Frequently Asked Questions

The Casino Mine Ranch Winery is a family-owned winery in Amador County, California. Featuring Zinfandel, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Greco Vermentino, Teroldego and Tempranillo varietals, the winery provides deep, bold, highly-rated, award-winning wines.

Yes. The tasting room is open Thursday through Monday from 11AM to 4:30PM. Please see https://www.casinomineranch.com/visit-us/ for details. Plus, we hold oodles of events. Please see https://www.casinomineranch.com/events/ for our event calendar.

The tasting room is located at 10690 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA 95669. Drive in, cross the bridge past our pond and our curious turtles, and park at the Don Jacobs-designed tasting room.

Yes. Come meet beneath our trellis, our tasting room, or even our caves for corporate retreats, offsites, and holiday parties. The Casino Mine Ranch Winery delivers an unforgettable location for your next event. Enjoy delicious food and simply incredible wines. For more details, please see https://www.casinomineranch.com/corporate-events/ .

Yes. Though, the tasting room itself has to be for those 21 years and older. Our garden area is perfect for families to enjoy the beauty of the winery.

Built on the adventurous spirit of the Gold Rush. The name is no accident. In 1936, Simone Vanophem Shaw, a fiercely independent Belgian war refugee, bought the land in search of gold. She called it the Casino Mine Ranch, a nod to the gamble she knew she was taking. Simone and her husband panned for gold, raised sheep and cattle, grew various crops, and held damn good parties.

Decades later, her grand-nephews Jim and Rich Merryman carried that same spirit of risk into the vineyard. In 2011, they planted the first 14 acres of vines on the property. Starting a winery was every bit as daring as Simone’s search for gold, but the gamble has paid off. Today Casino Mine Ranch is known for wines as bold and unconventional as the people who shaped it.

Simone Shaw was unforgettable, glamorous, tough, and utterly original. She wore pearls while shooting rattlesnakes, raised chickens and mushrooms in the old mine caves, and demanded her husband dress for dinner in ascot and coat because, in her words, every night was an occasion.

Her story set the tone for everything we do today. Our flagship wine, Simone, is a Grenache-Mourvèdre blend that mirrors her spirit: elegant yet rugged, full of life, and meant for a feast whether you’re in boots or in diamonds. Learn more about Simone, https://www.casinomineranch.com/our-family/simone/.

The easiest way to keep up with us is to join our email list, https://www.casinomineranch.com/mailing-list/.

Tucked into the rocky hills of Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley, Casino Mine Ranch is a place where the land still calls the shots. Every vine here has fought for its footing in volcanic soil and iron-rich clay, and that struggle shows up beautifully in the glass. Our wines are bold but balanced, shaped by sun, wind, and a bit of stubbornness, the same kind that’s guided our family since this land was first worked generations ago.

From Vermentino and Greco to Teroldego and Aglianico, we plant what excites us. It’s a philosophy that keeps our winemaking curious and creative. Under the direction of Jessica Tarpy Shaheen and consulting winemaker Andy Erickson, we take risks, refine constantly, and craft wines that speak clearly of where they come from.

Visitors come to the Casino Mine Ranch Winery to slow down. Our Don Jacobs-designed tasting room is built among Amador’s rolling estate vines, overlooking the pond where waterfowl, turtles and occasional river otter can be seen. Our venue invites conversation, discovery, and the kind of hospitality that feels genuine. It’s casual but intentional, every glass poured with a story, every moment meant to be savored. Whether you join us for a relaxed afternoon tasting or one of our lively events like the Ranch Rager, you’ll leave feeling like part of the family.

Our vineyards rest on ancient volcanic ash and decomposed granite, some of the oldest, most complex soils in the Sierra Foothills. These conditions produce wines with natural tension, minerality, and unmistakable character. The vines dig deep, yields stay low, and the result is fruit that’s concentrated, flavorful, and distinctly Amador. You can taste the story of the land itself: rugged, raw, and quietly powerful.

Every winery has a view. Ours just happens to come with a point of view. We’re guided by family, independence, and a respect for the land that gives us everything. Our wines are unapologetically original, born from tough soil, honest work, and a belief that Amador still has stories worth telling.

Widely recognized as one of California’s most respected winemakers, Andy Erickson brings to the Casino Mine Ranch Winery a legacy that spans Napa Valley’s most iconic estates. After earning his Master’s in Enology at UC Davis, Andy cut his teeth at Spottswoode, Saintsbury, and later at Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle, Staglin Family Vineyard, and Ovid Napa Valley, experiences that shaped his precise yet intuitive approach to winemaking.

Alongside his wife, viticulturist Annie Favia, Erickson co-founded Favia Wines and Leviathan Wine, labels celebrated for their balance, vineyard expression, and artistry. Today, as a consultant for top-tier producers including Dalla Valle, Mayacamas, Arietta, and To Kalon Vineyard Company, Andy is known for his minimalist philosophy, respect the vineyard, guide the fruit, and let the site speak.

At the Casino Mine Ranch Winery, his role is both visionary and hands-on, mentoring the winemaking team and ensuring that each vintage channels the vineyard’s natural beauty into pure, focused expression.

Jessica Tarpy Shaheen brings a dynamic blend of international perspective and local devotion to her work as Director of Winemaking at the Casino Mine Ranch Winery. A Louisiana native and UCLA alumna, Jessica’s early fascination with Italy inspired her to study viticulture and enology at Fresno State, leading to harvests in South Africa, Italy, and across California.

Since joining Andy Erickson’s consulting team in 2008, she has honed her craft at some of the most acclaimed Napa cellars, where she became known for her disciplined palate and precise blending style.

Jessica’s approach to winemaking is grounded in science, balance, and intuition, informed by her background in biology and geology and guided by a belief that great wines should reveal, not obscure, their origin.

Beyond the Casino Mine Ranch Winery, she and her husband, Andrew Shaheen, produce Gather Wines, a small-batch Amador County label focused on Tempranillo and site expression. This personal connection to the region gives her a rare dual perspective, both as a steward of the winery and as a local winemaker rooted in the Sierra Foothills community.

Nick Finarelli brings the next generation of craftsmanship and site-driven passion to the Casino Mine Ranch Winery. Before joining the team, Nick led the Amador County program at the beloved, highly-rated Turley Wine Cellars, where he worked extensively with heritage Zinfandel and old-vine vineyards such as Shake Ridge.

Educated in viticulture and enology with fieldwork across Switzerland, Burgundy, and Tuscany, Nick developed a deep appreciation for the nuances of old-vine farming and native fermentations. His time at Turley solidified his reputation as a meticulous, terroir-focused winemaker who bridges traditional methods with modern precision.

At the Casino Mine Ranch Winery, Nick leads daily production with a focus on Amador’s distinctive volcanic soils, Mediterranean climate, and Rhône and Iberian varietals. His philosophy, that wines should tell the truth of their vineyard, aligns seamlessly with the winery’s mission to craft authentic, expressive Sierra Foothills wines.

Casino Mine Ranch Winery’s vineyard management and viticulture is led by Derek Irwin of Madura Consulting and our day-to-day vineyard lead, Gonzalo Garduño. Together, they focus on vine balance, canopy management, and thoughtful water and crop-load decisions that protect freshness and varietal character across Zinfandel, Italian reds (Teroldego, Aglianico, Nero d’Avola, Carignane), and our Mediterranean-leaning whites (Vermentino, Greco).

