have had decades of growing all types of grapes, pioneers to Amador County like Scott Harvey Wines and others are finding real advantages to producing
specific varietals in this area.
California, by the way, happens to be the fourth largest producer of wines in the world, following only Italy, France,
and Spain.
Every area has strengths and weaknesses for growing specific grape varieties. In Amador County, the Zinfandel has arisen as the
principal variety, while Cabernet Sauvignon has emerged as one of the most popular varietals in other locations,
including Sonoma Valley. Also produced here are Syrah and some important high-quality Italian varietals like Sangiovese
and Barbera, as well as Rhone varietals like Syrah and Viognier.
A Look at Sonoma Valley’s Wine Business
Sonoma is the birthplace of California’s wine business, supporting the state’s oldest premier and family-owned wineries.
With highly diverse growing conditions, Sonoma Valley has 19 AVAs offering tall mountains, fifty miles of coastline,
numerous hills, and sun-kissed valleys.
This area is home to over 60 different grape varieties, although seven comprise more than 90% of the overall production.
The principal varieties harvested here are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sauvignon
Blanc, and Syrah.
Amador County Growing and Winemaking
Only about 100 miles to the east, the Amador County wine area, also known as Gold Country, is continuing to grow as an
outstanding wine production area, complete with several artisan wineries.
This area of Northern California initially attracted hopeful prospectors from 1848 to 1855. While most had little luck
finding gold, many stayed because of the beauty and other attributes of the area.
While growing grapes for around 150 years, Amador County is less well-known than Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley. While
more tourists explore those other regions regularly, Amador’s mountaintop and foothill vineyards have been producing
excellent
Zinfandels and Barberas, always
worthy of direct comparisons to the wines of any other region.
Amador County offers visitors a chance to escape from the more extensive crowds of Sonoma Valley and focus more on the
proudly crafted wines of exceptional value served by proud families and others at the boutique wineries of Amador
County.
The higher elevations of Amador County are supportive of a different group of grapes than in Sonoma Valley. The climate
is different, generally somewhat cooler, and the soils are highly diverse.
Visit Scott Harvey Wines
After spending many years making top-level wines in Napa Valley, Scott Harvey moved his operations to Amador County to
take advantage of the many attributes of growing and producing there.
Scott and Jana Harvey now produce a wide range of conventional and specialty wines, each designed to serve at any
gathering.
To learn more about Scott Harvey Wines and to make reservations for your
visit, visit the winery’s website at the Book New Reservation
location. You can choose from three locations in Plymouth, Sutter Creek, or Clarksburg, California.
If you have questions, phone Scott Harvey Wines at (209)-245-3670.