Travel California: Amador County Wineries

The Friendly Wine Country

Updated 4/2021

For those of you who would rather shop during the holidays than enjoy beautiful country views, friendly, knowledgeable people, and delicious wine, this article is probably not for you. 　My husband and I decided that the day after Thanksgiving would be a wonderful time to venture into the Amador wine country. 　I’m sure he was heartbroken that I didn’t want to shop, but he didn’t show it. 　And, as it turned out, it was an exceptionally good decision.

Note: Please check the CA Covid map and business's websites before visiting.

Amador County has some of the oldest vineyards in California and is known for award-winning wines and not just the full-bodied zinfandels we tend to automatically associate with the region, but also the amazing Rhône and Italian varietals—imagine a lush Syrah or a spicy Sangiovese 　　One of the special aspects of visiting wineries in this unique wine country is the opportunity to taste with the winemakers. Many times, the winemaker is the one who is pouring. 　This allows for a wonderful learning experience, besides being just plain fun.

And because food and wine go together, fortunately for us we find a variety of eateries from quaint diners to a deli with gourmet picnic baskets to go. 　Many more fine dining establishments are coming soon.

For this trip, we decided against gourmet and began our journey at the Marlene & Glenn’s diner in Plymouth.  If we were to taste several wines, it seemed best to have some hearty fare to balance the alcohol. 　This quaint diner serves simple, hearty food.

If you visit this popular family-owned and operated diner, try sitting at the counter. This affords you the opportunity to watch two sisters team cook. Watching the sisters and all the friendly wait-staff running back and forth reminded me of the movie Stuck on You. 　Their banter and homey style made this stop even more special, especially when mom showed up and started bussing tables. 　

This and so many small moments created a feeling of being a part of the family. I heartily recommend this stop for all who enjoy good old fashion diner food and people who treat you as special.

Note: Still open but call for updates.  Wear a mask.　

Yes, this was to be an Amador County wine trip, but we decided to wander the Shenandoah Road a bit farther into Fair Play wine country—just a bit. One of our absolute best friends is a wine club member of Latcham Vineyards and raves about the winery, wine, and the people who work there. So, of course, we had to assess this for ourselves. 

Note: Due to Covid, please contact the winery for hours.

Yep. 　It was an experience and one we will not soon forget. The winery is located on a hill overlooking part of the vineyard. 　Walking up to the tasting room, which is a warm inviting blue barn, we met the official greeter of the day, a large, sweet-natured dog that looks more like a polar bear than a puppy.

Inside the charming tasting room, we were amazed at our good fortune for stumbling upon an after-Thanksgiving tradition. 　Every year the winery owners offer barrel tastings, homemade soup, other goodies, and generous pours of their award-winning wines. Everyone from the lady who greeted us, to the winemaker, who blushed when I thanked him for making such wonderful wines, was warm, genuine, and pleasant. 　

Note: All of the wines were amazing, but my favorite was the Petite Syrah. 　They also make some of the best Barbera I’ve ever tasted and their special port paired with homemade brownies almost had me begging to stay longer. 　But we had other wineries to visit.

Continue: 　Karmere & Domaine de la Terre Rouge and Easton Wines 

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