I thought I would start a fun blog series called California Friday which focuses on underrated or unusual places to visit in California.  Sure, it’s not GIS related, but might make for interesting weekend trips or places to stop at while staring at your GPS as it recalculates your route!  We will see how this goes for a few months.  Let me know how you like it, or if you visited the place add a comment to tell us some insider stuff to do.

Our first stop is little Amador County, just southeast of Sacramento.  Here you can step back in time and visit wine country as it was with tiny, family owned wineries tasting vinos you would not find elsewhere.  The Amador Vintner’s Association has 40+ extraordinary member wineries and tasting rooms showcasing award-winning Zinfandels, Barberas, and Rhones.  I visited the area a few years ago.  I really enjoyed the Pinot Grigio at Villa Toscano Winery and Old Vines Zinfandel at Sobon Estate.

Also while you are driving around, enjoy the rustic vistas and rolling scenic vineyards of Amador’s Gold County.  Make sure to visit the small towns of Plymouth and Jackson and the interesting restaurants that are there (which can hold their own against any spot in Napa).

Check it out and make it a trip!