There is no shortage of wineries within driving distance of Sacramento. Some of California’s most accessible vineyards are less than an hour or two from the capital city.
From Clarksburg south of Sacramento to Auburn and the foothills farther north, wineries are scattered throughout the region. East of Sacramento, Amador County is home to more than 50 wineries, with dozens more in nearby Fair Play and El Dorado County.
While some wineries have closed in recent years, those that remain say they’ve tried to make it about more than just coming to visit for a product, but about having an experience in a beautiful setting.
A family tradition at Karmere
In Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley, the emphasis is increasingly on the experience — from outdoor patios and live music to food, events and a more personal connection with the people making the wine…