Derek Irwin (Madura Consulting) is a University of California, Davis–trained enologist and viticulturist. Derek brings 30+ years of hands-on experience across Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Amador, and El Dorado counties. He served as chief winemaker & vineyard manager at Viansa, later founding Madura Consulting to provide integrated vineyard and winery guidance. His work spans consulting winemaking and vineyard oversight across the Sierra Foothills and beyond, with a style centered on vineyard-driven balance and clarity of place.

Gonzalo Garduño brings day-to-day excellence to our fields. He supervises daily farming operations, crew leadership, canopy work, irrigation timing, and pick readiness, translating the seasonal plan into precise, block-by-block execution. His consistency shows up in clean fruit, even ripening, and the kind of picking windows that let our winemaking team hit exact targets for acidity, color, and texture.

Our winemaking approach blends precision and playfulness. We respect tradition, but we don’t worship it. Wines are made with minimal intervention, allowing fruit and terroir to speak clearly but always with an eye toward balance and drinkability.

Each vintage is farmed with care, and yields are kept intentionally low through cluster thinning. Fewer grapes per vine mean more concentration in the fruit and more intensity in the glass. The focus is always on quality, not volume. As the Wine Institute of California notes, true sustainability starts in the vineyard: thoughtful farming, measured inputs, and stewardship of the land.

This is why production remains limited: every bottle is the product of risk, restraint, and respect for the land.

We push boundaries by planting unusual grapes for the region including Vermentino, Teroldego, and Greco, alongside Amador County’s heritage Zinfandel. Our vineyard is a playground for curiosity, where tradition meets risk and planting the unexpected leads to the extraordinary. Learn more about how these varieties thrive in California through Discover California Wines.

The result: Our wines are vibrant, food-friendly, and adventurous. They are wines with a story to tell.

Yes. We grow, harvest, ferment, and bottle our wines entirely on-site, allowing us to meticulously tend every step of the process. Estate production ensures that every decision, from vine to bottle, is guided by our hands and our land.

The Casino Mine Ranch Winery’s grapes weren’t chosen to follow a trend. They were chosen to tell a story. Rich in heritage, expressive in this landscape, and reflective of our own adventurous spirit, our varieties embody the principle that great wine begins with diversity in the vineyard. For more on why unusual grapes thrive in the Sierra Foothills, see Wine Folly’s guide to uncommon California varietals.

We plant what moves us, what challenges us, and what we believe can only be truly understood when grown here, in the wild heart of Amador County.

The ranch sits on 33 acres of rugged Sierra Foothills terrain, once mined for quartz and gold, now yielding a different kind of treasure, bold, aromatic wines that speak to both history and place. The soils are a patchwork of decomposed granite, quartz veins, and iron-rich red clay. A challenging ground for most crops, but perfect for vines that thrive under stress.

These rocky soils promote low vigor and high concentration, leading to small berries with exceptional flavor. As The Sourcing Table explains, granite terroirs “produce wines that are pure, lifted, and mineral”. Qualities that define our style.

The decomposed granite of Amador is part of what makes the Sierra Foothills AVA so distinctive. Its deeply draining soils push vines to dig down and express the land’s minerality. (Wine Business Analytics)

Everything begins with the land. The volcanic soils, the stubborn hillsides, and the rhythm of heat and wind all shape how we farm and what we make. Sustainability here isn’t a marketing tool. It’s a relationship that demands attention every day.

Across our four estate vineyards, Casino Mine Ranche Originale, TK, Blood Gulch, and Bell Road, every decision is guided by one principle: Leave the land stronger than we found it.

How We Farm

Living Soil: Native grasses are mowed and returned as green compost to feed the ground, echoing the regenerative approach championed by the Rodale Institute. Organic fertilizers are delivered through the drip system, and cover crops keep erosion in check while supporting pollinators and beneficial insects.

Thoughtful Inputs: We rely almost exclusively on organic fungicides and insecticides, never using conventional strip sprays. If mildew or pest pressure climbs too high, we target only what’s necessary. Nothing more.

Sheep & Shovels: Sheep graze the vineyard through winter, naturally managing cover crops and adding manure that strengthens soil biology. Mechanical weed-eating is minimized, and disking is avoided in mature blocks to preserve soil structure and carbon r

Dry-Farmed Sites: The TK and Bell Road vineyards are completely dry-farmed, pushing vines deep into decomposed granite and red clay. This method, long used in Mediterranean climates, builds strength and complexity while conserving water.

A Living System

The ranch itself is alive with more than vines. Oak woodlands, manzanita, and open grasslands form corridors for owls, foxes, and pollinators. Seasonal creeks run through the property. Their banks restored with native plants to hold soil and encourage biodiversity. This holistic view of terroir, where ecosystem and vineyard are inseparable, reflects a new understanding of sustainability in wine. (Living Wines – A New Look at Terroir)

At our Bell Road facility, efficiency is part of the craft. Solar power runs the cellar, production water is recycled for vineyard use, and every material, from glass to cardboard, is reused or repurposed. Grape skins, stems, and seeds return to the soil as compost, closing the loop between vineyard and winery.

The Casino Mine Ranch Sustainability Philosophy

We don’t farm for certification. We farm for longevity. The goal is simple, healthy soils, balanced vines, and expressive wines. Each block tells its own story through the seasons, and we stay out of the way long enough to hear it.

The Result

Four vineyards. Thirty-some acres. Countless small decisions rooted in care. That’s what makes the Casino Mine Ranch Winery sustainable. Not a label, but a way of working that keeps the ranch wild, alive, and unmistakably ours.

For a broader look at sustainability in California’s wine industry, visit California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.

Yes. The vineyards at the Casino Mine Ranch Winery are farmed with an organic mindset, even if they’re not formally certified. Certification has its place, but our focus is on the work itself, the small, deliberate choices that keep the ranch healthy and balanced year after year. California’s wine-industry overview shows that many growers adopt sustainable and organic practices regardless of certification.

Our vineyard program, led by Madura Consulting and vineyard manager Derek Irwin, follows organic and regenerative practices across all four estate sites: Casino Mine Ranch Originale, TK, Blood Gulch, and Bell Road. That means composting mowed native grasses, using sheep for winter grazing (a practice informed by regenerative vineyards like Tablas Creek Vineyard which uses flock grazing). We apply organic fertilizers and natural soil amendments via fertigation, and we rely almost entirely on organic fungicides and insecticides, reserving non-organic inputs only when mildew or pest pressure spikes.

The Casino Mine Ranch Winery farms with intention, specifically, we:

• Never Use Strip Sprays: We never use conventional strip spraying. Treatments are targeted and minimal.
• Use Green Compost: Grass clippings and vineyard cuttings are returned to the soil, increasing organic matter and improving soil health over time, a core method in vineyards that commit to organic soil health.
• Use Natural Grazing: Sheep graze between the rows, managing grass naturally while fertilizing as they go.
• Use Dry Farming Where Possible: Select blocks (like TK and Bell Road) are completely dry-farmed, building vine strength and resilience without irrigation.
• Use Minimal Tillage: Disking is limited to young vineyard blocks in development. Mature vines are left undisturbed to protect soil biology and carbon retention, aligning with practices described in California’s sustainable winegrowing overview.

