Jeff Runquist Wines
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A couple weekends ago, Nick and I had the pleasure of going to Sacramento to not only visit his parents, but stay at and enjoy Jeff Runquist Wines. Nick is originally from California, but prior to us moving last fall, he hasnāt resided there since middle school. His parents have been living in El Dorado Hills (EDH) for 10 years now and though Nick has never permanently lived there, he did stay there one summer in college! He was completing an engineering internship, while working at a winery in Amador County. And that my friend, brings me to todayās post.
Jeff Runquist Wines is a premier wine label in the Sierra Foothills, specifically the region of Amador County! This was my third trip to Sacramento and only my second trip to wine taste northeast of Sac, but my first trip to Jeff Runquist Wines. I was impressed right off the bat, as we had the opportunity to stay at the R Vineyard House! It is a spacious, fully functioning home with a full kitchen and pool to boot. My husband and I visited with another couple, but we could have fit 2 more couples in the main house with us and ANOTHER in the garage apartment. There are plenty of things to do and other cities to visit in the area, but to be honest, the main thing we wanted to do was hang out in the house, as it was so comfy and inviting.
note that charcuterie boards are for club members and limo appointments only
Donāt worry - Iām getting to the wine! The vineyard house is, wellā¦ on the vineyard! When it is time to taste at the Jeff Runquist Tasting Room, simply walk down to it. If you want to drive there, feel free to do that too ;) Jeff Runquist Wines are made to drink now, so donāt forget to grab a bottle while youāre in the tasting room. Because oh did I mention, they donāt have a tasting fee!? Thatās right - you can straight up spend your money on wine to take home, because you donāt have to waste it on 4 oz pours hereā¦ Because oh did I mention, that they donāt have a tasting fee!? We tasted 10 wines and my favorite was the Amador 2017 Barbera, which we 100% came home with. The region is actually known for its Barbera and Zinfandel, so it makes sense that it was my fave ;) If you want more than a tasting, but less than a bottle, grab your favorite by the glass! To top it all off, the JRW bottle prices are really reasonable! We typically spend around $20 for most bottles of wine and the Barbera I mentioned above is only $25! All of the wines they sell sit under $50! When you pay a lot of money for wine, one of the factors that could contribute to its price is age-abiliity and the amount of tannins presentā¦ how long will it be good for? Sure you can lay down a couple Jeff Runquist bottles if youād like, but why not enjoy now? Thatās what he made them for!
If you enjoy fruit forward wines that donāt have a lot of tannins, wine you can enjoy in its youth or in several years, or love the Barbera or Zin varietals, you neeeed to try Jeff Runquist Wines. They of course make other kinds but their Amador fruit is my favorite. If you donāt want to take my word for it, just look at their accolades! In 2019, Jeff Runquist Wines was awarded the āWinery of the Yearā distinction at Dan Bergerās International Wine Competition, the California State Fair, Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition and by Robert Whitleyās āWine Talk.ā I donāt typically like to judge things on other peoples numbers, but if that isnāt a reason to try their juice, I donāt know what is!
P.S. I am already trying to figure out when I can go back, so I can use the Vineyard house pool. It was covered, but looked like it would be a dream to use!!
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