Last Saturday Tim and I took a day trip up to Amador County in the beautiful Gold Country where wine growers have gained huge traction over the past five years. My friend Leanne invited us to celebrate her birthday at the first annual Barbara Festival which took place at Cooper Ranch. The tickets sold out in about three days....we were lucky to be on the waiting list and got tickets by the skin of teeth! Northern California is serious about its wines! 

Cooper Ranch has been growing grapes for five generations and has a stunning property. They generously hosted the sold out event on a perfectly beautiful day.

 Barbara is a grape that originated in the Piemonte Region of Northern Italy, and by lucky happenstance, the foothills of the Sierra Nevada have made a perfect home for growing Barbara, as well as Zinfandel grapes. Most, if not all, of the Amador wineries produce Barbara wines, as well as Sangiovese and Zinfandel wines.

This festival,was organized in partnership with the organizers of a "sister" festival held in Nizza Monferatto, Italy. At the event in Italy, three California winemakers were invited to present five California Winery barbera wines. At this festival, five Italian wineries presented their barbera wines, most of which are not distributed in California. It was a treat to taste the differences that environment can have on a grape.

 The wine was not the only ingredient teasing our taste buds. Food purveyors  provided delicious dishes such as Duck Risotto, Pork Tenderloin with a spring corn and white bean hash, and blueberry and Fontina cheese lasagna. Some of the participants included Taste Restaurant (recipient of Wine Spectator Award of Excellence), Tuli Bistro, and  Bocconato Trattoria. 

 After we had thoroughly enjoyed the festival, we decided to take in a few of the wineries in the region Andis Winery. My friend Ruthie was the manager of the tasting room and I had been hearing rave reviews from many of my friends about a winery that not only was producing great wines, but had taken a very contemporary approach in the construction of their wine tasting facility. Andis Winery hired the talented architectural team of Sage Architects to design something memorable and different.

 Husband and Wife team Paul Almond and Pam Whitehead conceived of a modern contrast to the rustic  surroundings. One of my favorite elements was the use of wine barrel staves in the design as a screen along one side of the building. The weathered grey color and the texture of the screen adds a softness to the sophisticated exterior. 

For more photos you can hop on over to Sage Architecture's website HERE and read more about their thoughts on the design.  

 Andis was one of the participants at the Barbera Festival as well. After we tasted a few of their wines, we declared Andis as one of the top of our list. We came away with a delicious Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for summer and a red blend known as Painted Fields.

We relaxed in the shade and soaked up the beauty for awhile....

 before heading off to Leanne's gracious parents' home to take in a round of Bocce Ball and good conversation before heading back down the hill.....

 A day well spent....

For those of you who missed the festival, perhaps this will tempt you! 

This October 1st and 2nd, Amador Vintners are hosting:

THE BIG CRUSH

36 participating wineries, world class wine, fabulous food, live music and entertainment, 

Harvest in action.

Check it out HERE 

along with many other Amador Wine events coming up this summer.

What are you doing this weekend?