Yes. The wines from Casino Mine Ranch have earned top honors from respected competitions and critics across California. Each award reflects the balance between our rugged Amador County vineyards, hands-on farming, and our winemaking team’s precision. Our award-winning wines include:

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (2025)

2023 Zinfandel — Double Gold
2019 Mourvèdre — Gold
2017 Tempranillo — Gold

Amador County Fair Wine Competition (2024 – 2025)

• 2021 Grenache Noir — Gold & Best of Class (2025)
• 2020 Grenache Noir — Gold & Best of Class (2024)
• 2020 Mourvèdre — Double Gold & Best of Class (2024)
• 2020 Marcel — Double Gold (2024)

Foothill Wine Competition (2024)

• 2023 Flicka — Gold & Best of Class
• 2021 Grenache Blanc — Gold
• 2019 Simone — Double Gold & Best of Class
• 2023 Zinfandel — Gold (95 Points)
• 2023 Reserve Rosé — Gold
• 2017 Tempranillo — Gold

Sunset International Wine Competition (2022 – 2023)

• 2021 Vermentino — Gold (2023)
• 2019 Grenache Noir — Double Gold & Best of Class (97 Points)
• 2019 Vermentino — Double Gold

Jeb Dunnuck Sierra Foothills Report (2025)

• 2023 Vermentino — 91 Points
• 2020 Simone — 90 Points
• 2023 Zinfandel — 90 Points
• 2022 Grenache Noir — 90 Points
• 2021 Grenache Blanc — 90 Points

Awards affirm what we already know. The land gives us something special. Each medal and score is further proof that our small-lot, estate-grown approach stands out even among California’s most competitive regions.

Whether you’re tasting our crisp Vermentino, spice-driven Grenache Noir, or bold Zinfandel, you’re experiencing the same wines that judges across the state have called among the best there is.

To buy any of our acclaimed wines, please visit https://www.casinomineranch.com/collection/award-winning-wines/

Casino Mine Ranch wines have been consistently recognized by leading wine competitions and critics for their quality, craftsmanship, and expression of Amador County terroir.

Our wines have earned Gold, Double Gold, Best of Class, and Best of Region honors from respected competitions including:

• San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
• Sunset International Wine Competition
• Foothill Wine Competition
• Amador County Fair Wine Competition

Several of our wines have also been named “Sierra Foothills Favorites” by Jeb Dunnuck, further validating our commitment to site-driven winemaking and thoughtful farming.

Award-winning wines vary by vintage and availability. Guests can explore current releases via our Award-Winning Wines collection or while tasting with us at the ranch.

Award-Winning Wines collection link:
https://www.casinomineranch.com/collection/award-winning-wines/

Bright, crisp, and citrus-driven, this white wine reflects our philosophy of bringing something unexpected to Amador County. Vermentino thrives in well-drained soils and warm climates, and in our volcanic, decomposed-granite slopes it delivers a refreshing, coastal-style wine that pairs beautifully with seafood, garden vegetables, or simply a sunny afternoon. Get our award-winning Vermentino here: https://www.casinomineranch.com/product/2024-vermentino

Our Vermentino is sunshine in motion, bright, textured, and alive with the energy of the Sierra Foothills. Grown on rocky, decomposed-granite soils, our Vermentino carries the mineral tension of its site. It opens with clean aromatics of lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a touch of sea air, reflecting the grape’s coastal origins in Sardinia, Liguria and Provence. On the palate, it’s crisp and layered. Think citrus oil, stone fruit, and just-ripe melon, all tied together by a saline edge that keeps you coming back for another sip. It’s a wine that doesn’t need makeup. It’s refreshing, textured, and honest. Serve it cold, pour it generously, and let it speak for itself.

We keep it simple. Farm it right, pick it fresh, and don’t get in the way. Our Vermentino is picked in the cool of the night when the grapes are firm and bright with acidity. The clusters come straight to the press, whole and untouched, so we capture every bit of that crisp, aromatic character the variety is known for. Fermentation happens slow and clean in stainless steel, where temperature control keeps the fruit precise and the aromatics intact. After fermentation, we let the wine rest on its lees for a short spell, just long enough to build texture without softening its edge. No oak, no tricks, no heavy hands. What you taste in the glass is what came off the vine, mineral, saline, citrus-driven, and unmistakably from our patch of Amador County.

Vermentino is a light-bodied white wine that historically grows mostly in Italy, particularly on the islands of Sardinia and Corsica, and along the coasts of Tuscany, Liguria and Provence. (WineVineEducation – Vermentino overview)

Vermentino is almost always a dry white wine. While it can have intensely fruity aromas and flavors that might give an impression of sweetness, it contains very little residual sugar.

A classic Vermentino offers lively aromas of pear, white peach, lime, and pink grapefruit, with subtle notes of crushed rocks or wet stone, citrus zest, and a distinct saline or sea-air quality. The palate is typically dry with citrus and stone fruit notes, while minerality and a faint bitter-almond finish often appear. (WineFolly – Vermentino profile)

Our Vermentino carries that same coastal energy, but the Sierra Foothills give it a little more weight and dimension. The fruit ripens under long, warm days and cool nights, building texture without losing freshness. You’ll still find the citrus and minerality Vermentino is known for, but ours leans into lemon oil, melon rind, and a stony, saline snap that reflects the decomposed granite soils of Amador County. It’s the kind of white that drinks beautifully on its own but stands up to anything from grilled vegetables to seafood to salty cheeses. Proof that this Italian grape feels right at home on California ground.

If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or dry Riesling, you will likely love Vermentino. It shares a similar light-to-medium body and refreshing profile, but often presents a more complex minerality and a slightly richer, oilier texture than Pinot Grigio.

While its exact origins are debated, the most-credited theory is that the grape travelled from Spain to Italy via France in the 14th century. It has thrived for centuries along the Mediterranean coasts, particularly in Sardinia’s DOCG Vermentino di Gallura, and is also planted in Provence (under the name Rolle).

Its crisp acidity and saline notes make it a perfect match for a wide range of foods, especially seafood. It is exceptional with grilled fish, freshly-shucked oysters, shrimp, calamari, Mediterranean cuisine, pesto-based pasta dishes, goat cheese, and even spicy Asian dishes. (Leonardo Da Vinci article – Vermentino food pairing)

Vermentino is best served chilled, at a temperature between 46-50 °F. This highlights its crispness and bright aromatics without masking its subtle complexities.

Absolutely. Vermentino is often considered an underrated gem that offers fantastic value. It is celebrated for its ability to be both refreshingly simple and deliciously complex, with a savory, mineral-driven character that makes it incredibly versatile and food-friendly. (Food & Wine – Italian Low-Alcohol White Wines, including Vermentino)

While both are crisp, aromatic white wines, they have distinct personalities. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its more pungent, “green” or grassy herbal notes. Vermentino, by contrast, is typically more floral and citrus-focused, with a rounder texture and characteristic saline minerality and slightly bitter almond finish that sets it apart.

Vermentino is generally considered a step up in complexity from a typical light and neutral Pinot Grigio. While both are crisp Italian whites, Vermentino tends to have a richer body, more pronounced aromatics, and a more distinct mineral and savory character.

Grenache Blanc may be a Rhône native, but it’s become one of our estate’s most expressive whites. Whole-cluster pressed and aged in neutral French oak, it delivers richness without weight, golden fruit, floral lift, and a mineral backbone that makes it both elegant and refreshing. Learn more about this variety’s unique balance of texture and freshness in Wine Folly’s Guide to Grenache Blanc. And get our Grenache Blanc here: https://www.casinomineranch.com/product/2021-grenache-blanc-cmr

Expect aromas of acacia blossom, wet gravel, and stone fruit, followed by layers of yellow apple, citrus oil, and anise on the palate. It’s lush yet precise, with a creamy texture from extended lees contact and a clean, persistent finish. These traits echo what experts describe as “lush and full-bodied, with flavors of green apple, pear, and minerality balanced by crisp acidity.” For more information about Grenache Blanc’s in general, see:  (Vinerra – Grenache Blanc Profile)

The fruit is whole-cluster pressed and fermented in neutral oak for 14 months with extended bâtonnage (lees stirring). That gentle contact builds texture and depth while preserving the variety’s inherent freshness and mineral tension, techniques long used in the southern Rhône to highlight Grenache Blanc’s purity and balance.

