While this place is a bit out of the way for most of us it is a must visit every time in Amador County. Their wine list is incredible, the wines are incredible, the service is always friendly and knowledgable and passionate, and tastings are always free! The grounds are gorgeous and during great weather bringing some food and sitting outside on the patio is a must. They have complementary popcorn as well. As things get more and more expensive, Windwalker has stood their ground to let their wine talk and have you only pay for the wines you buy. It's beyond commendable and honestly always allows me to buy even more wine. Bonus Points for being a Woman Owned business! read more

Windwalker Vineyards - Outdoor patio and picnic tables - we brought our own lunch - Wineries Near Me - Somerset, California

What a beautiful day at this vineyard. Every wine I tried I loved. The prices were good, the tasting was an experience, and the staff made you feel like family! read more

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Sweetie and I discovered Windwalker wines about 4 years ago while dining at Papa Gianni's in Cameron Park. The Sangiovese was terrific and the Barbera was even better and both pair perfectly with Papa G's outstanding and authentic Italian dishes. We learned that WW is not sold retail outside of Papa G's and at the winery. We immediately joined the wine club and have never looked back. Tucked away in the beautiful hills around Fairplay and an easy drive from Sacramento is this hidden gold mine. One visit to the winery and the intimate tasting room and you will be hooked. Owners, Jim and Allana, and their great staff will guide you through the impressive portfolio of reds and whites. For me the reds are the star of the show, year after year. Jim eagerly shares his knowledge of the vineyard and the characteristics of each of the fine wines. Join the wine club and get generous discounts as well as periodic wine releases and events. But don't just take my word - go visit and see for yourself. read more

We visited a few wineries on the recent El Dorado Harvest Festival route. Our favorite by far was Windwalker Vineyards. For this event they paired tasty appetizers with each festival wine offering which were all quite good. They staffed the event with enthusiastic friendly servers. One of these was the winemaker Zach Norgaard who suggested we try their Estate Cab "Lone Ranger." Once inside at the bar we tasted several more excellent wines. Can't speak highly enough of our experience there. Great wines, lovely pairings. Zach seems to have a way with blending too. We loved the Sierra Sunset blend as well. Terrific price points for very fine wines. Zach is a gifted winemaker. So many great wines! So impressed!! read more

I really enjoyed the wines. Friendly service. Cute little popcorn machine to munch on while tasting. Will be back!

A gorgeous estate property. Thank you to Seth who gave my friends and I a private barrel tasting. The wines were great and the ambiance was 10/10!!! A gorgeous place and can't wait to come back! read more

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We have been members of Windwalker for many many years. We love all the staff and Jim and Alana treat everyone like family. This is a perfect winery and we love getting our shipments of wine so we can taste them and order more cases of the ones we love. We have never had a bad bottle. We are not wine snobs, we just love what we love. We share our wine with friends in Reno, Nevada and suggest that they go there and sign up too. Thank you Alana and Jim The Watsons read more

The ambience is fantastic. The outside area is rustic with charm. The wines were okay. Staff were friendly and helpful. Lots of wine members coming and going. Must be doing something cool for someone's taste buds. read more

Some of the bast wines in the area. Never had one that I didn't like. Jim and Alanna are the best people. read more

We were introduced to this winery by friends who live in the area, and were taking us around to their very favorite wineries. Windwalker will definitely be added to our list! We tasted and tasted and tasted, each and every sip was a step above. It was so hard for our group to choose our bottles afterward, even with our detailed notes; everything is delicious here. Grounds are gorgeous, stay & picnic; highly recommend! read more

This is a lovely location for a winery, although it is well out of the way. The wine is very good and if you go for a wine tasting they offer a large selection to taste. They do not charge for their wine tasting either, which is becoming less common. I was there during the week, so parking was not an issue, but it seems like there would be plenty of parking even on a busy weekend. The main reason this doesn't get more stars is that the actual wine tasting experience was not very good. The person serving us our tasting was very perfunctory, offering little explanation of the wines we were trying. No real suggestions or anything at all really. Basically, it was, what would you like to try, pour and that's it. Usually, you get a little explanation of the wine, tasting notes, maybe food pairings, etc. I will be back because I also believe one trip is not necessarily a good indicator of the typical experience. And it does have plenty of other qualities to recommend it. read more

The best wine in the county from the whites to the reds!!!! We have been club member for many years!!! There wines will not disappoint you!!

