T H E A R E A
The B. Levaggi General Mercantile Building is located in Plymouth, California, “The Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley.” This is old vine and gold rush country: a fertile land between Lake Tahoe & San Francisco, above the fog and below the snow, known for rich wine and rich Californian history. Plymouth was the very heart and soul of the California Gold Rush. This area has long been home to pioneers and innovators.
Shenandoah Valley, an American Viticulture Area (AVA), is home to America’s oldest vines and over 40 wineries amador wine. wineries nestled along the scenic back roads of the Sierra Foothills in Amador County. Visitors can discover a variety of award winning, character-filled and distinctive wines of excellent quality. The prized old-vine Zinfandels are renown. Wine tastings here are welcoming and tranquil with a relaxed sophistication, reminiscent of Napa Valley 50 years ago. Shenandoah Valley also offers wonderful wines, stunning views (similar to Napa’s but more expansive of the Sierras), without any of the traffic or congestion of Napa. Frommer’s voted Amador County as one of the top places to visit.
As Amador County’s wines have gained attention, the area has drawn several noteworthy culinary establishments. Taste, a restaurant half a block away from the B. Levaggi General Mercantile Building, is part of the flourishing scene that’s gaining momentum in Plymouth.
Wine Enthusiast Magazine voted Taste one of the top 100 wine restaurants in America, and Zagat deemed Taste as one of the top restaurants in America and the #1 rated restaurant in the Sacramento Region. Since 2008, Taste has continually been awarded with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for the wine program. Chef/owner Mark Berkner and his culinary team were invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House. Taste has received praise from the regional press, New York Times and from many foodie blogs.
restaurant taste
To learn more about some of the area’s successful business endeavors
Wine and culinary endeavors are just part of the story here. The area’s gold rush history, cultural offerings, natural resources and vast recreational opportunities are found throughout this friendly old world region.
Several Historic Gold Rush towns rich with small town hospitality are in close proximity to each other and well worth visiting. Historic Sutter Creek, the crown jewel, is alive with boutique hotels, galleries, artisanal shops, fine restaurants and charming neighborhoods. The connecting backcountry roads and shaded Oak studded hills are perfect for bike touring, hiking and leisurely drives. Lakes, streams and rivers beckon swimmers, picnickers, campers and anglers. Gold mining, camping and guided historic tours are available at Roaring Camp Mining Co.
Amador County is home to farmer’s markets, open art studios, music events, a thriving creative writing guild and local theater companies hosting live performances. A local course provides
year-round golfing and the county’s own ski resort, Kirkwood, is an easy commute away. The Black Chasm Cavern offers spelunking in jaw dropping, world-class caves. The world’s largest trees live nearby in Big Tree State Park. Indian Grinding Rock Historic State Park, previous home to Native Americans, has the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America.
This idyllic area is a coveted secret to all those who know it. With less than an hour drive to Sacramento, and a little over two hours to San Francisco, the secret is quickly getting out.
sutter creek/gold-country-ca-travel-planner
More about Amador County!
A bold new chapter for Amador Zinfandel
SFGATE Article, 02-07-16