Grenache Blanc is a winter white at heart. Perfect for carbonara, roast chicken, or creamy pasta dishes, but it’s just as good with Pad Thai, fresh shellfish, or pear tarte tatin. It’s versatile, generous, and quietly complex. For pairing inspiration, check Wine Folly’s food pairing guide which highlights the grape’s ability to complement spice, richness, and salt alike.

Our Grenache Blanc balances generosity and restraint. The Shenandoah Valley AVA brings cool nights that preserve acidity, while Amador’s sun builds ripe fruit and texture. It’s the kind of wine that makes you forget the line between every day and special occasions. It’s a California expression of a Rhône classic that feels entirely its own.

Casino Mine Ranch Winery’s Greco harkens back to one of southern Italy’s oldest grapes. And it just thrives in our well-drained slopes. The result is a wine that’s both bright and textured with hints of stone fruit, wild herbs, and a whisper of almond. Proof that ancient varieties can feel utterly modern in Amador County.  Get our best Greco here: https://www.casinomineranch.com/product/cmra20gcsv75

Our Greco is a bright, textural white wine that walks the line between freshness and depth, with notes of stone fruit, wild herbs, and a subtle almond finish that lingers like a memory of the coast. Our inaugural 2020 Greco shines a brilliant citrine hue with hints of chartreuse at the rim. Aromatically, it’s a study in freshness, freshly squeezed lemon, white nectarine, and hints of basil, chervil, and parsley. On the palate, it bursts with lime zest, candied lemon peel, and creamy lemon curd, wrapped in a soft floral lift of orange blossom and boxwood. Per one reviewer: “…the wine exhibits intense notes of ripe peaches and pears. A nutty undertone, reminiscent of almonds, often lingers in the background.” For more general information about Greco’s see: Winetraveler+1

The fruit is gently whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel barrels, with only minimal lees stirring to build a touch of texture. The wine is bottled shortly after harvest to preserve its natural energy and aromatic purity. No oak, no fuss, just the purest expression of site and variety. It’s winemaking at its most restrained, a light hand and full respect for the grape’s innate freshness.

Greco loves dishes with a touch of brightness or salinity. Think crudo, grilled shrimp, lemony pastas, roast chicken, or fresh cheeses. It’s also the perfect foil for anything green, artichokes, pesto, or garden herbs. Serve it well-chilled and let the acidity do the talking. One review notes its structure and minerality make it “particularly suitable to accompany grilled vegetables, soft cheeses, poultry and pork as well as shellfish and seafood dishes.” For more information about food tastings, see: Winesellers, Ltd.+1

Greco is rare in California, rarer still in Amador County. Its success here says everything about the land’s versatility and our willingness to experiment. In the Shenandoah Valley’s volcanic, decomposed granite soils, Greco finds both tension and generosity, yielding a wine that feels Italian at heart but unmistakably Casino Mine Ranch Winery in character.

Our Réserve Rosé is a nod to the elegant rosés of Southern France, where Grenache Noir and Vermentino (Rolle) often share the stage. It’s delicate, mineral-driven, and made to capture the light, with tastes of vivid fruit, bracing acidity, and quiet sophistication.

Our Réserve Rosé brings aromas of wild strawberry and grapefruit zest lead into flavors of blood orange, kiwi, and white tea, all tied together with sleek minerality and mouthwatering freshness. It’s precise and graceful, the kind of wine that seems to disappear faster than you meant it to.

Harvested early for freshness, both Grenache and Vermentino are whole-cluster pressed and fermented separately in stainless steel. After fermentation, the Vermentino is gently blended back for added lift and aromatics. No oak. Just purity.

Our Réserve Rosé is made for long afternoons and easy evenings. Pair it with aguachile, ceviche, grilled shrimp, or cucumber salad. A wine for summer, and for anyone who wishes it lasted longer.

Casino Mine Ranch Winery’s Réserve Rosé isn’t a byproduct rosé. It’s grown and made with purpose. Every decision, from early harvest to blending, aims to create something fine-boned and expressive. A true Foothill rosé that borrows from Provence but speaks with our voice.

Grenache Noir is the beating heart of Casino Mine Ranch, Its a variety that thrives under warm California sun yet stays graceful thanks to cool Foothill nights. It’s bright, brambly, and complex, bridging the space between power and delicacy. Buy our Grenache Noir.

The wine glows ruby red in the glass with aromas of blackberries, cranberries, thyme, lavender, and garrigue. The palate is generous and layered, running from baking spice to grilled meats and wild herbs, finishing with a touch of minerality and gentle sweetness that recalls violet and amaro.

Our Grenache Noir ferments on the skins for about three weeks, then ages in a mix of 30% new French oak and 70% neutral barrels for roughly 10 months. We strive to capture freshness and texture without losing the grape’s natural lift and charm.

Everything from a charcuterie board to crispy trout, or even fried chicken. It’s one of our most versatile reds, equally at home with spice, salt, or smoke.

Our Grenache Noir perfectly captures the Amador paradox, warm, ripe fruit and bright, mountain-fresh acidity. It’s a wine that feels alive. It’s both easy to drink and impossible to forget.

Mourvèdre is one of the backbone grapes of southern France, but it’s found a new rhythm here in Amador County. At the Casino Mine Ranch Winery, it thrives on rocky soils and warm days, producing a silky, medium-bodied red that’s both rustic and polished. It’s the kind of wine that rewards patience. It’s structured, aromatic, and quietly powerful. Buy our Mourvèdre

Our Mourvèdre shows cranberry, cherry, and dried violets, layered with notes of herbes de Provence, spice box, and graphite. On the palate, it’s supple and textural with flavors of dried red fruit, lingonberry, and subtle earth, finishing clean and lifted by natural acidity.

We give our Mourvèdre time. We harvest in mid-September, ferment it slowly, and age in a mix of neutral and new French oak to let the fruit and spice integrate. A short maceration builds color and softness without heavy extraction, capturing the grape’s natural grace and savory complexity.

Our Mourvèdre loves grilled meats, game, anything kissed by smoke, sweetbreads, short ribs, or a charcuterie board piled high. It’s the heartbeat of many blends, but on its own, Mourvèdre proves it doesn’t need company to make an impression.

This is the largest planting at the winery, and it tells the story of Amador’s light and shadow, the sunbaked fruit lifted by cool nights and rocky soils. Our Mourvèdre isn’t heavy. It’s balanced, bright, and unmistakably Casino Mine Ranch.

