California Travels: Two Wineries in Amador County

Courtesy of Karmere Vineyards

Revised 4/2021

Driving back into Amador County took only a few minutes, but I was eagerly anticipating tasting more amazing wines. 　If the next winery was anything like the last, my husband would have a difficult time dragging me out. 　Oh… it was.

Our first stop was the beautiful hilltop winery built-in French chateau-style, Karmere Vineyards, and Winery. The tasting room staff was gracious and even though we were not the only visitors in the winery at the time, they made us feel as if we were honored guests. 　(Please check CA Covid Map & Winery Website before your visit.)

We learned that the winery owners named their Zins after their favorite ladies, two daughters-in-law, and their extraordinary daughter Hayley, who is also the tasting room manager. 　Hayley’s name-sake wine is named, Empress Hayley and is one who deserves the title. 　If not informed, you would never guess that she is one of the owners. 　She is genuine and generous. We will return. 　

Our final stop was most memorable: Domaine de la Terre Rouge and Easton Wines, which has the friendliest tasting room staff in the region according to The Sacramento Magazine. 　They lived up to their reputation with their generosity and friendliness. 　One of my first questions was why they use two different names when there is only one winery. 　The simple answer is that the Terre Rouge wines are made from French Rhône varietals, while the Easton wines are from non-Rhône grapes. 　We decided to focus on the Rhône varietals, which were all wonderful. 　The winemaker makes delicious Syrahs.

The winery provided quite an experience for all its visitors. Everyone was having a wonderful time, including us. As we finished tasting a few delicious wines at the tasting room counter we ventured into the side room where the winemaker was pouring some incredibly special wines. 　This I will remember for some time. 　The wine was rich and the people delightful. 　

So, for those of you who would prefer to relax and enjoy something special next year rather than ‘shop until you drop’ on Black Friday, please remember the ‘friendly’ wine country, Amador County. 　I’ll be there.

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