I discovered Sierra Sunset! It's the absolute best bottle of wine you'll EVER get for under $15. OMG, loveitloveitloveitloveit!!! read more

This was stop three on our El Dorado wine tasting adventure and we'd had one hit and one miss. Windwalker was in the latter category. The owners seemed geared up to have us taste everything they had open, whether we enjoyed Chardonnay or hated it or wanted to try the Sangiovese first or last. As soon as we got our glasses, they started pouring from the first bottle in a line of at least a dozen. They seemed very disappointed when we said we'd like to pick and choose which wines we wanted to try. I tried a decent 2005 Sauvignon Blanc and a 2004 Syrah, which was kinda meh. I was having trouble keeping myself from inhaling the sun-dried tomato cheese dip and crackers on the tasting bar, so I had to step outside for a while. (I'm still paying for eating all that cheese at Exhale last week. Lactose intolerance sucks.) I wasn't impressed with this place, but the prices were fairly reasonable. And while I found the wine not particularly memorable, Christy enjoyed and purchased the 2003 Lady in Red. The nicest part of the winery is the pretty picnic area outside the tasting room, where I forgot to take a picture (of course.) read more

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Owners and staff at Windwalker are always top notch. Jim the owner is very friendly and hands on with customers. Their wine is outstanding. Love their Zins, Syrahs and Merlots. read more

Beautiful winery, lovely crafts and great patio; however the owner/owners are rude, disrespectful, cheap and do not like large groups that come in limo's. Our group spent approximately $300 between wine and crafts, and granted I know that isn't that much, but when the owner follows you out the door and says " are you stealing my wine glasses" is just plain ridiculous and non-professional. Those "tasting glasses" probably cost them 10 cents a glass. The confrontation was completely unclassy and should not have been presented in that fashion. This is not only the first time in a limo there, but a second and third time with horrible service. I'm sad to say that we will not be coming back there, nor will we suggest this winery to anyone. We will continue to travel to the other local wineries who really want our business and treat us well. Hasta La Vista Windwalker! read more

After a disappointing experience at Perry Creek, right next door, our experience at Windwalker was amazing. Great service and one of the best Barberas I have ever tasted. Dispite another negative review that said they don't like large limo groups I can't disagree more. I hate limo groups at our wonderful El Dorado and Amador wineries. Limo groups belong in the Napa/Sonoma area. We don't need them in the foothills. read more

I was here Saturday, March 10th for my sister's 40th birthday. I will NEVER come here again. Here's the story: There was a group of ten of us arriving in a limo bus, and we were about 45 minutes late for our appointment. The chauffeur called way ahead of time to let them know we would be late. When we arrived, we apologized profusely. They didn't say hello, they didn't smile, they simply said "which one of you works for the restaurant" (my sister is an event coordinator and they are always looking for new wineries to add to their menu), and then angrily poured glasses. Also, I must note, there were NO other people in the tasting room aside from our group of ten during the whole time there. My sister tried really hard to engage them in conversation--asking about their wine, what grapes they use, where they started. They all used one word answers and actually started arguing behind the bar in front of all of us. One lady looked like she was OCD about cleaning and was constantly moving our glasses in order to wipe down the bar. When I say constantly, I mean that seriously is all she did. We didn't even make it through the whole tasting because we felt so uncomfortable. My sister actually walked out because they were so rude. I understand they were probably frustrated we were late, but the winery we went to right before, we were also about 45 minutes late...but the owner was completely happy to see us, he gave us a tour of his winery, gave us snacks and a bunch of free tastings. 5/10 of us joined his wine club. So, Windwalker Winery, you missed out on a great opportunity to gain customers. We will never come back, we told all of our friends to avoid you, told the limo driver to not recommend your winery for tastings, and the restaurant my sister works for will not be selling your wine or recommending it to anyone. A smile and good attitude can get you far. read more

Go here for a picnic! They have a great patio and deck. If you call ahead with a big party, they will do their best to make sure you have fun. I brought my girlfriend's here and it was raining, so they turned in the outdoor heaters and let us sit where it was covered. Just recently, my dog came with us and hung out with their dog Wino, too cute. The wine there is amazing. Their barbera is excellent and their Sierra midnight is to die for (this last release is sold out). They let try just about everything so kick back, drink and be merry. read more

If you can't enjoy yourself here, you're a misanthrope! The wine is amazing, the staff are knowledgable, and the atmosphere is surreal. read more

Windwalker Vineyards - A members party celebrating the release of the Temptanillo. - Wineries Near Me - Somerset, California

Wonderful wine!!! If you like good port, this is a place to stop! Their Tawney is fantastic. Also check out their Barbera and their Zin; all great wines!!! read more

Come here every time I want to wine taste or take someone tasting. My absolute fave! Handicap parking, dog friendly and a huge nice shaded area with outdoor music to picnic. The red Midnight blend my fave! read more

