Looking for rolling vineyards, Gold Country charm, and small-town hospitality? Head to Plymouth! Known as the "Gateway to Amador Wine Country," Plymouth is a peaceful yet thriving spot in California's Sierra Foothills. Whether you’re wine tasting, attending a country fair, or exploring Gold Rush history, Plymouth offers a memorable retreat surrounded by natural beauty.
Plymouth, CA Highlights:
- Wine tasting in the Shenandoah Valley: Discover over 40 boutique wineries producing award-winning Zinfandel, Barbera, and Rhône-style wines.
- Stroll Historic Main Street: Explore local shops, tasting rooms, and small cafés in a quaint downtown with roots in the 1800s.
- Attend the Amador County Fair: Enjoy one of California’s oldest county fairs with rodeos, livestock shows, carnival rides, and local crafts.
- Visit nearby Gold Rush towns: Take scenic drives to neighboring towns like Sutter Creek and Amador City for history and antiques.
- Explore outdoor recreation: Hike nearby trails, picnic in local parks, or fish in nearby lakes and rivers.
Best Time to Visit Plymouth, CA
The best time to visit Plymouth is from April through October, especially during harvest season in September and October when wineries host events and the vineyards come alive with color. Spring offers wildflowers and ideal wine-tasting weather.
How to Get to Plymouth, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Plymouth is located on CA-49, about 1 hour east of Sacramento and 2.5 hours from the Bay Area.
- By air: Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is the nearest major airport, about 1 hour away by car.
- By bus: Public transportation is limited; driving is recommended for the most flexibility in exploring the wine country region.
Where to Stay in Plymouth, CA
- Rest Hotel Plymouth – Modern boutique hotel located downtown with luxury amenities and easy access to wineries.
- Plymouth House Inn – Historic bed & breakfast offering cozy rooms and warm hospitality in a charming Victorian home.
- Amador Harvest Inn – Tranquil lodging set among vineyards at Deaver Vineyards with patios and garden views.
Best Things to Do in Plymouth, CA
1. Sample Zinfandels at Turley Cellars
Rating: ★★★★★
Turley Wine Cellars produces 47 different wines from more than 50 vineyards, most of which are single vineyard designate Petite Syrahs or Zinfandels. All vineyards are currently certified organic or working towards that goal. The winery focuses on old-vine vineyards, aiming to create as well as preserve the unique winemaking culture of the area. Walk-ins are welcome during regular business hours but groups of eight or more should make reservations. The focus of this tasting room is the local vineyards close by, complemented by a selection of wines from throughout the state. There is also a picnic area now available on the property, in Pokerville, the gold mining camp. You can buy wine by the bottle or glass. Those traveling will also find another tasting room in Paso Robles.
Address: Turley Cellars, 10851 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA, Phone: 209-245-3938
2. Go on a wine tour at Vino Noceto Winery
Vino Noceto Winery makes “California’s Best Sangiovese” and has been doing so for more than 25 years, opening in 1987. They make eight Sangioveses plus a slightly sparking Moscato, an Old Vine Zinfandel, a Tuscan Red Blend, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, and others. What began as a little red barn now produces nearly 10,000 cases of wine annually. Joining the Wine Club gives you access to large discounts, special access to limited-production wines, access to special events, and more. You'll get to taste the award-winning wines at the winery, have a private tasting, go on a vineyard tour, have a picnic, or play bocce. The farm to glass tours take place daily at 11 am and require a reservation. Groups of eight or more require reservations. Additionally, Vino Noceto Winery donates time and wine to the local community and considers all donation requests despite their limited resources.
Address: Vino Noceto Winery, 11011 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA, Phone: 209-245-6556
3. Taste handcrafted wine at Iron Hub Winery
Iron Hub Winery is operated and owned by Beth and Tom Jones plus their children. They founded it following Tom’s experience as the founding Winemaker for Apple Hill area’s Lava Cap Winery and award-winning work there. The 33-acre land for Iron Hub Winery was bought in 2014, launching the label in 2016. You will find handcrafted estate-bottled blends and varietals, spanning both white and red wines. When you visit the Iron Hub Winery, you get personal and attentive service along with the chance to taste current releases and enjoy crackers and cheese bites. There is also outdoor seating so you can get the best views of Sierra mountain and the sloping land.
Tastings are complimentary with the purchase of a bottle or $5 per person, and earlier in the day, you can enjoy a seated tasting. Groups require advance reservations at this winery and leashed dogs are welcome on the patio.
Address: Iron Hub Winery, 112500 Steiner Road, Plymouth, CA, Phone: 209-245-6307
4. Enjoy the picnic Pavilion at Helwig Vineyards & Winery
The tasting room at Helwig Vineyard & Winery is spacious and inviting. The property also has well-equipped conference and meeting rooms, a picnic Pavilion, a wine cave, and a terraced concert amphitheater. The vineyard also regularly hosts private events as well as public or private wine cave tours. To visit the Tasting Room or go on a Cave Tour, you must be 14 years old. Stay inside the tasting room itself or sit on the back deck while enjoying award-winning wine. There is also a Wine Club for those who appreciate discounts and other benefits.
Address: 11555 Shenandoah Rd, Plymouth, CA, Phone: 209-245-5200
For Younger Couples:
5. See spectacular daylilies at Amador Flower Farm
For those who love strolling through flowers or want to buy some for their own home, Amador Flower Farm is a great attraction. They have over 1,200 varieties of daylilies, along with regular specials, a nursery, and a gift shop. There are also more than four acres of land filled with landscaped demonstration gardens for you to admire or to use as inspiration.
The property also has plenty of picnic areas for a day trip, including tables by a pond where you will spot frogs and ducks or the area by the 300-year-old Heritage Oak trees. You can even reserve a picnic table ahead of time for a small fee. The gift shop has cold drinks, snacks, windchimes, seeds, and gardening tools. In the nursery, you will find unusual and new plants as well as a potted plant area. Amador Flower Farm is located 45 minutes from San Francisco.
Address: Amador Flower Farm, 22001 Shenandoah School Rd, Plymouth, CA, Phone: 209-245-6660
6. Sample delicious dessert wines at Sobon Estate
Sobon Estate is one of the wineries from Sobon Wine. It began with Shenandoah Vineyards in 1977 and continues to be a family-run company, including the winemaking team. Sobon Wine strives to be as natural as possible when producing their wine, taking extra care with every barrel and bottle. Shenandoah Vineyards is now the original location with Sobon Estate beginning in 1989. Sobon Estate is in the historic D’Agostini Winery, which is a California State Historic Landmark. The grapes are sustainably farmed and estate grown while the vineyards have choice soils and micro-climates. The winemaking relies on state-of-the-art techniques and 60 years of combined experience. Some of the wines include vineyard designated Zinfandels, Rhone varietals, and dessert wines. There is also a wine club, the ReZerve Club, but it is only open to 250 members. You can, however, join the wait list.
Address: 14430 Shenandoah Road, Plymouth, CA, Phone: 209-245-4455
Plan Your Trip