Plymouth lies nestled in the Sierra Foothills just a short drive from busy Sacramento. Plymouth is a quaint and historical town, where one can shop, stay, eat delicious al fresco meals and taste good wine of course.
This is a round-up of 5 of the best wineries in Plymouth that you won’t want to miss. We aim not just to answer all your questions about the wineries but also to pique your interest in this fascinating and historical area.
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A Bit Of Plymouth Winery History
Grape cuttings were first brought to the US by Spanish missionaries to grow and make their communion wines. It was only in the 19th century that serious attempts were made to improve the quality of winemaking and cuttings were imported from Europe.
The US is the fourth-largest wine-producing country in the world and California accounts for 94% of its output.
Let’s zoom in on the Shenandoah Valley located in Amador County in the Sierra Foothills region of California. There is a substantial wine industry in the county. The area is about 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Sacramento in a part of California known as the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
And Plymouth is literally surrounded by vineyards, all drenched in sunshine. The valleys are a source of fruit, easy-drinking wines that impart pleasure at an affordable price.
First up let’s play some Trivial Pursuit before we get to the top 5 Plymouth wineries in California.
What Is The Oldest Winery In Plymouth?
D’Agostini Winery, now called Sobon Estate, is the oldest winery in California. Built in 1856, Sobon Estate still operates today and is family-owned and managed. Their Shenandoah Vineyards Tastings Room is open for wine tasting from 10am-4 pm 7 days a week. Reservations are encouraged.
Leon and Shirley Sobon founded Shenandoah Vineyards in 1977. They were one of the first four wineries in Amador County’s now well known Shenandoah Valley appellation. From the first offering of 1,200 cases, the winery has continued to thrive. Currently, it produces around 20 000 cases per year.
Additionally, it’s a pretty green winery as well. Besides an extensive solar system, Sobon Estate recycles its cardboard, glass and metal waste. The white paper waste from the office (about 10 cubic feet per week) is shredded and added to their grape compost to aid in its breakdown.
Ready to taste some wine yet? Let’s take the plunge by looking at 5 of the best Plymouth wineries you won’t want to miss out on.
5 Best Plymouth Wineries You Won’t Want to Miss
Of the more than 42 wineries around Plymouth, here’s a list of our choice.
Wilderotter Vineyard
Offering a large range of award-winning wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Wilderotter Vineyard has a tasting room with large patios overlooking the surrounding hills.
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Consisting of 80 acres in Plymouth, the winery produces 21 varietals, which now include Zinfandel, Syrah, Tempranillo, Barbera, Viognier, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Sauvignon Blanc. They currently produce 5 000 cases annually.
They have two guest houses if you want to stay, with full concierge services and an in-house chef. These are the self-catering Vineyard House and the Grand Reserve Inn. They cater for weddings and private events, and even large group visits.
They are open daily from 10.30am-5pm.
Vino Noceto Winery
Having opened its doors in 1987, Vino Noceto is renowned as a Californian Sangiovese specialist. They also produce various Italian and local foothill varietals including Barbera, old-vine Zinfandel, a light and spritzy Moscato called Frivolo, a ruby-style Port and even Grappa.
This vineyard and winery are kind to the land too as they practise “reuse, recycle, renew.” Vino Noceto is one of only three Sierra Foothill wineries to be recognised by California’s Waste Reductions Awards Program (WRAP).
Tasting Room Hours: Weekdays 11am-4pm & Weekends 11am-5pm. Groups can be accommodated up to 8 guests on a first come first serve basis. If you have a larger party, please call to make a reservation and to learn more about our group offerings.
Turley Wine Cellars
Nestling in the foothills of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, Turley Wine Cellars boasts the nation’s oldest vineyards. The Amador County tasting room is located in the town of Plymouth, made famous during the 1948 Gold Rush. Plymouth is located 120 miles Northeast of San Francisco and 40 miles Southeast of Sacramento.
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Open by appointment for tastings from Thursday to Sunday 10am – 3pm. They close on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Turley’s tasting rooms and outdoor patios are open on a limited reservation basis only. Outdoor seating is available upon request, weather permitting. Reservations are required and all guests must be at least 21 years of age. Reservations are managed to allow for gracious spacing and an enjoyable guest experience.
Karmere Winery
Karmere Winery operates out of an elegant French-style château, making it one of the more picturesque wineries in Plymouth. They even offer complimentary tastings, so there really is no excuse for not paying them a visit. The Pavilion at Karmère is the centre for winery events.
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Story Winery
Produces award-winning wines such as Zinfandel, Barbera, Sangiovese, Mission, Primitivo, Chardonnay and Syrah. Large picnic facilities are available for wine lovers to enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding Cosumnes River Canyon. Located above the middle fork of the Cosumnes River valley, their tasting room and picnic grounds are open daily. Mon-Thur 12pm-4pm, Fri-Sun 11am-5pm.
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All the wineries are dedicated to producing premium wines that impart distinctively regional character. All offer the best hospitality around, so pack a picnic basket.
With its year-round warm Mediterranean climate, Plymouth is loaded with attractions including various interesting gift shops, a Farmers Market and a Flower Farm where one can bye fresh cut flowers.
Have fun choosing your wine tasting and don’t forget to make time for exploring historical Plymouth.
It’s the perfect day trip from San Francisco.