Purple Roofs is “your GLBT key to world travel” and features Gay and Lesbian Bed & Breakfasts, Inns, Guesthouses, Hotels, Travel Agents, & Tour Operators.

The site is run by Mark and Scott and they have been kind enough to share some of their favorite vacations with us.

Today we’re looking at the weekend getaway of Amador County in Northern California for wine tasting, bed and breakfasts and everything in between.

When most people think of California wines they think of two places: the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley, and then they go there by the busload.  This premier wine region in Northern California overflows with tourists in the summertime, and wine tastings are often $5, $10, or $15 a glass.  Yes, for a tasting.

However, there are a number of other lesser-known wine regions in California that offer fantastic local varietals, scenic vine-covered hills, and best of all, elbow room.

The Shenandoah Valley in Amador County is such a place.  It is a lovely wine-growing region about an hour southeast of Sacramento. There are at least 32 wineries here within 15 minutes of each other, most of them can be found on one large loop of road that makes it easy to enjoy the grand tour.

How to Get There:

From the East (Lake Tahoe/Highway 50), catch Highway 49 in Placerville south. In 14 1/2 miles, you’ll reach the small town of Plymouth – make a left onto Fiddletown Rd., and you’re there.

From Sacramento proper, you have a couple options. The shorter route is to take Highway 50 up to El Dorado Hills. Take the Latrobe Rd. Exit (it only goes south), and follow Latrobe Rd. about 14 miles south to Old Sacramento Rd. This runs about 5 miles into Plymouth, and becomes Fiddletown Rd., leading you right into the wine region.

For a slightly longer scenic route, exit Highway 50 at How Ave. Go South on Howe and make an almost immediate left onto Folsom Blvd. Stay to your right – in about a block, Folsom veers left and Jackson Highway (16) veers right. Stay on 16 for about 30 1/2 miles, passing through lots of farmland and rural scenery. 16 then becomes 49 north bound and veers to the right – a little more than 2 miles takes you into Plymouth. Make a right onto Fiddletown, and you’ve arrived.

Where to Drink:

Story Winery

This one is our hands-down favorite for panoramic scenery. The raised wooden deck provides a great view down into the valley below. There’s the requisite rusty scenic farm equipment, whimsical art and a very friendly staff.

Also, they have a killer ginger-apricot glaze, and some of the best chocolates (free with your tasting and also for sale in their store) – Wine Lover’s Chocolate (from San Francisco). The dark chocolate is really good.


Deaver Winery

This winery features some of the nicest grounds in the entire Shenandoah Valley. Guests are welcomed by a wide green lawn, and behind the tasting room you’ll find a beautiful pond.

This is a great destination to bring a sack lunch and relax while watching the ducks. They also have a great policy, the designated driver gets a free bottle of water or soda.

For more information about these and other wineries in the Shenandoah Valley see the Amador Vintners Association website.  Something else to keep in mind while making your rounds- the feud. Seriously.

Also, unless you have a designated driver you’re probably going to need some shelter for the night (and a cab).  Why not do it in style?

Where to Stay:

Plymouth House Inn Bed and Breakfast – Plymouth, California

The property nearest the Shenandoah Valley that we recommend is Plymouth House Bed and Breakfast. It is a welcoming B&B originally built in 1885 that wears “rustic” as a badge of honor, complete with an antique shop and the original outhouse still standing behind the house – great historic flavor (but not smell). Don’t worry – they have modern plumbing available for guest use.

Once a brothel, there is actually a 49er’s era “secret” tunnel that runs from the basement to the building across the street, which was once part of the same business.

The property has seven guest rooms, and offers guests candlelit breakfasts prepared by your gracious host, Sandra.

Plymouth House Inn sits at the intersection of Fiddleton Rd. and Highway 49, just five minutes from the Shenandoah Valley wineries.

The property also has a small room available for weddings and other gatherings. Plymouth House Inn us ideal for couples visiting the Shenandoah Valley who want to stay in a small country B&B, close to all the action.

Hanford House B&B – Sutter Creek, California

Just 5 minutes south of Amador City is the charming town of Sutter Creek.

Hanford House B&B is a much newer, upscale bed and breakfast run by the really friendly couple of Athena and Robert.

The property itself is fascinating – there’s an original cottage, built in 1910, that sits at the heart of the main building, and is now the building’s entrance. In the 1980’s a two story structure was built over the original cottage, expanding it greatly and adding a number of guest rooms. Finally, Athena and Robert purchased the cottage next door and added several more large suites.

The property features 66 suites and 7 rooms. We loved the rooms in the cottage – they were spacious, clean, elegant and modern, with the original hardwood floors exposed and refinished, and new, sexy bathrooms. There’s also a room in the main building where guests for the last thirty years or so have used permanent markers to commemorate their stays.

The innkeepers have great plans for the property, too – there’s a Great Room that runs the length of the building along the sidewalk side with a fireplace that will make a fine restaurant one day.

The property is right around the corner from downtown Sutter Creek, where you’ll find a number of great little boutiques and restaurants, and is 15 minutes from most of the wineries.

If you like a more modern feel and a New York loft sensibility, Hanford House is the perfect romantic getaway for you and your partner.

Speaking of restaurants…

Where to Eat:

Susan’s Place – Sutter Creek, California

Susan’s Place was recommended by several innkeepers, and was surprisingly good. We sat in the covered patio area on what was almost a perfect day – mid 70’s and clear, with a few thunderclouds on the horizon for variety.

We had a fantastic salad, with a sweet vinigrette and fresh slices of fruit. They were very friendly, too – we’d highly recommend Susan’s Place to anyone visiting the area.

Susan’s Place is walking distance from the Hanford House B&B.

Obviously there are more wineries, eateries and inns than those we have covered here.  More information can be found at Purple Roofs.

All photos courtesy of Purple Roofs.

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