Steps from Main Street in Sutter Creek, is the Yorba Tasting Room, a place of history denoted by the old redwood bar that graces the front room. Come in for a taste and stay for the story of a California agriculture family with roots that reach all the way back to the early 1800s. Ease up to the bar, enjoy a quiet table for two on the front sunroom, or relax under the misters on the back patio under the grand old cypress tree. Annie Richter, the tasting room manager, curates a tasting experience that is informative and personable. (There’s even sparkling water for the non drinkers and games for the kids.)
Barbera, Tempranillo, Syrah and Zinfandel are a few of the standouts offered at tastings. The wines are aged and crafted from the grapes of the acclaimed Shake Ridge Vineyard, a brainchild of viticulturist, Ann Kraemer. Ann and her entire family bought the ranch just up the road from Sutter Creek in 2001, planted vines in 2003 and enjoyed the first harvest in 2005. It’s a magical property of rolling hills, magnificent oaks and stately pine trees with outstanding views in every direction.
Yorba’s wines are a collaboration with Ken Bernard, a well revered Napa winemaker for the past fifteen years. A self proclaimed farmer, Ann admits to not being a winemaker and there was only one that she trusts to craft the taste of Yorba. Ann and Ken were co-workers at Domaine Chandon in the Napa Valley thirty years ago, and have worked consistently together on many winery projects since. Yorba greatly appreciates Bernard’s expertise over these many years and credits him with the curation of a bounty of beautiful wines.
Besides wine tasting, you can experience a myriad of community events at Yorba. Supporting the local art scene, Yorba curates shows for various local artists. The ‘Artist After Hours’ receptions usually kick off their months-long residence in the tasting room. Another treat is the food pairings that Annie Richter often invents, creating an opportunity to learn what food best enhances a bottle of Yorba. Musical guests, collaborative dinners with the Sutter Theatre music calendar and Amigos Club events continuously grace the Yorba scene on Hanford Street.
The vineyard comes of age this year. This is the Kraemer Family’s 21st season of growing beautiful grapes and sharing wine with our Amador community. Come in and be part of the family!
Yorba Wine is open from 11am to 5pm Thursday through Monday (last seating is at 4:30pm). Feel free to reserve but walk-ins are welcome.
Yorba Wines, 51 Hanford St., Sutter Creek. (209) 267-8190
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