Much to Adore About Amador County Wine

Dog in vineyard with glass of wine in Amador Wine Country

This beautiful, rolling county southeast of Sacramento is highly regarded both for its wines and historic towns like Sutter Creek and Plymouth that beg lingering. Six dog-friendly wineries on the Amador County Wine Trail are situated in or near Plymouth, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley wine region. Read more.

Amador County

Follow Highway 49 south through Amador County for yet another take on Gold Country. You’ll find lodging at historic, dog-friendly establishments like Hanford House in Sutter Creek, the Imperial Hotel in Amador City and the St. George Hotel in the historic hamlet of Volcano, as well as contemporary Days Inn and Best Western properties. You’ll want to make a weekend of it, as the No. 1 attractions, wine and food, demand lingering. Read more.

Big reds and good times in Amador County

Big red dog at a winery in Amador County

Amador County, best known for its robust zinfandels and barberas, celebrates big reds with its annual Barbera Festival, an outdoor sip-and-stroll event set this year for Sept. 16 at Terra d’Oro/Montevina Winery in the foothill town of Plymouth. More than 80 wineries from all over the state will be pouring, while top restaurants will offer samples of their fare. Artists, musicians and vendors will of course be on hand, too. If you can guarantee your dog will be a good dog in a crowded situation, bring her along (but be sure to keep her leashed, provide water and—you know the drill—pick up after her immediately should the need arise). Read more.

San Diego bound

Lily Pond at Balboa Park, San Diego.

In San Diego County, it’s a dog life when it comes to hiking, beaching, dining and sharing a hotel room with your pup. Read more.

Doggedly exploring Amador County

Photo by @konabear_wolfdog

If there’s one part of California wine country getting an exceptional amount of buzz this past year, it’s Amador County—and specifically the Shenandoah Valley AVA, best known for its robust zinfandels. Most of the 20-plus wineries in this relatively compact area welcome dogs in their picnic areas if not their tasting rooms, but you’ll want to get settled into the night’s lodging before setting out to sip and swirl.