Montevina Winery (Back to Previous Page)

Appellation: Shenandoah Valley, California Viticultural Area Location: 20680 Shenandoah School Rd. Plymouth, California 95669 Phone: (209)245-6942 Winemaker: Chris Leamy and Jeff Myers Tasting Room: Large Days/Hours: Daily, 10:00 to 4:30 Parking: Large Picnic Facilities: Extensive Picnic and Event Facilities available Red Wines: Zinfandel, Zinfandel Port, Barbera, Red wine blend, Aglianico, Sangiovese, Freisa, Teroldego White Wines: White wine blend, Pinot Grigio, White Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Nebbiolo Rosato, Moscato Production: 180,000 cases

Map

The Winery

Montevina has a long history in Amador County, as it was the first new winery opened in the area after the repeal of prohibition. Cary and Vicki Gott, as well as W.H. Fields, founded the winery in 1973 with Cary Gott acting as the original winemaker. In 1982 the Gotts left Montevina, and W.H. Fields operated the winery until 1987 with Jeff Myers as winemaker. In that year the winery was sold to the Trinchero Family, owners of Sutter Home in Napa Valley. The winery is now one of the few large commercial wineries in the foothills, producing approximately 180,000 cases of wine per year.

The Vineyards

There are 400 acres of vineyards in production at Montevina all between 1500 to 2000 feet in elevation. The primary varietals are Zinfandel, Teraldego, Aglianico, Barbera and Petite Sirah. They have incorporated the old European practice of field blending in one of their vineyards, the School House Road Vineyard, whereby every 13th row is Barbera; every 7th row is Petite Sirah, and the rest Zinfandel. This creates a blended wine that has about 80% Zin, 13% Petite Sirah and 7% Barbera, all with the same terroir characteristics.

The Wines

Montevina offers a large assortment of wines with different price levels and styles. They have their Terra d’Oro wines, which are their special release wines, of which the Old Vine Zin is always a big star. Another wine that has gained much acclaim, and quite a following, is the Pinot Grigio, with their Barbera another local favorite.

The Winemaker

Montevina has two premier winemakers, the first is Jeff Myers who has a degree in Enology from UC Davis and has been with Montevina since1982. The second is Chris Leamy who has a degree in biological sciences from UC Davis, and joined Montevina in 2000. 

	Correct This Information