Amador County is well known for its Zinfandel grapes dating back to 1856. The ideal growing conditions within the County have allowed for the wine grape industry to become quite diversified. The Amador County Wine Grape Growers’ Association has more than 125 members growing more than 30 different varietals of grapes. Amador County vineyards are now also producing world-class Rhone, Italian and Port varietals.

As diverse as the varietals planted, so are the conditions in which they are grown. The elevation of Amador Vineyards ranges from 250 feet in the western foothills to 2900 feet in the east. Daytime temperatures in the summer range from the eighties to over one hundred degrees. The Delta breezes and mountains to the east provide significant nighttime cooling. Shenandoah Valley Vineyards are planted on mostly Sierra-Ahwanee soil. Vineyards in the southeastern part of the county are planted on Pentz-pardee soil, while the eastern most plantings are on Aiken soil. The dominant vegetation throughout the area is grassland and hundred year old oak trees which attest to the fertile soils.