Welcome, wine lovers, to Amador County—home to some of California’s best wineries. If you’re planning a visit and searching for the top Amador wineries, we’re thrilled you’re considering our beautiful region in the Sierra Foothills.
Just 100 miles east of San Francisco and 40 from Sacramento, Amador is steeped in Gold Rush history and renowned for its incredible wines. When we (at Vino Noceto) got started in the business, there were fewer than a dozen wineries scattered across the region. Today, though? There are over 50 wineries in the valley, each with its own charm. As the area continues to grow, so do your tasting options, and we want to share why Vino Noceto, the House of Sangiovese, deserves a prime spot on your Amador wine tasting itinerary.
Amador County is widely known for Zinfandel, its most widely planted grape variety. Styles vary; Zinfandels from the our California Shenandoah Valley AVA tend to be fuller, riper, and earthier, while those from the more upcountry Fiddletown AVA display a fruitier tone. Our favorite vineyard, though, is the Original Grandpère Vineyard on Shenandoah Valley’s Steiner Road.
Planted in 1869, the Original Grandpère is the oldest documented Zinfandel vineyard in California. These old, deeply rooted, head-trained vines yield tiny crops of small-berried grapes, producing intensely flavored red wines. We are one of four Amador wineries who source from this storied vineyard, alongside our neighbors Scott Harvey Wines and Andis Winery.
But even though our OGP Zinfandel is quite delightful, no visit to Amador County should stop with Zinfandel.
Here, at Vino Noceto, we like the unusual and unique. We make wine from rare Italian varietals like Sagrantino, Aglianico, Canaiolo Nero, and Teroldego. But what we’re really known for is our Sangiovese, which critics agree is, perhaps, the best Sangiovese in California.
When visiting Amador, you’ll also find Barbera specialists, like Cooper Vineyards and Dillian Wines, and Syrah Rhone Rangers, like Terre Rouge. There are also some amazing Italian varietal generalists, like Amador Cellars, and stunning concert venues, like Helwig Winery.
No matter where else you stop on your visit, you’ll find Vino Noceto’s Tasting Room centrally located in the Shenandoah Valley, just a few minutes from Plymouth. We’re known for our award-winning Italian wines and friendly, laidback, and energetic atmosphere.
Most Amador wineries, including us, offer a casual, welcoming experience. And like many of our neighbors, we’re family-owned, have picnic tables, and are dog friendly! Plus, we offer a daily Farm-to-Glass Tour that will walk you through our vineyards and cellar.
From our initial 110 cases to our current production, we are incredibly grateful for the support over our decades in the wine business. We love sharing our passion for agriculture and winemaking. We hope you’ll come visit us in the Shenandoah Valley, experience the vibrant history and character of Amador County wines, and discover the delights of California Sangiovese!
Walk-ins welcome! Come on by for a visit. We’ll bring the wine.
Weekdays: 11AM – 4PM
Weekends: 11AM – 5PM
11011 Shenandoah Road
Plymouth, CA 95669
Tasting Room: 209.245.6556 X2
Office: 209.245.6556 X4
Text: 209.286.7840
Email: vino@noceto.com