting facts of this relatively new city is it's namesake, Joaquin Murrieta Carrillo. The Robin Hood of the West or the Robin Hood of El Dorado, was a Sonoran forty-niner, a vaquero and a gold miner that became a famous outlaw in California during the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. The popular legend of Joaquin Murrieta is that of a peace-loving man driven to seek revenge when he and his brother were falsely accused of stealing a mule. His brother was hanged and Joaquin horsewhipped. His young wife was brutally beaten died in Joaquin's arms. Swearing revenge, Joaquin hunted down all who had violated his sweetheart. He embarked on a short but violent career that brought death to his Anglo tormentors. The state of California then offered a reward of up to $5,000 for Joaquin "dead or alive." He was reportedly killed in 1853, but the news of his death was disputed and myths later formed about him and his possible survival. In 1919, Johnston McCulley supposedly received his inspiration for his fictional character Don Diego de la Vega, better known as Zorro, from the 1854 book entitled The Life and Adventures of Joaqui­n Murieta: The Celebrated California Bandit by John Rollin Ridge. John heard about a Mexican miner who had turned to banditry and was intrigued by the story. The Cosumnes River rises on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and flows approximately 52.5 miles into the Central Valley, emptying into the Mokelumne River in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. As one of the last rivers flowing from the west slope of the Sierra without a major dam, the Cosumnes is a vital example of a healthy watershed. However, its salmon and steelhead populations have been harmed by invasive fish species and pollution from illegal mining activity, as well as the two irrigation diversion structures near Rancho Murieta. There are plans to re-introduce salmon spawning into the river.

The Sierra Nevada Range CA-16E

You're now making your way towards the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains, one of the most breathtaking ranges on the Continent of North America.The name of these mountains date all the way back to the year 1542 when a commander by the name of Juan Cabrillo was the first to make note of the white blanketed mountains in the distance while surveying what is known today as the California Coast. He named them la Sierra Nevada, or The Snow Covered Mountains, a name that was officially adopted by Spanish map makers in the late 18th Century, has remained the same ever since.The range spans over 400 miles from the Mojave Desert in the South to the Cascade Mountains in the North. It ranges between 50 and 80 miles wide from East to West. Most of the range is found within the state of California, however, a small portion falls within the Nevada state line. Some of its most famous features include the glacier carved valley of Yosemite National park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Giant Sequoias thrive as the biggest trees on the planet, The crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, make up the worlds second largest alpine lake and Mt. Whitney, the tallest peak in the lower 48 states that towers 14,505 feet above sea level are all part of the Sierra's mystique.To add to that, The Sierra Nevada is home to two-thirds of California's animal species. As habitat to 276 species of birds, 112 mammal, 32 reptile and 25 amphibian species, the Sierra Nevada is a wildlife wonderland. The Sierra Nevada boasts everything from black bears and beavers to bighorn sheep and a large variety of squirrels, chipmunks and bats. Seasonal animal visitors add to this array since it serves as a migratory route for birds traveling from South America to Alaska.One thing is for sure, once you've seen and experienced the Sierra Nevada Mountains, you never forget them.