Amador County is famous for Zinfandel, and ours stays true to type while carving its own identity. Concentrated fruit, spice, and structure balance with surprising freshness. It’s a nod to the region’s heritage and a reminder that some risks are worth repeating. Our 2023 Zinfandel is especially acclaimed. Double gold winner at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Gold Winner at the Foothill Wine Competition. Jeb Dunnuck’s Sierra Foothills Favorite. And our favorite. Get the best Zinfandel you have never tried, https://www.casinomineranch.com/product/2023-zinfandel

Our 2023 Zinfandel is bold and full-bodied, with the kind of layered complexity that makes you slow down between sips. Aromatically, it opens with peach preserves, ripe cherries, and the faint sweetness of old tobacco; followed by raspberries, Ceylon cinnamon, and black pepper on the palate. The fruit sits comfortably in a frame of smooth tannins and savory minerality, a subtle iron edge that ties it back to our volcanic soils. Our finish stretches long and warm, with hints of star anise, nutmeg, and clove, leaving just enough spice to remind you why this wine turned heads on its first outing.

We harvest our zinfandel under moderate summer temperatures. The fruit is picked at full flavor, not full sugar, preserving its freshness and structure. The grapes are fermented in small lots, punched down by hand for gentle extraction, then aged in a mix of neutral and lightly toasted French oak. That careful balance keeps the fruit front and center while adding texture and polish to the finish.

Our Zinfandel was built for the table, or better yet, the grill. It’s exceptional with marinated lamb chops, smoked short ribs, or anything that’s picked up a bit of fire and fat. It also plays beautifully with hearty pastas, sharp cheeses, and long, unhurried dinners outside.

Many Zinfandels in Amador chase ripeness. Ours chases balance. The iron-rich volcanic soils lend structure and minerality, while the elevation keeps the fruit bright and the acidity alive. Because of this terroir, our Zinfandels often show a tannic structure and minerality not always seen elsewhere. Our Zinfandels are classic in character but unmistakably Casino Mine Ranch Winery, grounded, bold, and quietly confident.

Zinfandels have shown the bones to age. Studies and reviews show that well-made Zinfandels from California can evolve beautifully over 10-15 years under good conditions. Expect 5–7 years of evolution, where the fruit mellows into notes of leather, cedar, and warm spice without losing its core brightness.

Tempranillo is Spain’s signature grape, but in Amador County, it’s found a second home. At the Casino Mine Ranch Winery, it becomes a deep, full-bodied red with both Spanish soul and Sierra Foothills structure. It’s earthy, bold, and built to last. Try our Tempranillo.

Our Tempranillo shows aromas of cocoa nibs, cigar box, violets, and blackberries, leading to flavors of dark cherry, mission fig, and fresh earth. It’s richly layered, with mouth-coating tannins and a long finish touched by baking spice and dark chocolate. This hallmark balance of richness and structure mirrors what defines Spain’s great Tempranillos from Ribera del Duero and Rioja, but with the minerality and focus of Amador’s volcanic soils.

We harvest late, when the fruit has achieved full flavor but before the sugars climb too high. The grapes ferment slowly, spending extended time on the skins to soften tannins and build complexity. The wine then ages in 50% new and 50% neutral French oak, developing depth without overwhelming the varietal character.

Our Tempranillo is a perfect partner for grilled meats, braised dishes, or wild mushrooms, anything that can meet its intensity. We love it with a pan-seared ribeye or grilled maitake mushrooms over an open wood fire. For additional inspiration, see Wine Enthusiast’s Tempranillo Pairing Guide.

Our Tempranillo brings an Old-World backbone to our New World landscape. Its earthy structure and sun-warmed fruit embody everything we love about Amador County. It’s rugged, refined, and quietly powerful.

Our namesake wine honors Simone Vanophem Shaw. The bold Belgian matriarch who gave Casino Mine Ranch its name. A blend, Simone is refined yet rustic, blending elegance with strength. Aromatic, versatile, and full of character, it’s a wine meant for long dinners and lively conversation. Get our namesake wine, https://www.casinomineranch.com/product/2022-simone

Simone opens with wild strawberry, raspberry, and pomegranate, layered with rose petal, white pepper, and a touch of earth from the Mourvèdre. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied yet structured. Silky upfront, then grounded by dusty tannins and a long, savory finish. The wine’s balance of fruit and spice makes it as approachable on release as it is cellar-worthy for years to come. Explore its profile and availability here: Simone Wine – Casino Mine Ranch.

Each component, Grenache and Mourvèdre, is harvested and fermented separately to preserve its individuality. The Grenache brings brightness and lift. The Mourvèdre adds depth and backbone. After fermentation, the wines rest in neutral French oak, allowing texture to develop without overpowering the fruit. When blended, the result is seamless with elegant structure, lifted aromatics, and a sense of place that’s unmistakably.

Our Simone plays well with anything that loves a touch of spice or smoke. It’s exceptional with roasted lamb, grilled pork, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. For something simpler, try it with charred vegetables and good bread. It’s a wine that elevates even the ordinary. For pairing inspiration, see Wine Enthusiast’s Guide to Grenache Pairings.

Because this place wouldn’t exist without Simone Vanophem Shaw. She was the heart of the ranch. A strong-willed Belgian who built a life in California’s Gold Country and gave the Casino Mine Ranch Winery its name. The wine carries her legacy, bold, graceful, and deeply rooted in the land she loved.

Simone isn’t a Rhône blend in name only. It’s estate-grown on volcanic soils that give it natural tension and minerality. The Amador sun builds ripeness. The elevation keeps freshness. That contrast between power and precision is what makes Simone the truest reflection of who we are as a winery.

Named for the family we chose, our Marcel is a deep, ruby-hued wine that offers aromas of bramble fruits, forest floor, and hints of grilled meats. On the palate, it presents a harmonious balance of baking spices, fennel, cigar box, and lingonberry preserves, culminating in a long, satisfying finish. A blend of Teroldego and Tempranillo. Get your Marcel.

Our Marcel is one of the most distinctive wines in our lineup. It’s a blend of Tempranillo and Teroldego, two varieties that shouldn’t work together, but somehow do. It’s bold and grounded, equal parts grit and grace, just like the man it’s named for: Marcel Tiquet, who cared for this land for more than sixty years. Learn more about our heritage on the Casino Mine Ranch story page.

Marcel is deep, layered, and unapologetically complex. The Tempranillo brings structure, spice, and a sense of earth. Think leather, tobacco leaf, and dried herbs. The Teroldego adds lush black fruit and a vivid, almost electric energy. In the glass, it’s dark ruby with aromatics of bramble fruit, forest floor, and grilled meats over wood smoke. On the palate, you’ll find tension and richness in perfect balance: blackberry, baking spice, fennel, and hints of tiramisu that stretch into a long, savory finish. For context, Tempranillo is Spain’s noble red, known for its depth and earthiness, while Teroldego hails from northern Italy, bringing freshness and structure. Together they create something entirely original in Amador County.

The Tempranillo and Teroldego are harvested separately at peak ripeness, fermented on the skins with extended maceration to draw out color and texture, then aged for about 18 months in French oak barriques. The barrels are chosen for structure, not sweetness. We want polish, not gloss. The result is a full-bodied, deeply aromatic wine that captures both the ruggedness of the Sierra Foothills and the precision of careful cellar work. Learn more about our winemaking approach here.

Our Marcel loves wood-fired meats, braised short ribs, mushroom ragu, and anything grilled. It has enough backbone for hearty dishes, but enough polish to elevate something simple, like a perfectly roasted chicken and a quiet evening.

Few wines combine Spain’s rustic heart with Italy’s northern flair, but this one does. Tempranillo gives Marcel its backbone. Teroldego gives it its soul. Together, they tell a story that’s entirely our own, rooted in Amador County’s adventurous spirit and built on the land Marcel Tiquet tended by hand for decades.

