Zinfandel Ridge is located in the rolling hills of Plymouth, California in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Above the fog and below the snow, Plymouth is just 40 minutes from downtown Sacramento, but a tranquil world apart, nestled in a fertile area where the rich volcanic soil has produced wine grapes since the 1850s.
Indeed, Plymouth is known as the “Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley,” an Amador County region whose wines have increasingly gained acclaim (and awards) in recent years. And while Shenandoah Valley begs comparison with its more conspicuous counterpart, Napa Valley, it is said to offer both more and less–more beauty and less congestion.
Today the area is home to nearly 40 wineries, many of them family-owned and run, nestled along scenic back roads that wind their way through the hills and valleys.
A wine-tasting here finds visitors discovering a wonderful variety of wines of excellent quality—the prized old-vine Zinfandels are our community’s namesake—in settings that are reminiscent of Napa Valley 40 or 50 years ago. Welcoming and tranquil, yet with an appealing sophistication.
As Amador County’s wines have gained attention, the area has also drawn a number of noteworthy dining establishments. Downtown Plymouth is home to more than one, including Taste, the Zagat-rated #1 restaurant in the Sacramento region and winner of Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. It’s all part of the flourishing scene that’s gaining momentum in Plymouth and the Valley at large.
But wine and dining are just part of the story here. The area’s rich history, natural resources and vast recreational opportunities are evident everywhere within this welcoming region. Historic Sutter Creek is abuzz with boutiques, galleries and gourmet shops. Lakes and streams beckon hikers, campers and anglers. Local theater companies host live performances. Golf is a year-round pleasure at two local courses. And of course, modern conveniences are nearby, including the health center in Plymouth, Sutter Amador Hospital in Jackson and Kaiser medical offices in Folsom. Jackson also offers plenty of appealing shopping options, as does Martell and El Dorado Hills, just a short drive away.
So much to do. So much to enjoy!