The Miwok CA-16E

As we continue west, you'll be hearing commentary as we pass through the small communities of Pioneer and Pine Grove. Pioneer California started as nothing more than a roadside stop known as Pioneer Station in 1925, and today has a population of just over 1000 residents. Pine Grove is a larger town of about 2,200 people that lies between what used to be known the Clinton and Irishtown mining settlements which date back to the 1850s and were popular stops for miners making their way to set up claims in the southern portion of the mother lode. When the first gold seekers arrived in this area, they came upon an ancient city of dwellings and a vast collection of grinding bowls carved out of the exposed limestone that were used for food processing by a native tribe known as the Miwok. The Miwok were a hunter-gatherer tribe believed to have arrived in this area some 3000 years ago. They lived in small bands and their presence spanned from the sierra Nevada mountains into the central valley all the way to the central pacific coast with an estimated population of about 11,000 tribe members prior to contact with the Spanish and Anglo settlers. They shared a mythology similar to other tribes native to the Northern California region, believing in the connection between human and animal spirits. The Coyote in particular was considered to be responsible for creation of humans using the help of other animals to create people out of simple materials such as bird feathers or sticks. The Miwok that lived in the sierras benefited greatly from the natural food sources. Their mass cultivation of acorns is thought to be directly connected to the abundance of the modern-day California Black Oak forests found in areas near Yosemite National park. They also took advantage of abundant, bulbs, seeds, and fungi. Animals were hunted with arrows, clubs or snares, depending on the species and the situation. When it came to delicacies, the Miwok were condensers of Grasshoppers and also enjoyed feasting on trout, salmon and mussels found in nearby rivers. Unfortunately for the Miwok as well as other native tribes in the region, the gold rush had catastrophic effects on their way of life. The influx of white settlers stirred up great conflict that resulted in the loss of life as well as sacred land that the Miwok were never able to get back. The tribe remained resilient and the local Jackson Rancheria Me band was officially recognized by the US government in 1898. Today tribe's presence is still felt here in Amador County and much of it is thanks to a member of the local band by the name Margaret Dalton. Her vision to help her tribe become self-sufficient and free of US government fund dependency resulted in a 40-year long journey. A plan that started as nothing more than a bingo hall eventually evolved into the beautiful and contemporary Jackson Rancheria Casino and Resort. It is the largest employer in all of Amador county and has donated tens of millions of dollars into the local economy. The resort contains a full casino floor, multiple restaurants, an entertainment venue a hotel an RV park, a gas station and a general store that is frequented by visitors from all around. Does that work Miwok sound kind of familiar for some reason? Well here's a fun fact for you. Any Star Wars fan may be surprised to find out that George Lucas, who grew up in nearby Modesto California named his adored Ewok Species after the Miwok tribe that was native to the nearby forests of his hometown. If you're curious to learn more I recommend a visit to, Grinding Rock State park, located just outside of the nearby town of Jackson. It is considered to be the world's largest collection of bedrock mortars with 1,185 visible specimens and is a great way to learn more about the local native culture.

Somm Tips 1

Welcome to paradise. As you pull off the road and onto the winery driveway be sure to go slowly, as dust will affect the grapes and there may be a dog or two on site as well. Going slow is a great approach to the drive as well as the tasting room experience. It is important to note that wineries operate on an "ag" (agriculture) calendar and will have seasonally adjusted hours of operation. As a tip, consider going in the off season, November thru March, if you prefer a quieter and more intimate experience. If you like a crowd, then summer is probably more your speed. Many wineries will have a full calendar of events including food, music and much, much more, so be sure to ask what's cooking. Extremely important tasting room etiquette: Here's a list of things to avoid.First, remove all gum or candy, as this will ruin the flavor of the wine. If you have just brushed your teeth, try to have a cracker and if you don't have any on you, ask the tasting room as many of them provide them. Two, be sure to avoid spicy food, heat will ruin your wine. Three, do not use heavy perfume or cologne as the aroma will ruin your wine as well as everyone else around you. Four, if you smoke or vape, try not to during your tasting day or experience. If you absolutely have to, save it for the end of the day and be respectful of the wineries aromas and flavors outside of their rooms. Five and lastly, don't pack too much into the day. I personally believe that three or four wineries is perfect and highly don't recommend doing more than that.

Somm Tips 2

Here's some tasting room etiquette and tips as you make your way to the next stop. First, be sure to remove any gum, asthis will ruin the flavor of the wine. Drink lots of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Know that visitors arrive in waves, so having towait for service will be normal, especially on weekends. When it is your turn for service, feel free to ask your tasting room associate any questions.You'll notice that in most wineries, there will be a set list of the selection they will be pouring today. Taste through all of them and don'tgo out of order and skip.The staff has worked hard to put that list together, so enjoy the session the way it was intended. In between pores, eat some crackers to help your palate adjust to new flavors. Many, but not all, wineries provide complementary crackers. It's not recommended to smoke or vape, as itcan negatively alter the flavor of the wine. But if you do, be sure to keep it in designated areas. Finally, don't pack too much into the day. We, along with most people in the industry, agree that three to four wineries in one day is the most you should try and visit. We don't recommend doing more than that. Remember, your tour is valid for 90 days, so you'll definitely have times to come back. And enjoy. Any estates included on the tour thatyou don't have time for today?

