All About the Amador County Wine Region
Have you ever heard of the Amador County wine region? Whether the answer is yes or no, it’s one to keep on your radar if you’re a lover of Zinfandel, California wineries, or wines in general!
is located in the Sierra Nevada region central part of California. It’s about 45 miles southeast of the state capital, Sacramento. Amador County is known for its scenic landscapes, historic charm, and contributions to California’s Gold Rush history. It remains a popular destination for those seeking a mix of outdoor activities and a taste of the region’s rich heritage.
Amador’s History
Amador has quite a fascinating history. It is part of the Gold Country, an area that gained prominence during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. Gold was discovered in the region in 1848, leading to a rapid influx of settlers and prospectors seeking their fortunes. Not long after, Amador was established in 1854 and named after José María Amador, a Californio ranchero who mined along the Amador Creek in the early 19th century.
You can immerse yourself in this history by visiting Amador’s historic landmarks such as the Kennedy Gold Mine, which was one of the deepest gold mines in North America. Other spots to visit to understand how historic this county is are the Amador County Museum and the Chew Kee Store in Fiddletown, a well-preserved Gold Rush-era town.
As you can imagine, Amador County’s economy was heavily reliant on mining activities in the past. Today, Amador has diversified its economy with mining no longer a major industry.
Amador County Wine
Wine production has become a significant player in Amador’s local economy, with vineyards and wineries gracing the county. Amador is part of the larger Sierra Foothills American Viticultural Area (AVA). Amador County is recognized for its Zinfandel wines, and several wineries in the region offer wine tastings and tours.
Within Amador County itself are independent AVAs you must know if you are a wine lover. Keep reading to learn all about them.
Shenandoah Valley AVA
No, we are not in Virginia, but California! The Shenandoah Valley AVA is situated in the western part of the Amador County wine region, adored for its 19th-century history and loved for its picturesque landscapes. This AVA was officially established in 1983, recognizing it as a distinctive wine-producing area with unique characteristics that result in high-quality grapes and unique wines.
The one thing that makes this AVA stand out is its climate conducive to grape growing. The climate in the Shenandoah Valley AVA is defined by its great diurnal range – warm days and cool nights. These elements are just what grapes need to ripen gracefully, particularly Zinfandel, a grape variety that has long thrived in the Sierra Foothills. Shenandoah Valley Ava is also home to other varietals like Syrah, Barbera, and Petite Sirah.
When it comes to soils, Shenandoah Valley AVA is quite diverse. It consists of granite, volcanic soils, and clay loams, making it a haven for more than just a few grape varieties. Even more, these unique soils allow for grape varieties and their resulting wines to have very distinct expressions.
The Shenandoah Valley is home to numerous wineries and vineyards, many of which contribute to the region’s reputation for quality wine production. Wine enthusiasts often visit the area to explore tasting rooms and experience the unique terroir of the region. Domenico Winery has long produced wines in the region, with their new winery opening in early 2024.
Fiddletown
Fiddletown is a historic town located in the Amador County wine region, known for its diverse terroir and wine production. Many visit this area for its incredible, well-preserved Gold Rush-era buildings and charm. The town of Fiddletown itself has retained many of its historic structures, and visitors can explore its unique architecture and historical sites. But, we are here for the wine of course!
While there isn’t a specific AVA for Fiddletown, the town is located within Amador County wine region and has wineries outside the city. In other words, it’s an excellent place to visit before or after touring Amador’s amazing wineries, sipping their impressive lineup of Zinfandel, Syrah, and other wines.
Something you can’t miss while in Fiddletown is the Chew Kee Store Musuem. It is a historic Chinese store dating back to the Gold Rush era that is now a museum, due to the effort of the Fiddletown Preservation Society.
We hope this all-about Amador County wine region guide helped you fall a little more in love with wine. Remember – if you have any questions about Amador or wines in general, the Domenico Winery staff is here to help. Rumor has it they are experts on Amador, with vineyards in the region for years and a winery opening there in 2024!
