Amador Cellars — Attraction in California

I don't post a lot of reviews because I feel that I either need to reward a business that is fantastic for me or warn the potential customer that they may want to try elsewhere. This review is for the latter...

I had been told by two different winemaker friends in the Valley to try the Amador Cellars Sangiovese some time. Well, that sometime was last Wednesday afternoon when friends of the business and wine lovers came to visit us. We headed first to Amador Cellars tasting room on a beautiful day and in a fantastic mood for good wine! As we drove up, first impression was quaint and nicely understated. Walking in the door we noted that there were 2 staff behind the counter and only 3 other guests in the tasting room, great ratio! One of the staff placed wine glasses in front of each of us while letting us know that their was a $5 a head charge unless we bought the obligatory bottle. She poured a wine without telling us what is was and left never to be seen again. We waited and waited for a second pour. Finally I pardoned myself to intrude on the other staff member, who was chatting with the other 3 guests, and asked if she would please pour the second wine for us. She did but without telling us what the wine was. She then went back to her 3 waiting guests. With the room empty and the only conversation coming from the other 3 guests and the remaining staff member, it was at this time I realized that the staff member was not chit-chatting with a "guest", it was a group of their neighbors or friends. It was at this moment that I felt very unappreciated as a customer. To get our third pour I had to again interrupt the conversation next to us. The staff member came over to pour for us but never said what she was pouring and missed pouring my friend's glass. She then went back over to her conversation. At this point I was furious with my friend holding back a wry smile. Not wanting to start a yelling match with a worker who could not care less about her customer, I pulled out my wallet and put a 20 in front of her for the tasting fee as we walked out. She looked at me but never made a peep. We went to the winery across the street to re-group and have a snack. We began talking with the other patrons next to us at this winery and they laughed, stating that the same unwelcome experience had just happened to them! This winery must be rolling in the dough in order to treat customers this thoughtlessly. I have faith that this is not the demise of Amador County but only the bad apple in the barrel. By the way, the three wines that we did try were okay. Never did get that Sangio though.

Summary, 4 stars for the wine, 0 for the help = 2 stars overall Thanks for reading and have a...

A small, partially family-owned/run winery. Offers a range of French and Italian varietals, from more common (e.g. Zin) to less commonly found (e.g. Mourvèdre). Beautiful, scenic, relaxing setting. Very friendly, chill, and knowledgeable staff. Their wines are hidden gems that have actually won a good amount of awards at well-known sources. For example, their 2017 Barbera won double gold at the SF Chronicle Wine Competition, and their 2016 Farmhouse Red was rated 98 points and won double gold at the SF International Wine Competition. Only $5 for a tasting for...

We’ve been members at Amador Cellars for years. We’ve been part of the old crush club and this the only, only winery that we have been members without break since like 2012. New since covid has been outdoor tastings at the barn along with “Savoring Sundays”. This is a pairing of wines provided by Michael, the wine maker and food dishes prepared by Justin and his wife of Justin’s Pantry. Great wines and great food! The family rocks. The wines rock. We visit...