renwood / santino winery

My wife and I are fans of big, jammy Zins made from very ripe fruit. We seek out wines from Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Amador that fit that profile. This was our first real opportunity to stay in the area and visit multiple wineries. Over a three-day period we visited ten wineries, and Renwood was our last stop. We had postponed visiting Renwood to the last day because many of the smaller wineries are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and so this provided an opportunity to get in a last tasting before heading home. We were familiar with Renwood wines, and during a six-month stay in Japan in 2013, I was fortunate to find some 2010 Renwood Old Vine Zin at a Costco in Japan. I was really missing Zin, and it so hit the spot! The tasting room has a very modern and clean look to it. It is obvious that when the ownership changed a few years ago, attention was paid to creating a modern and attractive tasting room. Although I appreciate this, I do care more about the wines and the tasting room staff than the tasting-room ambience. Visiting on a Tuesday, the tasting room was nearly empty. The three people who were there when we arrived seemed to be wine club members picking up their wines and tasting as part of the visit. For most of our visit we were the only people there. Since my wife and I really enjoy Zins, we opted for the $5/person tasting of single-vineyard Zins, all priced at $40/bottle. The tasting fee is waived with a bottle purchase, and I have no issue with that arrangement. As we tasted the five Zins that were part of the flight, my wife and I kept waiting for one that would fit the flavor profile that we associate with Amador County Zins, and the profile that several other wineries that we had been to previously had matched. This was not to be the case at Renwood. Although all of the wines were tasty, they lacked that rich jammy character. There appears to be a trend in Amador to making Zins from fruit that is a bit less ripe, has less sugar, and leads to what the tasting room staff like to call a more “food friendly” or “European or Old World style” wine. It is possible that this is what is now trendy, but it seems to work against what the climate in Amador provides. We were struggling with the decision as to which Zin to purchase when we happened to notice that a 2005 vintage Port made from six traditional Portuguese varietals was being offered on special. The regular price, as listed in the dessert wine flight, was $35/bottle. Individual bottles were being offered at $15, and the price for a case was $120. For $10/750 ml bottle, you get what to my taste is a very nice drinkable Port. You know what they say – any Port in a storm. We purchased a case. If the special is still ongoing when you visit, do ask for a taste. As is the case at many wineries, if you show an interest in and appreciation for wine, you are often given tastes of wines that are not on the daily tasting menu, and in my case, these additional tastes have often led to purchases. The grounds and the tasting room are quite lovely, but there are many other wineries with equally attractive grounds. I was a bit put off by the multiple signs that prohibited outside food. I fully appreciate the desire to sell your own wine, but unless you have a full service restaurant that can accommodate special dietary needs, the food restriction seems to me to be a bit excessive and obsessive. The staff was very helpful, and as our conversation evolved, it became an increasingly pleasant interaction. Although I was very fond of the old Renwood wines I have had, I was less taken by the current offerings. I will note that the tasting room does not offer Renwood’s “commercial” wines, but only the more limited production single vineyard and more select bottlings. Perhaps I would have enjoyed the commercial wines a bit more. In any event, at $40/bottle for the Zins there are other wineries in Amador, Sonoma and Paso Robles whose wines better fit my personal taste preferences. I was delighted to find the Port, and that certainly made the stop worthwhile. They were also running a special on ice wine, which I was less interested in, but that may be of interest to you. Overall, if I could give 3.5 stars if I could. There are other wineries in Amador County that I would visit for the first time, or revisit before heading to Renwood a second time.

The winery is known for Zinfadel and Italian varietal wines which are grown in the Shenandoah Valley -- situated in Amador County -- near the small village of Plymouth (population 1000!). We don't do pairings very often, but what a treat it was for us to have a wine and cheese pairing, followed by a port and chocolate pairing! It is a genuine fun, relaxing and amazing experience to have cheese, crackers, honey, nuts and apricots matched to wines they are serving. They are specifically paired with each cheese, so you can get the full appreciation of what would be a really awesome combination. Needless to say, we thoroughly enjoyed this break from an intense travel day, just to sit back, relax and taste wine the way it is supposed to be served: with food and friends.

