C.G. di Arie Tasting Room (Back to Previous Page)

Appellation: Shenandoah Valley, California Viticultural Area Location: 19919 Shenandoah School Rd. Plymouth, California 95669 Phone: (209)245-4700 Winemaker: Chaim Gur-Arieh Tasting Room: Medium Days/Hours: Thursday thru Monday, 10:00 to 4:30 Parking: Large Picnic Facilities: Picnic Area Available Red Wines: Syrah, Zinfandel, Barbera, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Red Wine Blends White Wines: Rose', Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho Production: 16,000 cases

Map

The Winery

The tasting room is located on beautiful park-like grounds studded with giant oaks. A creek flows through the picnic area through several waterfalls and a pond stocked with koi. The tasting room is done in a fun retro style and is the former site of both Kelson Creek and the Sonora Winery and Port Works tasting rooms.

The Vineyards

There are no vineyards at the tasting room, but the estate, which is located in El Dorado County, has 47 acres of Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Syrah, Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vineyards planted at the 1700’ elevation, 209 acre estate. The winery also purchases grapes from local wineries in Amador County, most notably from the oldest productive Zinfandel vines in California, the 'Original Grandpere Vineyards'.

The Wines

Although the winery produces a number of notable wines, its most famous is the Zinfandel it produces from grapes grown in the ‘Original Grandpere Vineyard’ in Amador County. This vineyard is known to have been in existence since at least 1869 and is thought to be the oldest still producing Zinfandel vines in the United States. The old vine grapes, when combined with the expertise of a creative winemaker, can exude flavors that are as intense and complex as any Zinfandel you will find anywhere. If you want to taste a little California history this may just be the wine for you.

The Winemaker

Chaim Gur-Arieh and his wife Elisheva are the co-owners of the C.G. di Arie Vineyard, with Chaim being the primary winemaker. Chaim is an inventor and scientist by trade and before becoming a winemaker was best known for the invention of Captain Crunch cereal and Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing.  

	Correct This Information