Off Tour Route Advisory- Plymouth Roundabout

Bark Beetles

In recent years, California's pine-forests have faced a growing problem, bark beetles! These tiny insects, no bigger than a grain of rice, are wreaking havoc on the state's pine-trees, causing massive tree mortality and ecological disruptions.Bark beetles, specifically the mountain pine-beetle, and the western pine-beetle, are native to the forests of California. They play a natural role in forest ecosystems, by attacking weak or stressed trees, thereby promoting overall forest-health. However, in recent years, beetle populations have exploded to unprecedented levels, resulting in widespread tree mortality.There are several factors contributing to this outbreak. First, California has experienced prolonged periods of drought, which have weakened the trees' natural defenses. Under normal circumstances, healthy pine-trees can fend-off bark-beetle attacks, by producing resin, which helps to push the beetles out of the tree's bark. However, with limited water availability, the trees struggle to produce sufficient resin, leaving them more vulnerable to infestations.Second, climate change has led to warmer temperatures, allowing bark beetles to thrive and reproduce more rapidly. Additionally, these warmer temperatures have expanded the range of suitable habitats for the beetles, leading to infestations in areas previously unaffected.The result of these factors is an epidemic of tree mortality. When bark beetles bore into a tree's bark, they introduce a blue-stain fungus, which disrupts the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. This ultimately leads to the death of the tree, giving them the red hue you see, off in the distance. To date, it's estimated that over 129 million trees have died in California as a result of the bark beetle outbreak and the drought.This widespread tree mortality has significant ecological and economic consequences. Dead and dying trees pose a considerable wildfire risk, as they provide ample fuel for fires to spread rapidly. Furthermore, the loss of these trees impacts the region's biodiversity, as many animal species depend on healthy pine-forests for habitat and food sources.In response to this crisis, various efforts have been made to manage the bark-beetle problem, such as removing infested trees, using insecticides, and implementing forest thinning projects, to reduce tree-density and competition for resources. However, addressing the root causes of the outbreak – drought and climate change – remains a critical challenge.

NAV- At the Fork, Stay Left

Amador Sustainable Wine Practices

Amador County winemakers recognize that the health of the environment is critical to the health and vitality of their vineyards. Sustainable farming practices are employed to minimize the negative impact on the environment, while maintaining and improving the quality of the soil and vines. These practices include conservation of water resources, which is particularly important in the drought-prone region, and the use of natural pest management techniques, that minimize the use of harmful chemicals.In addition, many Amador County wineries use cover crops between the vineyard rows to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and provide habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. They also use compost and other organic amendments to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.By adopting sustainable farming practices, Amador County winemakers not only reduce their environmental impact, but also produce wines that are unique and reflective of the region's terroir. The use of cover crops, natural pest management techniques, and organic soil amendments can result in different flavors and characteristics in the grapes, which can ultimately be tasted in the resulting wines. By preserving the land and practicing sustainable farming, Amador County winemakers are ensuring that their vineyards will continue to produce exceptional wines for generations to come.

Amador City

It's time to discuss the namesake of our host county, Amador City. José María Amador was born in the Mission of San Francisco in 1794. He was the son of Sergeant Pedro Amador, a Spanish soldier who settled in California in 1771, when this area was part of the Spanish Empire. José spent his early years as a soldier and explorer, serving in the Spanish army of Nueva España from 1810 to 1827. Later, from 1827 to 1835, he worked as an administrator at the Mission San José.In 1835, José was granted 4,400 acres of Mission land, which he named Rancho San Ramon. In 1848, alongside several Indigenous people, José established a successful gold mining camp near the present-day Amador City. Gold outcroppings were discovered by Amador on both sides of the creek, a few hundred yards upstream from today's downtown area.The original, Little Amador Mine, and the Spring Hill Mine were likely the county's first gold mines. Before long, the creek, the town, and a new county bore Amador's name. The Keystone Mine, organized in 1853, became the city's most famous gold mine, and a key reason for the town's growth. At its peak, Amador City had an estimated population of four to six thousand residents. Today, only about 200 remain. Before closing in 1942, the mines had produced an estimated $24,000,000 in gold.Amador City still has many remnants from the 19th century for you to explore. The oldest structure, built around 1855, is the central portion of the Amador Hotel. Further up Main Street is the stone Fleehart Building (now the Whitney Museum), which once housed the Wells Fargo Building and dates back to the 1860s. If you decide to make a quick stop to look around, you'll undoubtedly appreciate the essence of the past. While you're there, be sure to visit Andréa's Bakery between your antique shop or museum visits for some delectable freshly baked bread and other treats.

