Imagine spending a relaxing weekend exploring the richness of California’s Gold Country, from the world-class wineries of the Shenandoah Valley, to the historic towns that dot the rolling hills and offer a multitude of activities both indoor and out. Sutter Creek is an ideal location for your stay in a region steeped in history and natural offerings.
Below is a sampling of just a few attractions; click here to see a more in-depth tour of all that Sutter Creek offers. For more information about the area, visit VisitAmador.com.
Want to plan your visit around something you already know you love? Click here for a complete month-by-month calendar and detailed description of all Sutter Creek events.
A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Just 10 miles north of Sutter Creek, the Shenandoah Valley is overflowing with world-class wineries, all of which offer unique tasting rooms, picturesque estates, and award-winning wines. Tour wine caves, enjoy music and food, and of course, sample the wines of Jeff Runquist, Easton, Dillian, Rombauer, Charles Spinetta, Turley, and so many more!
At the 2019 California State Fair Wine Competition, Amador County’s 40 wineries, most of which are nestled into the Shenandoah Valley, brought home a whopping 239 medals. And that’s not all: Two Shenandoah Valley wineries won two of California State Fair’s highest awards: California Vineyard of the Year, to Dick Cooper Ranch, and Golden State Winery of the Year was awarded to Jeff Runquist Wines.
For more information, visit the Amador Vintners Association, or Wine on 49 for a complete listing of the 11 wine tasting rooms in Sutter Creek. To see a map of the entire Shenandoah Valley AVA, click here.
Thinking about a wine weekend getaway with friends? Let the Hotel Sutter help you plan. With award-winning wineries just a few miles away and our private shuttle, we can put together an excursion for your group tailored to your tastes. Let us know your dates and we’ll do the rest! Send an email to events@hotelsutter.com.
Historic Charm
Founded in 1854, Sutter Creek marries the past with the present with its well-preserved gold-rush era downtown and flourishing Main Street, lined with over-flowing antique stores, eclectic art galleries, tasting rooms, restaurants, and more. Known as “the jewel of Amador County and Gold Country” Sutter Creek is just minutes away from the Kennedy Gold Mine in Jackson, or Roaring Camp Mining Company in Pine Grove, in the stunning Mokelumne River Canyon. Experience even more of Amador County’s historical charm by touring in landmarks such as Preston Castle or the Amador County Museum. For a step back in time right here in Sutter Creek, visit the Knight Foundry!
Natural Beauty
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, there’s no shortage of activities for nature lovers. The Mokelumne River, which secured its “Wild & Scenic” designation in 2017, is perfect for kayaking, with a modern entrance point just 5 miles south of Sutter Creek on Highway 49. In Volcano, enjoy a tour into globally-known Black Chasm Cavern, or Chaw’se Indian Grinding Rock State Park. On the outskirts of the Shenandoah Valley is the Amador Flower Farm and its 30 acres of scenic flora. Just 30 minutes away to the south, visitors can take in the grandeur of the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Tree State Park or spend a day in the high country at Kirkwood Mountain for outdoor fun all year round, including skiing, mountain biking. and hiking around dozens of high lakes and streams.
Other Fun, Indoors and Out!
The Motherlode region offers a variety of golf courses and clubs just a short drive from Sutter Creek, including two right in Amador County: Castle Oaks in Ione and Mace Meadows in Pioneer. In nearby Calaveras County, there’s family-friendly Greenhorn Creek, as well as La Contenta in Valley Springs, Saddle Creek in Copperopolis, and Forest Meadows in Murphys.
Outdoor enthusiasts love the abundance of opportunities to hike and fish in the high country with its dozens of lakes, or kayak down the Wild & Scenic Mokelumne River. Kirkwood Resort, at the eastern-most edge of Amador County, offers wintertime skiing and summertime mountain biking for the entire family.
If indoor activities are more your style, take in a local production at Main Street Theatre Works or enjoy a concert at the historic Sutter Creek Theatre. Feeling lucky? Visit the Jackson Rancheria Casino or Harrah’s Northern California Casino in Ione, and see if you can hit a different kind of Mother Lode!