Seeing Red in Amador

I have loved red wine for quite some time now. It hasn't always been that way though. I was well into my thirties until I started liking red wine. The turning point for me was when my wife accepted an invitation to a wine tasting event. Being a beer and cocktail kind of guy, I reluctantly went along. I didn't care for red wine and white wine was only palatable to me at the time.

As it turned out, I found myself enjoying some of the reds for the first time in my life. Knowing this, I was quick to accept the next invite from friends that were heading up to the Amador Wine Region in the Sierra Foothills of California. The wineries and vineyards are scattered across the rolling hills like a picture from "Under a Tuscan Sun". The wine, zinfandel in particular, was different than what I was used to. It was sweeter, bolder, spicier, and zippier than other wines I had tried before. I love it and I was converted for life.

Since that time I have enjoyed many different red wines from all over the world. I have been on wine tasting trips throughout California, as well as other parts of the world. I belong to at least a dozen wine clubs and I attend several wine festivals every year. I like several different varietals of reds but the Amador Zin is still my favorite.

This experience of converting to red wine is not unique to me. Over the years I have learned of many others that had the same experence and made the transition to red too. I have also had the pleasure of converting many "white only" drinkers to reds. All it takes is a visit to the California Foothills.

If you are a red wine lover, open to giving red wine a try, or would like to see that transformation in someone else, then take a day trip to lesser know wine country in California to the Sierra Foothills. There are so many wineries up there that you can't possibly visit all of them in a day. I think that the trip is more enjoyable if you limit your stops to five or less. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the beautiful grounds surrounding Dever Vineyards. Go slow and explore the region while you discover your own favorites. Take the time to visit with the wine makers. Unlike the Napa Area, here you're likely to find the winemaker, with his grape stained apron and a Kool-Aid smile, pouring you your tasting. This area is like no other and well worth the trip.

Here is a list of some of my favorite wineries from the Amador area:

Deaver Vineyards, Dillian Wines, Dobra Zemlja, and Story Winery.

UPDATE: New favorite from this region! "C. G. De Arie" is a little know winery located on top of Mt Aukum in the Amador wine region. Fantastic wines! A must try for anyone going to the area.