Just 45 minutes from Sacramento, it’s obvious to see that things slow down in a town like Plymouth. What isn’t so evident is the fact that it’s a gateway to multiple magnificent wine-growing regions.
Driving in, I see an Inn and Mexican restaurant to the right, machine shop and trailer park to the left… an entrance to the fairgrounds, plenty of trees and open space… a little grocery store and breakfast spot with small town names… You could easily miss the charming historic downtown if you don’t take a left before the yellow brick roads and rolling hills yield sip, glass, bottle, barrel and egg (yes, egg – I’ll get to that later) of delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and plenty of luscious nature and palate-inspired surprises. But you really don’t need a map – unless you really want to know where you’re headed – for the roads before you will lead the way as you discover precious view after view and liquid gem after gem.
The scenery begs for picnickers and cameras, the vistas so looming and long you’ll want to linger. Luckily, the folks are friendly, and it’s always fun seeing how far some people have come to taste these delicate creations. As for the wine-cradling egg, you’ll find that at Andis Wines, one of the area’s newest, freshest and ‘greenest’ wineries with one of the best views around. They have a great patio for sipping wines by the glass, and an expansive tasting room with large screen TV to invite lingering and lounging during special events (such as the Kentucky Derby, which was upcoming that weekend).
Andis’ special event coordinator Kimm chatted us up as we sipped white, rose and lots of red, later offering us a tour of the winery where we met winery assistant Steve and fore-mentioned egg (both charming and a little elusive too). Through an open door the powers that be at Andis were sharing a bottle of Rose over an afternoon meeting. And in the blissful quiet of that rural-drenched Friday afternoon, I couldn’t help thinking that all was just as it should be…
11000 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA, 209-245-6177, http://www.andiswines.com
For more on Sacramento area wine regions, also check out the new wine guide website! http://www.sacramentowineguide.com
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which it was built, the rivers that flow through, the bounty around it and the people who make the Sacramento area their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing post-rain spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town with friends or family.
There’s truly something here for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and night-time adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