At Casino Mine Ranch, curiosity is part of our DNA. We’ve never been content to simply repeat what works. We’d rather see what else this land is capable of. The next wave of estate plantings reflects that spirit of exploration. Our newest varietals, Aglianico, Nero d’Avola, and Carignane are three Mediterranean reds that share a love for sunlight, volcanic soils, and patience.

These are varieties with history, not trends. Grapes that have weathered centuries of heat, drought, and time. The kind that don’t ask for attention but earn it, quietly and confidently, through their depth and longevity.

Amador County’s rugged slopes and iron-rich soils make a natural home for these grapes. Our long, dry summers and cool evening breezes echo the climate of southern Italy and southern France, where these varietals first found their footing. Here, they’ll bring something both familiar and new. An evolution of the Sierra Foothills story that honors tradition while embracing what’s next.

Each new planting is an act of faith, in the land, in the team, and in time itself. The first harvest will come in 2026, but the roots are already going deep. What begins today will define the next generation of Casino Mine Ranch wines, structured, soulful, and unmistakably of this place.

Known as the “Barolo of the South”, Aglianico is one of Italy’s great noble reds. We planted it for its grit, grace, and longevity. It’s the kind of wine that speaks quietly but carries immense depth. Grown in Amador’s elevated terrain, it promises power balanced by minerality and restraint. Our Aglianico is new to the Casino Mine Ranch Winery line-up. Get yours at the 2026 harvest.

In its homeland of Campania and Basilicata, Aglianico produces deeply colored wines with aromas of black cherry, plum, leather, and volcanic earth. The palate is firm, structured, and laced with acidity that allows it to age gracefully for decades. Here in the Sierra Foothills, we expect that same intensity, but framed by Amador’s signature sunlight and minerality, it should power with polish, depth with freshness. Our goal isn’t to mimic Italy, but to let the variety tell its own story in a new landscape.

The Casino Mine Ranch Winery has always been drawn to the outliers, the varieties that thrive in rugged soils and reward patience. Aglianico fits that ethos perfectly. Its natural acidity and thick skins make it well-suited to Amador’s long, dry summers and rocky, volcanic terrain. It’s a grape that asks for time, and we’re in no rush.

For now, it’s all about observation. We’re farming the young vines carefully, encouraging deep roots and slow development. Once we see the first fruit, we’ll vinify small lots to understand its behavior, likely with extended maceration, minimal oak, and a focus on texture and tension over sheer weight. We’re learning from our Italian counterparts and from local peers who’ve begun producing Aglianico in neighboring counties like El Dorado and Calaveras. The goal is to capture the grape’s natural intensity without losing the freshness that defines Amador.

Our first estate Aglianico is projected for release in late 2026 or early 2027, depending on how the vines and the vintage develop. It’s early days, but we believe this grape will become one of the cornerstones of Casino Mine Ranch’s next chapter.

The pride of Sicily, Nero d’Avola is a grape built for sun, and few places in California offer more of it than Amador County. It’s bold yet balanced with hints of dark cherry, savory spice, and Mediterranean warmth wrapped in natural freshness. We planted Nero d’Avola because it speaks the same language as this land, generous days, cool nights, and a rugged beauty that rewards patience. Our Nero d’Avola vines are new to the Casino Mine Ranch estate, with the first harvest expected in 2026. Until then, we’re learning everything we can from Sicilian producers and our neighbors here in the Foothills who’ve started exploring this remarkable variety.

Classic Nero d’Avola from Sicily is known for its ripe black cherry, plum, tobacco, and wild herb aromatics, supported by lively acidity and supple tannins. It’s a wine that manages to feel both sun-soaked and structured, a rare balance of generosity and finesse. In Amador we expect Nero to mirror that same duality: fruit-forward and spicy, but framed by the minerality and lift that define our volcanic soils. The result should be vibrant, medium-bodied, and full of energy. A wine that feels distinctly southern Italian, yet unmistakably ours.

We’ve always been drawn to grapes that test convention, and Nero d’Avola fits that perfectly. It thrives in heat, holds its acidity, and brings a kind of natural balance that aligns with our hands-on, minimal-intervention style. It’s also a celebration of heritage and climate, two forces that define everything we do at Casino Mine Ranch.

The vines are still young, but we’re farming them with the same care as our established blocks. We are focusing on deep root growth, moderate yields, and canopy balance. Once the fruit arrives, we plan to ferment small lots, keeping extraction gentle to preserve the purity of fruit and spice. Aging will likely take place in neutral French oak to maintain freshness and transparency. We’re in conversation with winemakers in Sicily and California who’ve walked this path before us. We’re taking notes, tasting often, and staying humble to the grape’s potential.

Our first estate-grown Nero d’Avola will arrive with the 2026 harvest, with a projected release in 2027. It will mark a new chapter for the Casino Mine Ranch Winery, bridging between the old world and our very particular corner of the Sierra Foothills.

Carignane has a long, winding history in California. It was once a workhorse grape, and now a quiet star in the right hands. At the Casino Mine Ranch Winery, we planted it because we believe in what it can do here. We expect a wine with bright fruit, spice, and effortless drinkability, all carried by the natural energy of Amador County’s hills.

Ours is still young. It’s newly planted and not yet in production, but the promise is already there in the vines. The first Carignane harvest will arrive in 2026, bringing with it a fresh expression of an old-world classic.

Traditionally grown across the Mediterranean, Carignane (also known as Carignan) is famous for its vibrant red fruit (cranberry, pomegranate, and cherry) balanced by savory notes of dried herbs, pepper, and warm spice. It’s naturally high in acidity, which gives it lift and freshness even in warm climates.

In Amador, we expect those traits to shine. The combination of volcanic soils, elevation, and long growing days will bring structure and brightness to the fruit. We expect a lighter, more aromatic take on a heritage variety that fits beautifully within our Sierra Foothills terroir.

Carignane fits our philosophy perfectly. It’s a statement of heritage, humility, and a little rebellion. Carignane has deep California roots. It was once the most widely planted red grape in the state during the mid-20th century. For more history, see Lodi Wine for more about its California history.

We see it as a chance to honor the past while redefining what the Sierra Foothills can do. It also complements our existing lineup, bridging the freshness of Grenache with the power of Mourvèdre, and adding another layer to the evolving story of Casino Mine Ranch.

The young Carignane vines are being dry-farmed and trained for balance from day one. We’re focusing on low yields and deep rooting to capture the true minerality of our soils. Once the fruit comes in, the plan is to keep the winemaking simple and transparent. We are planning for whole-berry fermentation for lift, gentle extraction for texture, and aging in neutral oak to preserve the vibrancy of the fruit. We’re drawing insight from producers in southern France, Spain’s Aragón region (where the grape originated), and California pioneers like Ridge Vineyards, who have long championed single-varietal Carignane wines.

If all goes to plan, our first estate Carignane will be harvested in 2026 and released in 2027. It will join Aglianico and Nero d’Avola as part of the next wave of wines from Casino Mine Ranch, varieties that respect the past, but belong squarely to the future of Amador.

Visiting Casino Mine Ranch is more than a stop for wine. It’s a chance to step into a story. Guests are welcomed like family, invited to linger, taste, and discover wines in a setting that feels both rustic and refined.

Our tasting room offers an intimate glimpse of Amador County wine country. Every detail, from the design of the space to the seasonal menus, reflects our philosophy of connection: to land, to wine, and to each other.