Amador Rolling Hills

Nestled in the heart of California, Amador County's rolling hills paint a serene and picturesque landscape, offering a visual symphony of colors and textures. As the sun rises, casting a golden hue over the verdant tapestry, the hills come alive with the gentle whispers of morning breezes, and the melodious songs of native birds. The undulating slopes, draped in a lush blanket of wildflowers and oak trees, stretch towards the horizon, inviting the wanderer to explore their secrets.The contours of Amador County's hills are like the waves of a tranquil sea, creating a soothing harmony that resonates with the soul. Amidst the soft curves, vineyards flourish, their vines laden with grapes, that carry the essence of this enchanting land. The rich, fertile soil nurtures not only bountiful harvests, but also the dreams of the people who call this place home.As the day unfolds, the hills of Amador County offer a kaleidoscope of ever-changing hues. The cerulean sky overhead provides a striking contrast to the earthy tones below, creating a breathtaking canvas that, only nature could produce. As the sun begins to set, the hills are set ablaze with warm, fiery shades of orange, red, and pink—a farewell embrace from the day's last light.The rolling hills of Amador County are not just a feast for the eyes, but also a sanctuary for the weary traveler. They hold the promise of solace and rejuvenation, a haven where one can leave the worries of the world behind and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. These hills are a testament to the majesty of the Earth and a reminder of the simple, yet profound pleasures that life has to offer.

NAV-Straight at Fork to Plymouth

NAV- Leaving Andis - Turn Right on Shenandoah Rd.

More Wine Tips

As you embark on the enchanting journey of wine appreciation, each sip holds the promise of uncovering new depths and nuances in the world of viticulture. Here, we present you with a bouquet of advanced wine-tasting tips, eloquently crafted to elevate your experience, and awaken your senses, to the symphony that unfolds in your glass.Mindful Preparation. Set the stage for your wine tasting experience by choosing a calm and serene environment, free from distractions and strong aromas. This allows you to fully focus on the art of appreciation, connecting with the wine on a deeper, more intimate level.The Art of Observation. Pour your wine into a suitable glass, and gently swirl it to unveil the subtleties of its color, viscosity, and transparency. These visual cues offer insights into the wine's age, grape varietal, and production techniques, opening the door to a more profound understanding of the nectar in your glass.

NAV- Thank you for visiting Karmere, turn left on to Shenandoah Rd.

NAV-Right on Shenandoah

A Symphony of Aromas

A Symphony of Aromas. At your next stop try these tips. As you bring the glass to your nose, take a moment to inhale deeply and appreciate the complex layers of aromas. Close your eyes and allow your imagination to wander, exploring the tapestry of scents that range from ripe fruits and delicate florals to earthy minerals and intoxicating spices.The Dance of Flavors: Savor each sip as if it were a fleeting moment in time, allowing the wine to glide gracefully over your palate. Embrace the interplay of flavors, as they reveal themselves through a harmonious dance of sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and umami. Consider the wine's structure and balance, and how its characteristics intertwine to create a memorable sensory experience.The Lingering Embrace: As the wine departs from your palate, cherish the lingering flavors and sensations that remain. The finish, or aftertaste, is a testament to the wine's complexity and craftsmanship. Reflect on the emotions it evokes, the memories it conjures, and the stories it tells.

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Artistry of Wine

In the realm of viticulture, enchanting secrets and fascinating tales abound. These fun wine-growing facts reveal the beauty and wonder behind each bottle of divine nectar.A World of Diversity: Over 10,000 grape varieties worldwide offer a treasure trove of flavors, inviting wine enthusiasts on a thrilling journey of exploration.The Vine's Tenacity: Grapevines possess a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments, extracting the essence of the terroir that defines each unique wine.The Dance of the Seasons: The lifecycle of the grapevine is a mesmerizing ballet, choreographed by the seasons, with tender buds in spring, ripened grapes in autumn, and slumbering vines in winter. Time-Honored Tradition: Winemaking is a time-honored tradition passed down through generations of vintners who have devotedly tended their vineyards and honed their craft. Their collective wisdom and artistry transform a humble fruit into an exquisite elixir that celebrates the earth, the elements, and the rich history of winemaking.These delightful wine-growing facts invite you to appreciate the intricate tapestry of knowledge, passion, and nature that converge in each glass of wine. As you savor each sip, let your senses guide you in unlocking the mysteries and marvels of the world of wine.

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Thank you for visiting Scott Harvey Wines- Turn Right