I have always been a fan of Renwood so was excited to finally go here. They did not disappoint. there was not a bad wine on the list. I was also pleasantly surprised by their tempranillo.The wine pourer was very nice and talked with us for the whole tasting which made it a great experience. The prices were more expensive than I would have thought for this region though they were top notch.

We have been wine club members at Renwood for many years. When the new owners took over a couple of years ago and renovated the facility and changed up the wine selection--I thought--Oh no, we are going to priced out of one of favorite wineries in Amador. My worries were completely unfounded. The wines are a little pricier than they use to be--but they are also so much better! Also, what makes this a favorite destination for us is the service we receive when we visit. The flights of wine are delivered to you as you sit on the lovely patio. It is so much more civilized than crowding around a wine bar. Also, we love their menu selections. It is truly a lovely way to spend an afternoon. All of the wait staff is delightful, but Erin is definitely a stand out!

Had a delightful afternoon with my daughter here. The wine, food, and service were great. Looking forward to a return trip.

We had a wine tasting at Renwood. Erin met us at the door and was very good. She is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the winery. Their area outside is perfect for tasting wine and enjoying the day. We liked the Zins and a Syrah. This winery is trying to make a come back and I hope they succeed.

The grounds are modern and welcoming. Certainly we could have stayed there for hours -- had we no other wineries to visit. You could buy a cheese, chocolate plate and enjoy your wine on the terrace. They do charge for you to taste the wine $5; however, they do take that $ off when you buy a bottle. We bought a very nice sparkling wine. The lady who served our wines was very nice, but definitely on a "sale" mode. No need to push the sale. We were buying anyway.

There is so much excellent wine in Amador. Don't waste your time weeding your way through the lines at Renwood. Wine is nowhere near as tasty as elsewhere.

Our very first stop on a wine country tour and a great place to start. Having never really been much into wine, this was a great place to get my feet wet. We arrived a bit early but Stephen came out to greet us and really took care of us. I found I am a fan of iced wines and ports but my guy raved about Renwood's reds. Stephen made several suggestions on the winery's to visit based on our tastes.

Perhaps I was wined out...but I was not a fan. They were ok. Nice atmosphere, but I have visited nicer; however, the rich and famous like this place. Nice wine pairing appetizer selections.

Some of the most delicious wines I have ever had. Plus Stephan took great care of us.We arrived a little early and they were more than happy to help us. With it being our first Winery we didn't know what to expect. If you like Zinfandel's then this is the place to go. Don't miss it while you are in Gold Country!

Wonderful wines, beautiful grounds, great customer service. Gift shop is is well laid out with nice products. Outside sitting areas for tasting as well as stepping up to the bar inside.

What a difference a few years make! It has been several years since we last visited Renwood winery. The old winery was certainly charming in a "wine barrel" sort of way, but the new winery/tasting room is so elegant and sophisticated while still exuding amazing warmth. From the moment you enter the Renwood grounds, it is clear that a transformation has occurred. The outside seating areas are absolutely gorgeous and include outdoor fires, comfortable chairs and couches as well as appropriate shade areas and luscious landscaping. Inside, the winery is absolutely gorgeous - it reminds me of beautiful nouveau Swiss architecture. The winery has fabulous wine offerings as well as a great gourmet deli area where you can pick up some treats to nosh on while sitting inside or outside enjoying the superb California sun.

Good food,great band! Renwood did a fabulous job during the big crush event. We sat back in comfy overstuffed outdoor furniture. The band was going, we snacked on good food and employees served wine to us as we sat and enjoyed the ambience. It was a great time.

First time in this part of California, (why are wineries on twisty, turny roads?). I was with two friends one who is a wine club member and purchased wine, we had A+ service, and yes, Janny(Johnny) was there, I think our server's name was Judy, she was awesome! We loved sitting outside and enjoying the 'flights' of wine tasting. Beautiful day and winery tasting area. The samples inside of chocolate sauce etc., was nice too. We did think there would be more of a lunch chose since we were referred to here to eat but regardless we will be back!!!Nice bathrooms too!