Calaveras and Amador County Wines Are Sierra Foothill Gems

While the Sierra Foothills boasts some of California’s oldest wine traditions, this region often flies under the radar. Yet it’s a treasure trove of bold wines, rich history and innovative winemakers.

Discover California Wines is a campaign by Wine Institute, an association of more than 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses. That means we’re experts on California wine, including Sierra Foothills wineries and Calaveras and Amador County wines.

Let’s dive into these two counties, including the history, the wines grown there and which wineries to visit or seek out at your local wine shop. 

The History of Calaveras and Amador County Wines

The Sierra Foothills region, including Amador and Calaveras counties, played a pivotal role in California’s wine origin story. 

This area was the epicenter of the Gold Rush, which brought many explorers west. In the 19th century, ranching dominated and crops like wheat, alfalfa and fruit trees thrived in these foothills.

Over time, winemaking began to take root, with grapevines first planted by European immigrants seeking to recreate the wines of their homeland. An entrepreneurial Swiss immigrant planted vines in the Shenandoah Valley, and, by the turn of the 20th century, the region boasted over 100 wineries, mostly planted to the Mission grape and Zinfandel.

Today, Amador County is known as old vine country, with nearly 600 acres over 60 years old. Meanwhile, Calaveras County, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, retains its 19th-century charm. Once a bustling Gold Rush hub, it’s now the perfect region for growing robust grape varieties like Zinfandel and Primitivo.

What Makes Amador and Calaveras Counties Great For Wine?

The region’s geography and climate set it apart. Most of their vineyards sit at elevations ranging from 500 to 3,000 feet. The topography includes hillsides, mesas and meadows, often interspersed with pine forests, creating a striking landscape.

The secret to Calaveras and Amador County wines lies in the region’s unique combination of climate, soil and topography. Both counties are situated in the Sierra Foothills, a region known for warm days, cool nights and well-draining soils. This diurnal temperature shift helps preserve the acidity and balance of the grapes while allowing them to develop deep, concentrated flavors.

The soils here are predominantly decomposed granite and volcanic ash, offering excellent drainage and forcing vines to work harder to reach nutrients. This struggle results in smaller, more concentrated grapes, which are ideal for producing wines with bold, intense flavors.

The region’s rolling hills and varied elevations also create diverse microclimates, making it possible to grow a wide range of grape varieties. 

What Are The Main Types of Calaveras and Amador County Wines?

Amador and Calaveras Counties are renowned for their bold, full-bodied wines. The major grape varieties include:

• Zinfandel: The signature grape of the Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel thrives in the warm climate and produces wines with rich, jammy flavors and spicy undertones.
• Primitivo: A close relative of Zinfandel, Primitivo offers a more rustic, earthy profile that complements the region’s terroir.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its structure and complexity, Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from the region’s warm days and cool nights, resulting in wines with balanced tannins and ripe fruit flavors.

Amador County is one of California’s tiniest counties but is a mecca for many Zinfandel fans. A large majority of the Amador County wines are Zinfandel, with some vines planted prior to Prohibition. Amador Zinfandel tends to be rich and is often described as “chewable.” Syrah, Sangiovese and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown in the area. 

In the early 2000s, many winemakers took interest in and planted Rhône varieties such as Grenache, Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Today, the area remains a haven for Zinfandel lovers, while also carving out a reputation for bold, authentic wines made from a mix of Rhône and Italian varieties.

A Recipe To Pair With Amador and Calaveras County Wines

Try pairing a California Merlot or red blend with a Beet and Winter Squash Galette to get a taste of California in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key characteristics of the Calaveras County wine region? 

Calaveras County, part of the Sierra Foothills AVA, is known for its diverse microclimates and rich history dating back to the Gold Rush era. The region’s wine characteristics include:

• Grapes: Calaveras is renowned for its robust Zinfandels, aromatic Viogniers, and increasingly, bold Italian and Spanish varieties such as Barbera and Tempranillo.
• Climate and Terroir: The area benefits from a high elevation, which provides a cooler climate relative to the valley floor. This, combined with distinct soil types ranging from volcanic to granitic, contributes to the complexity and uniqueness of the wines.
• Winemaking Style: Many wineries in Calaveras County emphasize sustainable and organic farming practices, producing wines that reflect the terroir with minimal intervention.

What distinguishes Amador County as a wine region? 

Amador County is also part of the Sierra Foothills and is famed for its old-vine Zinfandels, some of which date back to the 19th century. Key highlights of Amador’s wine region include:

• Historical Vineyards: The county has some of the oldest Zinfandel vineyards in the United States, many over a century old, which produce concentrated and complex wines.
• Wine Profile: Besides Zinfandel, Amador is known for Rhône varieties such as Syrah and Grenache and other Mediterranean varieties like Sangiovese.
• Winemaking Approach: There is a strong community focus on preserving the authenticity and heritage of their vineyards.

What are some tips for wine tasting in Calaveras and Amador Counties?

 When planning a wine tasting trip to Calaveras and Amador Counties, consider these tips to enhance your experience:

• Schedule Wisely: Many wineries in these regions are small and family-operated, so it’s best to check their opening hours and make appointments if required, especially for groups.
• Diverse Climates: The weather can vary significantly between lower and higher elevations in these areas. Dress in layers to accommodate changes in temperature and comfort throughout the day.
• Explore Local Pairings: Take advantage of the wineries that offer food pairings with their tastings. Local cheeses, cured meats and other regional specialties can complement and enhance the wine tasting experience.