A Visit to Sobon

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Written by:

Joe Becerra

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off the beaten path wine country
Sobon winery
The Sobon Estate Family Winery – Tasting room on the left

Visit Sobon Wine Family Estate

On a recent trip to the Sierra Foothills, we visited several fun family-owned wineries. One of our favorites in this underrated wine region is the Sobon Wine Family Estate. The winery is small, the vineyards are farmed sustainably, and the wines are excellent.

Sobon Wine Family Estate is in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Amador County. Plymouth is the nearest town. From Plymouth to Sobon, visitors will pass through some of the most lovely vineyard lands anywhere in California. The rolling hills of vines, grasslands, and oak trees are breathtaking. What a peaceful area! There are many good wineries to visit on this trail, but we suggest you do not miss Sobon.

Have you been to a Napa Valley winery recently? If so, you probably coughed up $35 or more to taste five wines in a luxurious setting. You also had to listen to a well-crafted description of each wine. You will not get any of this at Sobon. The tasting is complimentary and the spiel is down-to-earth. Many of the wines are under $20. The very best is the Reserva line, under $30 a bottle. Sobon is what the Napa Valley was like before the corporations hit the scene. It is much more enjoyable to be at Sobon.

The wines we like at Sobon

The Zinfandel wines are terrific deals. They are restrained and reflect the climate and soils of the Sierra Foothills and Amador County. Try the Rocky Top Zinfandel or the Fiddletown Zinfandel. These are moderate Zins, with the typical plum flavors and subtle jammy characteristics. Also, in the red wine department, the Barbera, Tempranillo, and Petit Sirah are all delicious wines. You cannot beat the value here.

In the whites, we love the Rousanne and the Viognier, two Rhone white wines with style. Sobon crafts many varieties of wine and there is something for every taste.

Sobon – getting there and other activities

sobon estate winery
Beautiful Sobon Vineyards

The best place to stay for lodging and other interesting activities is the town of Sutter Creek. There are several B&B’s in town, but the Hanford House is tops in our book. The Hanford House breakfast at their Element Restaurant is the best in the Sierra Foothills.

Element Restaurant in the Hanford House B&B
The Element Restaurant in the Hanford House B&B

Sutter Creek also has a good number of wine tasting rooms. One can spend the day wine tasting in town. Top choices are Yorba, Bella Grace, and Baiochhi.

From Sutter Creek to Sobon is a 25-minute drive. Along the route, we also like Borjon, Vino Noceto, Andis, and Domaine De La Terra Rouge.

Additional Information

  • Joe Becerra

    Joe Becerra has been traveling to wine country and enjoying wine since 1965. He is a retired educator, and now have the time the opportunity to share his wine travel experiences through this Website.

1 thought on “A Visit to Sobon”

  1. Each place mentioned is of very high quality. The reception and tastings are informative and not high pressure. You will not be asked or pressured into joining a wine club. This is a fine area to get quality varietals. Barbera, Temperanillo, Tannat as well as many Rhône reds are whites doing well.

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