Windwalker Vineyards - Me and my honey and my mommie! - Wineries Near Me - Somerset, California

I have been a member of Windwalker's Wine club for quite a few years. I recently took several of my wine drinking friends to visit Windwalker, one of whom is a sommelier. I have traveled the world with these friends, drinking wines from Napa and Sonoma, to Bordeaux, to Tuscany, to the great Spanish wine regions. We all agreed that the wine tasting at Windwalker, hosted by the Proprietors Jim and Alana, was one of the highlights of our entire wine experiences. There is a reason why this unpretentious Winery been selected as one of California's best several times over. If you like great tasting red wines from the Tempernillo's to the Petite Syrah's, then you must give them a try. No, it is not Napa their great Cabs nor is it the Russian River with their Pinot's and chardonnays. But what it is is something special and still very affordable. read more

Good wines, good service, and nice atmosphere. They have a fantastic assortment of reds, including some interesting ports. It's a little out of the way, but we will definitely return! read more

Best Wines in the area by far!!! We love the staff (Karen rocks) and the atmoshere is awesome. The serve EVERYTHING on the list and then some. One time our wineclub was billed but not ready for pick up so they actually gave us a FREE bottle of Lady in Red which is not cheap for our trouble. Trouble??? No trouble making that beautiful drive and the great company is Phenom! Worth every penny! Love love this winery!! You will be hooked too! read more

My husband and I love this winery! We found ourselves visiting every time we were in the area to stock up on more of their Barbara and Sierra Sunset. Every wine we have tasted there has been excellent. They remember our faces whenever we come in (way before we even joined the wine club) and they have always treated us like family. read more

Yes, they have good wine. No, they don't have good customer service. My friends and I (in our 20 somethings) decided to go wine tasting and came here as our last stop. We had been buying throughout the day and planned to buy here until we were greeted by a very passive aggressive rude lady. First thing that came out of her mouth was "I'm only pouring you 5 of these on the list". Seriously lady... Then throughout the tasting, she kept giving us grief about taking up counter space (there was 8 of us) and how we need to keep moving till she pretty much shoved us off the counter all together. I would have loved to buy 5 bottles of the Sierra Sunset, but no way was I giving her my business read more

We ended up at Windwalker on Wednesday because they were one of the few wineries open midweek. How lucky for us! We had a lovely visit. Really liked all their reds, but especially the barbera and the syrah. To add on to this....we have now visited Windwalker 2 more times since 2016, and we still love them! We've been there twice this year, even though we live 7 hours away. They are worth the drive ! For an everyday drinking wine their Sierra Sunset is scrumptious! But most of their reds are! read more

We LOVE Windwalker Vineyards. We have been coming here since 2004, and have been wine club members since 2008 and have never had a bad glass of wine. If you are a fan of red wines, especially, you are in for a treat. Even their most inexpensive wine, Sierra Sunset, is absolutely delicious! They have a lovely tasting room and gift shop. I always enjoy checking out all of their wine-related merchandise, and have purchased many gifts for friends on our frequent visits. Jim & Alana are wonderful, warm, friendly people. I have never seen anyone treated disrespectfully. . We have attended many of their events and they have all been so much fun! The food is always plentiful & great, as is the ambience and music on their wonderful deck under the trees. The owners and winemaker are always there and happy to talk about their wines. We go to Napa, Sonoma, Livermore, Amador & El Dorado wineries quite often, but Windwalker is one of our very favorites, and definitely the friendliest! read more

Windwalker wines are the ones I bring to our gourmet wine tasting dinners to show off the fact that it doesn't have to come from Napa to be first class. I have visited the winery many times over the years and it just gets better and better. Jim and Alana, the owners are actively engaged in the wine operations and they are both gracious and informative. There red wines are routinely winning major gold medals and wine tastings for good reason-it's all about the wine! These are world class wines sold for less than $30 a bottle, meant for serious wine drinkers who appreciate great fruit forward wines. Napa is a great place for Cabs but if you want a great Zin, Primitivo, Sangiovese, or Bordeaux blend--look no further. On a side note, my wife and I have been visiting Napa and Sonoma for nearly 30 years. We have been visiting the El Dorado/Fairplay wines for nearly 15 years. I can finally recommend adding Amador County wineries as a great place to visit and enjoy excellent wines. We went during their Big Crush weekend in October and were amazed at the changes in the wines and wineries that have occurred over the last decade. read more

