sobon estate

Amador wines are simply not as good as those in Napa or Sonoma counties, but they're improving a lot, and this is our favorite. Forget their low-end wines. But for $5, you buy an engraved glass and their reserve wine tasting is then free. That's where you'll find the best wine in Amador. I particularly like their Primativa, but tasted their Tannat and that's my new favorite. There's also an interesting wine museum on the grounds. Worth seeing!

We head to the Valley usually once a year, and Sobon Estate is my favorite. The people working in the tasting room are always friendly, and the zins are full, fruity and smooth. Just the way I like them! And they always have something interesting for gifts or parties in their shop.

We enjoyed our visit but I found their wines nothing special. Great two room historic relics of wine making. Oldest winery in California back to the 1850s.

We have been going up to Sobon for many years. They have a cute place with a cool old wine museum, but let's get to the wines. We try to try everything they put out. And the wines are just great, but what always shines for us are the Zins. Cougar Hill, Rocky Top and Fiddletown shine as stellar examples of how Zinfandel should be done! These wines exhibit all the characteristics of the soil and climate of Amador County. The wines are usually dark fruited and peppery from the amazing soil in the area. This place is not to be missed. Or pick up their wines at Total Wine in Sacramento!

It's the oldest continuing running winery in the state. Laid back atmosphere. Plenty of tastings. There's a small museum on the premises.

We love to take newbies in the Amador wine area to here to learn of the history of winemaking in the area. The wines are pretty good across the board and the servers are nice and very knowledgeable.

This is one of the oldest wineries in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and delivers outstanding dessert wines, which is what I enjoy most. We used to go up about every six months to resupply our favorites. It's a shame there aren't more ways for them to show off the old stone buildings and the wine tasting options, which are still free.

Sobon had very good wines at reasonable prices. In addition to the delicious wines the staff is friendly and attentive an there is a small museum attached. The museum offers a glimpse at life a 100+ years ago in the area. I found it to be a nice addition to the wine tasting. I think what I loved the most about Sobon is the quaint European setting. The courtyard, farmhouse and winery reminded me so much of the Burgundy region of France that I just wanted to spend the rest of the day sipping their great wine and relaxing in the shade of the ancient fig tree. It transported me back to France and I loved it. What a great winery!

Sobon Estate is located on the outer eastern edge of Amador's Shenandoah Valley wine district. The present winery is the latest reincarnation of one of California's oldest wineries, first established some 150 years ago. It's not the prettiest facility in this area, but has a relaxed, historical charm. The walls of the small tasting room are lined with ribbons won in various wine competitions, mostly for the zinfandels for which this winery is known. Less expensive wines can be tasted for free, and a $5 per person fee applies to the reserve flights. Our server was friendly, but a bit overwhelmed by a large party that was there at the same time. There are also kitchen goods and souvenirs for sale.The complex includes a free museum, part of which is situated in what was the original wine cellar on the property. It features old wine-making apparatus, antique farming equipment and tools, and a selection of old farmhouse furniture. Other than placards identifying what the item is, there is no explanation of how the item was used (which isn't necessarily obvious). But then, they're in the wine business, not the museum business. We did enjoy our four-footed museum docent--a very friendly black and white cat that followed us through the displays and welcomed the occasional pat on the head.

Do not miss Sobon Estate Winery if you are visiting Gold Country. The tasting room is small and unpretentious, so you might be tempted to give it a miss. That would be a great mistake. If you like Zinfandels, this is the place for you. Their wines consistently win gold and silver medals and are made with organically grown grapes. They have some of the oldest vines in California, if not the oldest. We always buy a case of their "Old Vines Zin" and each year is as good as the past year. And that is one of their moderately priced wines. The Reserves are incredible. I can't list all the superb wines they offer--you will have to go taste them yourself!We have been attending the Amador County "Behind the Cellar Door" every year since 1999, and we never miss stopping at Sobon.

we stopped in here first on our limo winery tour for our firneds 30th anniversay. when we arrived we were rgeeted and shown to the tasting counter. first we tried all the ones in front of us, which were very good and at an incredibly great price! then when we thought we were all done, he said since your the first folks to come today, ill give you the "reserve" wine tasting for free too! well, once we tried those,the first ones were thrown by the wayside! these reserves were so wonderful, fruit forward reds, that we all were melting with the wonderful taste on our tongues!! the first one were good, but these were great (but at a price, a little more expensive, but worth every penny!) great place with nice people, and good wine!

We started our tour here. The server was very knowledgable, the wines were very good and we bought several cases with the group of 8 we had. It was a great start to a great day.

Our first stop! Wonderful staff. Beautiful grounds. There is a 100 year old fig tree on the property, just beautiful. We love their wines !

Set in rolling hills with vines covering almost every reasonable acre from valley floor to hilltop, Sobon is a treat for a variety of reasons. Its museum gives visitors a look at winemaking and life dating back to 1856, when the D’Agostini Winery was located on this same property. The winery carries both California Historical Landmark and California Agricultural Landmark status. Sustainable farming practices are used throughout the vineyards, including integrated pest management, composting, and reuse and recycle.Sobon is definitely low-key on a weekday. The picnic area overlooks vineyards and items too large to store in the museum, like an old pump cart for moving juice and other farm equipment. Make sure to allow adequate time to visit the museum – a real plus in helping to understand the depth of history in winemaking in this region. Shopping in the tasting room is available, with some unique humor items like aprons and doormats that convince you there is nothing more fun than being into wine!As found in many wineries locally, Sobon is best known for its Zinfandels, with some of these vines dating back 100 years or more. The taste of any particular Zin selection is often based on the many differentiated microclimates within the family’s acreage. Many of the wines win frequent awards or are noteworthy in major wine and popular press listings. The Tannat, available on the reserve list, is unique in this region, and it’s an experience not to be missed! Wines are very reasonably priced and specials are often available.

Sobon has some good wines, the Old VIne Zin's are excellent.