A Fall Day in Amador Valley Wine District – Sobon Estate, Iron Hub Winery and Rombauer Vineyards Visits
Background:
Last week a couple of us decided to venture to Amador Valley wine district a little over an hour drive from our homes. This started with Sobon Estate winning the Best White Wine from the four Sierra foothill counties: Calaveras, Amador, Placer and El Dorado. The award came from over 480 wines entered in the Folsom Wine Fest Competition where I participate as one of the judges. I personally have not been a Viognier wine fan, but this one as they say was an “aha moment” at the competition.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First stop was Sobon Estate located at 14430 Shenandoah Road in Plymouth. The winery, a family operation, opened in 1977 and has expanded considerably since.
While there besides the Viognier we tasted just a couple of the wines recommended by their attentive and knowledgeable staff, Teri and Chris.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next stop was a favorite of mine for the last 3-4 years, Iron Hub Winery. While all their wines are delicious, the two outstanding wines that I have consistently stocked in the cellar are their Chardonnay and Old Vine Zinfandel. Both have made my annual Best Wines Tasted for the last few years. While there tasting a few others in their lineup as well as ordering some cheeses and other tidbits.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
And
Photo ©Michael Kelly
They were just finishing up the last of Barbara grapes picked early that morning. Spencer Jones, winemaker, invited us to sample a few of the grapes waiting for process that were scrumptious!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Our last stop was Rombauer Vineyards tasting room. The evening before venturing to Amador, we had a Rombauer Food & Wine Pairing dinner and Rachael Akerley asked us to stop by. We were served some of the rarer and limited production wines offered by Rombauer. While generally considering Rombauer a “large and commercial winery” they do make artisan and boutique wines that are very good. Here are just a couple of wines tasted Le Meilleur du Chai translated the Best of the Cellar ($175/bottle) and a comparison of 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – all three were excellent.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Overall, a great way to spend a Friday afternoon on a beautiful fall day.
Here are some previous stories on the three wineries visited:
Sobon Estate
Iron Hub Winery
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/05/27/iron-hub-winery-with-live-music-in-amador-county/
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/07/26/2021-iron-hub-old-vine-zinfandel/
Rombauer
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
October 11, 2025 at 12:33 pm
You do have some beautiful days! Thank you for sharing .
October 11, 2025 at 3:32 pm
Yes it was a great warm fall day