wilderotter winery

Wilderotter Vineyard was our first destination on a second day of wine tasting in Amador County, and our focus was wineries on Shenendoah School Road. The tasting room sits like a little cupcake on the side of the road. It is a pleasant space with room for perhaps a dozen tasters at the bar. As was our approach at other wineries we visited, we focused on the reds, and did not partake of any of the whites. The initial impression of the tasting room staff and experience, and let me emphasize the word initial, was a bit lukewarm. We were informed that there was a $5 tasting fee; I have no problem with that. For a $5 fee, we were offered a plate with cheese, Marcona almonds, and salami to accompany the reds. At least initially, this had a very clinical/antiseptic Napa feel to it, and I am not a big fan of what Napa has become. However, as the tasting progressed and we discussed the wines and what we enjoyed, the experience changed, and it became much “friendlier” and quite enjoyable. By the time we had left we had not only tasted and bought some wines that we enjoyed, especially the 2012 Petite Sirah ($29), but also gotten some very useful advice on local eateries. With the purchase of wine, the tasting fees were waived (still a common practice in Amador County) and the fee for the cheese plate was also waived. In the end, all was right in the world. This was not Napa after all, and in my book that is a positive. Perhaps it was just a matter of getting in the right frame of mind. The location is quite pretty, and there are some tables on the patio behind the tasting room with views of the vineyard. I assume that like at other wineries they are available to customers who want to turn their visit into a bit of a picnic. Wilderotter Vineyard is open for tasting daily, and as you may discover, this is not the norm in Amador County. Do check when the wineries you want to visit offer tastings. Many are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I would certainly go back and visit Wilderotter again, but I would first want to reduce the length of my long list of unvisited Amador County wineries.

Wilderrotter winery was out 2nd stop on a winery tour and by far was our favorite. It was super friendly from walking in to leaving. Racheal, was our super friendly Somaliae and was a delight. The group was given lovely cheese plates at a nice table outside during our tasting. Of the 5 wineries that we visited, this is the one I will stop at again. Also delicious wine...

Went there to pick up our last wine club. Less than average wine for a high price. I asked for the free bottle of wine re a postcard they had sent. The woman there screamed at us in front of a room full of people tasting. Try Toscano's or Bella Piazza (next door). Great wine, staff, and good discounts for wine club members. Not to mention the weekly, gourmet free buffets!

We'd admired their wines for years, from afar - but now that we live in California, finally got the chance to visit. The wine is amazing, and the people are amazingly nice. Visit! Join the wine club! We're returning for the fall tasting event.

This is a must on your winery visits in the Shennandoah. They had one of the best wine selection menu's. They have a great outside area where we ate our picnic lunch. Staff was great.