Windwalker has the best wines in Fairplay..Jim the owner, Dominic the winemaker and Jack in the tasting room really made our day today. Jack and Jim greeted us with a hearty "good morning" and Jim was so cute helping me find a rooster for my collection and I am happy to say I did find the perfect one. Dominic came out and shook our hands which was really cool and we tip our hats to his stellar wine making abilities. This was my second time at Windwalker and I came back for the awesome Zin and the beautiful setting. I was glad we had the tasting room pretty much to ourselves on an early Friday afternoon which gave us plenty of time to try all the great reds and learn so much about Jack, Jim and more about Windwalker wines. The hardest part was choosing which wines to take home because they are all incredibly good and the best in the region with the awards to prove it. Ultimately we left with a case 3 "Foxy Lady" 2 "Merlot" 3 Sangiovese, 2 "Shady Lady" and 2 Sierra Sunsets. Foxy Lady and the Sangiovese are my favorites but it was nice to enhance our collection with some equally tasty varietals. Everyone at Windwalker is incredibly knowledgeable, genuine, and we had a great time hanging out with them today. Eldorado, Amador and Placer County differs greatly from Napa and Sonoma county where it's a different way of life and clientele. If you are rude, spoiled, arrogant and inconsiderate the wineries in this region might not cater to your ridiculous whims but they will treat you in the way you deserve and that's a two way street you know. But for those of us, who appreciate great wine, awesome people, and beautiful surroundings you get a far better experience than any snooty overpriced winery who may not mind if some spoiled brat takes the tasting room glasses which if you know anything about wine tasting, you know the glasses are not free and you don't take them. Real class is being polite and respectful Windwalker Vineyard is a class act in our book and we look forward to seeing our new friends again and again. Dan Hale and Aimee Pfaff read more

Windwalker is one of my favorites! Try their new Sunshine white. Excellent! Jim and Alana are fantastic! Always looking out for us Nevadans! Their Zynfandel is always off the charts! I shouldn't say that, more for me! read more

beautiful winery. BEST wines east of Napa. the ZIN is amazing! well worth the long ass drive out there.

Had my wedding here last September and it was gorgeous. I'm not saying that just because it was the best day of my life, it really was beautiful. With Alanna's (owner) help and eye for simple design, everything was perfect. The wine is always stellar and the staff is welcoming and friendly. My favorite winery. read more

Wine is good, owner is rude and worried about his wine glasses. Dirt road driveway so dont bring your sports car here, we spent enough money ...hope he paves it soon....unless people steal his wine glasses of course.... He learned how to make good wine..now he needs to learn how to treat people good..untill he does we will not be going back.. read more

The family and staff of Windwalker are very kind, knowledgeable and truly decent. We are locals but did not know this family before hand but did know their wines. We joined the wine club (a great deal with a lot of extras). Their wines are so good. We are invited to the homes of friends who ask ahead of time, "Can you bring us for dinner something from Windwalker? We now know that the name "Windwalker" was the name of a Stallion who lived on the property. Their customer service is supurb and they even help us with getting the case(s) into the car. We have the wine that won the Golden Bear and the double double and several Lady in Red, Shady Lady etc. After the holiday we need to get out there again as our wine racks are looking to be filled totally up. read more

I really like their wines. I'm not much on whites but their Sauvignon Blanc is excellent. As for the reds, they are all really good. I particularly like the reserve Zin. The Barbera and Zin are good also. The biggest problem is selecting wines to purchase since they all taste so good. I highly recommend going to Windwalker. The people are friendly and very knowledgeable about wines. They have a beautiful deck and a great place for a picnic. read more

I will never go to this winery again. They have good wines but the owners are less than friendly. I joined their wine club last September and bought a case, then took delivery of my 2nd required shipment in October, 2011. Not only was the wine in the October shipment pretty bad, but, but they refuse to honor my request to opt out of their club. Even after informing them that I wanted out last October 17th, I still received a shipment this week. And I found out my credit card had been charged nearly 2 weeks before delivery. Needless to say, I refused the product. I will never patronize Windwalker again. read more

The wine is fine, the sandwichs are way way over priced for nothing. A panini with a very thin piece of turkey, some thinly sliced avacado that is very hard and not ripe, a little bit of onion and some stale chips for $10-$11+ is a big rip off. Not to mention the service, it might take you an hour to get this terrible sandwich. If you should go there take your own food. There are way too many winerys near by to get treated like this. Go somewhere else. read more

I LOVE Windwalker winery and have since 2001. The owners are the most giving and loving people. I know this because they hired me to sing at their location when I ran a local B&B close by. As for the person that said that they were offended when caught trying to steal the wine glasses - you wouldn't have been offended if you weren't trying to do something dishonest. They weren't in the wrong in fact it was said in a teasing way - you took it as you did for a reason. HELLO! If the shoe fits wear it. Shame on you read more