According to many wine experts, Amador County’s microclimate, or terrior , has proven to be exceptional for the production of high quality wines. The word ‘terrior’ is French for soil, but in wine terms it encompass much more, including microclimate, temperatures, drainage and a host of other factors that effect grape production. According to a recent editorial by wine expert Jeff Farance with News Journal online, Amador County is a prime example of all the elements of terrior working together. He went on to explain that any wine-grape-growing area will designate specific locales, from several-county areas to a particular hillside or even a single vineyard as being sufficiently different types of terrior.

Amador County, as it turns out, is prime territory for growing and producing Zinfandel. Wedged between the Central Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains, our unique local climate is where Zinfandel grapes thrive. Many local vintners have become famous for their contributions to the worldwide Zinfandel market, including Sutter Home Family Vineyards, Montevina Winery, Story Winery and Renwood. Although relatively small compared to the juggernaut that is Napa Valley, Amador County’s recognition as a competitive force in the worldwide wine industry continues to grow- and our terrior, deserves the most thanks.