Our tasting room offers an intimate glimpse into Amador County wine country, surrounded by oak-dotted hills, vineyards, and the history of our century-old ranch. Every detail, from the design of the space to the seasonal garden-inspired menu. reflects our philosophy of connection: to the land, to wine, and to each other. Reserve your visit by clicking here: https://www.casinomineranch.com/visit-us/

We offer curated wine tastings that highlight our estate-grown portfolio, paired with seasonal bites inspired by our garden. Each experience is designed to give guests a deeper understanding of both the wines and the history of Casino Mine Ranch.

No, but we do recommend making reservations. For groups of 7 or more, please email inquire@casinomineranch.com to reserve and review group terms.

We offer several ways to enjoy our wines and property:

• Portfolio Tasting (1-6 Guests): Join us in our tasting room lounge or on the terrace for a seated tasting of five of our flagship wines. This experience is for guests 21+ only. Official fee: $20 per person, with the fee waived when two bottles are purchased per guest.
• Large Group Tasting (7-10 Guests): For larger parties, we offer the same Portfolio Tasting. Current listing shows a $100 deposit required to hold the reservation for parties 7-10.
• In the Garden / Family-Friendly Experience: Guests of all ages can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle in our garden or on the lawn overlooking the pond. This casual setting is available first-come, first-served. No formal reservation required.

To ensure the best experience for all our guests, we do not permit any outside food or drink on the property. Instead, we offer a carefully curated selection of in-house treats designed to pair beautifully with our wines, including:

• Chips au Fromage – Kettle chips topped with grated Manchego and fresh herbs grown right in our garden.
• DIY Charcuterie Boards – Pick your salumi, cheese, and crackers from our cold-case. For just $10 we’ll add whatever fruit is ripe in the garden, olives, and a bit of chocolate.
• Seasonal Sandwiches – Our bread is baked in our wood-fired oven. In spring and summer, we serve them cold, fresh; in fall and winter we fire them up and grill them to order.
• Our kitchen team designs menus that reflect both the season and the land, with herbs, vegetables, and produce sourced directly from our on-site garden whenever possible. It’s wine-country hospitality with earth-to-table sensibility.

You can find more info on our tasting room, including food and drinks, here: Visit Us – Casino Mine Ranch casinomineranch.com

Yes. The Casino Mine Ranch Winery is an unmatched venue for celebrations, retreats, and team building. Our tasting room is equipped with a built-in projector, screen, and PA system, making it ideal for corporate events for up to 35 people.

For larger events, our space can host up to 150 guests, complete with a catering kitchen and culinary team ready to create a custom menu. Many ingredients come straight from our on-site garden, keeping flavors seasonal and fresh.

For more private celebrations, from milestone birthdays to family reunions, we tailor each event to reflect the spirit of the occasion, always accompanied by estate wines.

Our kitchen team designs menus that reflect both the season and the land. Herbs, vegetables, and fruit are sourced directly from our on-site garden whenever possible, minimizing our footprint and keeping flavors as fresh as the morning harvest. It’s wine country hospitality with an earth-to-table sensibility. Expect casual, creative, and deeply connected to place.

Some guest favorites include:

• Chips au Fromage — Kettle-cooked chips topped with grated Manchego and fresh herbs grown right here in our garden.
• DIY Charcuterie Boards — Choose from our cold case of salumi, cheeses, and crackers. For just $10, we’ll add seasonal fruit from the garden, olives, and a touch of chocolate to complete the spread.
• Seasonal Sandwiches — Our sandwiches start with fresh-baked bread from the wood-fired oven. In spring and summer, they’re served chilled with garden greens and bright spreads; in fall and winter, they’re grilled to order and filled with heartier ingredients.

The menu evolves throughout the year, inspired by what’s growing, what’s fermenting, and what pairs best with what’s in your glass.

The Casino Mine Ranch Wine Club is more than a subscription. It’s an invitation into our story. Members receive exclusive wines, special pricing, and first access to events. More importantly, they become part of a community that values good wine, good company, and a little bit of mischief.

Members can expect:

• Quarterly Wine Shipments: Members receive curated releases throughout the year, including limited-production and club-only wines not available elsewhere.
• Preferred Pricing: Discounts on wine purchases and on hosting private events at the Casino Mine Ranch Winery.
  Flat Rate Shipping: $20, $15, and Free shipping for members depending on club level.
• Exclusive Access: Invitations to member-only gatherings such as our harvest parties, winemaker dinners, and the annual holiday celebration. These events are designed to bring our community together around good food, great wine, and a little mischief.
  Event Perks: Be the hero of your office. Members receive preferred pricing on corporate holiday parties, team building sessions, and private celebrations hosted at the Casino Mine Ranch Winery.
• First to Know: Members receive priority access to new releases, small-lot experiments, and seasonal offers. Club members often enjoy exclusive previews of limited releases and opportunities to taste experimental small-lot wines not available to the public.

We offer flexible club tiers to suit every palate and every cellar, from adventurous samplers to serious collectors. Each tier is designed to make sure members always have Casino Mine Ranch wines on their table, whether for a weekday dinner or a special celebration.

Our Clubs

The 12 Bottle Club

• 20% off wine, food, merch, and events
• Monthly complimentary tastings or glass of wine for up to six people each visit
• Invitation to exclusive wine club member events and winemaker dinners
• Complimentary private wine and food paired experience with up to 10 guests annually
• Complimentary shipping

The 6 Bottle Club

• 15% off wine, food, merch, and events
• Monthly complimentary tastings or glass of wine for up to four people each visit
• Invitation to exclusive wine club member events and winemaker dinners
• Flat rate $15 shipping

The 3 Bottle Club

• 10% off wine, food, merch, and events
• Monthly complimentary tastings or glass of wine for up to four people each visit
• Invitation to exclusive wine club member events and winemaker dinners
• Flat rate $20 shipping

Sign up to join our clubs at https://www.casinomineranch.com/wine-club/

Because our wines are best shared. Because the stories behind them deserve to be told around the table. And because membership means more than shipments and discounts. It means being part of something a little unexpected, a little daring, and always rewarding.

As Simone might say, “Every day is an occasion. Dress for it. Drink for it.”

Nestled in the Sierra Foothills, Amador County is where Gold Rush history meets high-altitude vine rows and unexpectedly refined hospitality. It’s more than just “a wine country stop”. Here you’ll find rugged terrain (once rife with miners), granite soils, hillside vineyards, old-vine Zinfandel standing guard over the Shenandoah Valley AVA, and a genuine sense of “country,” but with polished amenities and some serious wine cred. For another take on Amador County, check out Visit California

Amador County is most famous for its rich history rooted in the California Gold Rush and its world-class wine production. It’s considered “Old Vine Country” and is especially renowned for robust, spicy Zinfandel wines, some from vineyards planted in the 1800s. (For more information see: Discover California Wines).  Beyond Zinfandel, the region is earning acclaim for Italian and Rhône varietals like Barbera, Syrah, and Sangiovese, which thrive in its rugged, sun-drenched terrain. (For more information see: WineTourism.com)

Hanford House, In Sutter Creek

A luxury “lifestyle hotel” in downtown Sutter Creek, the Hanford House is ideally located on Main Street and allows guests to walk straight into tasting rooms, boutiques and historic charm.   Expect: Boutique rooms (17 rooms total), refined touches, a smart base for wine country and Gold Country alike. For more information: Hanford House

Rest Boutique Hotel, In Plymouth

Sixteen carefully restored rooms in downtown Plymouth (just off Hwy 49), minutes from 100+ wineries. It’s chock full of modern boutique comfort, strong wine-town vibe (even connects with top local dining), yet still intimate. It’s ideal for: couples, event guests, small groups who want to stay centrally and taste region-wide. For more information:  Rest Boutique Hotel

