Is Amador California’s Last Great
Undiscovered Wine Region?

by Stan Hock
May 16, 2008

Amador's production of robust, intensely flavored red wines also reflects its high percentage of old vines, including several vineyards dating to the 19th century. These deeply rooted, head-trained vines are responsible for the intense, concentrated Zinfandels for which Amador County is renowned. But now Syrah and the entire range of Rhone varietals are giving Zins are run for their money, er...acreage.

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Fiddletown AVA, in Amador County, was settled in 1849 and quickly became a supply centre for the surrounding gold mining camps. However, when the gold began to disappear, so did the people. Settlers had planted vines, which were abundant by the late 1800s. After this section of the Mother Lode experienced mass exodus, it was not until the early 1970s that Fiddletown’s loam soil sported vines again. Today, most of the vineyards are on the region’s southern and western hills. They produce grapes that are less forceful in alcohol with more elegant fruit character than the rest of the valley. The appellation is responsible for about 20% of Amador's production. Sitting between 1,500-2,500 feet elevation, this appellation was recognized as distinct from its surroundings by the BATF in November, 1983.

Current Feature

Granholm v. Heald 3 Years Later
Notes on the current state of direct-to-consumer shipping
By Eleanor & Ray Heald
May 29, 2008

May 16, 2008 marked the third anniversary of the U.S Supreme Court decision in the case of Granholm v. Heald. Wine Institute figures show that 36 of the 50 states now have some form of direct shipping. [>] continue