Hotel Sutter, In Sutter Creek

Located at 53 Main Street in Sutter Creek, Hotel Sutter offers lodging + full-service dining (The Sutter Restaurant & Lobby Bar) in the heart of historic Main Street. Expect: Easy access to town, strong dining on-site, so less driving after dinner. For more information:  Hotel Sutter

Taste Restaurant and Wine Bar

Located at 9402 Main St., Plymouth — in the heart of wine country. They’ve been recognized by Zagat and are known for creative seasonal menus, locally-sourced ingredients, and a top-tier wine list. Expect: Contemporary American / upscale casual, ideal for special-occasion dinners. For more information: Taste Restaurant and Wine Bar

Moonrise Pizza

14179 Main Street, Amador City – wood-fired pizza with gluten-free and vegan options. Fun, casual but quality. Expect: Great choice for relaxed gatherings, good wine alongside comfort food. For more information:  Moonrise Pizza

Element (at Hanford House)

Modern “comfort-kitchen” in Sutter Creek focusing on local ingredients and elevated comfort food. Great for: brunching, relaxed lunches, or meeting clients in a stylish yet approachable setting. For more information:  Hanford House

Here are some ideas for a weekend in Amador County:

Day 1 (Friday Afternoon/Evening)

Arrive and check-in (say at Hanford House or Hotel Sutter).

Late afternoon: Clearly you want to start at the Casino Mine Ranch Winery. Great wines, beautiful location. The quintessential casual and sophisticated Amador County mash up. As an alternative, try Yorba Wines (51 Hanford St., Sutter Creek). It has a beautiful, secluded ranch vibe, deep roots. For more information: Yorba

Evening: Dinner at Taste Restaurant & Wine Bar in Plymouth. Set the tone: elevated cuisine in the heart of wine country.

Day 2 (Saturday)

Morning: Coffee and light breakfast at Fig Barn Coffee in Plymouth.

Late morning: Check out Adventure with Rail Explorers – Amador Division for the rail-bike experience (8-mile round trip along historic tracks). For more information: Comstock’s magazine

Lunch: Casual midday pizza at Moonrise Pizza in Amador City.

Afternoon:

Visit wineries. Clearly you should come back to the Casino Mine Ranch Winery, but if you insist on other options you could start at Andis Wines (11000 Shenandoah Rd., Plymouth) for a modern boutique experience. For more information see: Andis Wines Then you could head to Terre Rouge & Easton Wines for Rhône-style/heritage varietals. For more information see: Terre Rouge Wines

Dinner: Choose something relaxed or upscale based on group energy (e.g., Hotel Sutter dining).

Evening: Optional stroll in Sutter Creek, historic Main Street vibe, maybe a nightcap.

Day 3 (Sunday)

Morning: Check out from lodging or stay one more night.

Mid-morning: Visit the dramatic Black Chasm Cavern (15701 Volcano Pioneer Rd., Volcano) for a unique cave tour. For more information see:  Yelp

Early afternoon: You will probably want to stop by at the Casino Mine Ranch Winery for a third time, but if you’d like another nice stop, check out Rombauer Vineyards (12225 Steiner Rd., Plymouth) for a tasting. For more information see:  Rombauer Vineyards

Depart. And tell your friends about the Casino Mine Ranch Winery (oh, and the rest of the wonderful Amador County).

Well, clearly the Casino Mine Ranch Winery. Some of our neighboring wineries that we also like include:

• Yorba Wines – charming historic home turned tasting room, strong story. yorba
• Andis Wines – modern boutique, 90+ point wines, excellent facility.  Andis Wines
  
• Terre Rouge & Easton Wines – Rhône varietals + heritage Zinfandel/Barbera in the Sierra Foothills. Terre Rouge Wines
• Rombauer Vineyards (Sierra Foothills / Plymouth) – elegant tasting experience albeit maybe a bit higher-profile. Rombauer Vineyards

Amador is a special place for wine. Unpretentious, and yet, incredible wines. Some compare it to Napa before Napa became so Napa. Some special qualities about the Amador County Wine Region include:

• Terrain & terroir: Amador’s vineyards are planted on steep foothills of the Sierra Nevada, with granite/volcanic soils, high diurnal shifts (warm days, cool nights) and unique micro-climates. All of which produce bold, expressive wines.
• Heritage & old vines: Some of the oldest commercial Zinfandel vines in California live here; the region blends Gold Rush history with winemaking tradition.
• Varietal diversity: While Zinfandel is king, the area shines with Barbera, Syrah, Grenache, Aglianico, and other varietals less common in the mainstream. This gives you “discovery-value”. You won’t find this in Napa.
• Authentic experiences: Less commercialized than some of the bigger regions; boutique hotels, historic towns, tasting rooms that feel personal rather than assembly line.
• Gold-rush meets wine-rush: The historic Gold Country towns (Sutter Creek, Plymouth, Amador City) add storytelling layers, including mining, boomtowns, old saloons turning into tasting rooms. For more information see: Visit California

There are over 45 boutique and family-run wineries in Amador County, offering an authentic and unpretentious wine-country experience. (Amador Vintners Association)

The Amador County Wine Trail winds through the Shenandoah Valley, connecting tasting rooms, vineyards, and farmsteads that showcase the diversity of the region’s wines. (City of Plymouth)

The region enjoys a warm, sun-rich climate that promotes full ripening of grapes. Equally important is the dramatic diurnal temperature swing. Summer days bring strong solar intensity, and then evenings bring cool mountain breezes that can drop temperatures 30-35 °F (or more) in the Sierra foothills. This cooling effect is crucial for preserving grape acidity, which in turn leads to wines that are both ripe and balanced.

Amador County’s vineyards are rooted in volcanic Sierra Series soils, primarily sandy clay loam derived from decomposed granite. These soils are well-draining and relatively infertile, naturally stressing the vines and resulting in smaller berries with intense, concentrated flavor. (Amador Vintners Association)

This complex geology—iron-rich decomposed granite, volcanic ash, and pockets of clay—creates distinctive minerality and texture in the wines, especially in Zinfandel, Barbera, and Rhône varietals.

The California Shenandoah Valley AVA, established in 1983, spans the western Sierra Foothills of Amador and El Dorado Counties. It’s the warmest and most historic sub-region of the Sierra Foothills, celebrated for producing full-bodied, ripe wines with depth and space.

The AVA’s flagship grape is Zinfandel—typically fuller, riper, and earthier than coastal expressions, with notes of dark berries, cedar, and anise spice. It also excels with Rhône varieties like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre, as well as Italian grapes such as Barbera and Sangiovese. (For more information, see: Discover California Wines)

Plymouth is a small, historic Gold Rush town and now serves as the “Gateway to the Shenandoah Valley.” (Wikipedia)

With a population just over 1,000, it’s the heart of Amador wine country and home to dozens of tasting rooms, local restaurants, and lodging options for travelers exploring the Sierra Foothills. (Noceto Winery Guide)

The main draw is wine tasting at the region’s many world-class wineries, but Plymouth also offers charming downtown shops, scenic drives, and community events.

Each summer, the town hosts the Amador County Fair — a classic agricultural fair with livestock exhibitions, a rodeo, live music, and plenty of local food and wine. Visitors can also explore farmers’ markets, art galleries, and the surrounding foothill trails for a true taste of Amador life.