We stayed at the Airbnb at Avio Vineyards and had a great experience. We did the barrel tasting with the owner, Stefano, and he was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. He took the time to educate us about the property and the wine, which made the experience feel personal and special. It was a memorable stay and tasting, and I'd definitely recommend it. read more

Avio Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Sutter Creek, California

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A random stop turned out to be such a fun experience!! First time here and I want to go back! The lady working sure knows how to make sure you have a good time! Her pours are generous and she explained everything without doing the most. I also love places that offer free tasting if you buy a bottle! The wines are tasty and affordable! It's such a cute winery too and I hear they have an amazing air bnb in the back ! Thank you for a great experience read more

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To those wine connoisseurs, San Francisco is to Napa while Sacramento is to Amador County. However, the vineyards that spread over the Motherlode have some amazing rolling hills, scenery, and picturesque views in all directions. This takes me none other to "Avio Vineyards" in the small community of Sutter Creek. I have been coming here since around 2009 and have always made several purchases of their refreshingly delicious wines. Located directly on Ridge Road and roughly 3 miles east of Highway 49, Avio is in fairly close proximity to the popular Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort. The signs that are posted prior to entering here make it much easier that may not be familiar with the area. However, you will have to drive about 1/4 mile until you make your way to the actual wine tasting entrance. Here, you will witness several wooden wine barrels and a cobblestone walkway that takes you directly to the main entry point. This is one of the few wineries that does not charge a tasting fee. However, that doesn't mean you can drink and leave. Therefore, it is highly and strongly encouraged that you purchase a minimum of one bottle. I also wanted to point out that this is a smaller winery so even on the weekend days, you may only see one staff member working there. And since it is smaller, the hours are limited as they are only open Friday through Sunday from 11am-5pm. I have had the opportunity meeting the owner of Avio Vineyards, Stefano Watson where him and his family began this lifelong dream dating back to the early-1980's. Since I am no stranger to their wines, I highly recommend their 2023 Rosato as well as other fan favorites including their Cabernet, Zinfandel and Sangiovese. Some of the lighter wines including their Pinot Grigio and Champaign style Sparkling Wines. And since the summers are much hotter out here compared to Napa Valley, the red wines have a much bolder taste to them. All in all, "Avio Vineyards" is an above average place with some million-dollar views. My rating, four stars. read more

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Yesterday my friend celebrated her 40th birthday at this winery. The ambiance was prefect. Nice clean patio with vines all around. We sat outside with our party of 12 as the tables were nicely spread apart so we didn't get any interference with other parties. The man there providing the tastings said it was his first day and he was doing it by himself. He did great, was nice and kind to us and even provided color to our conversations when he overheard. We didn't order food but the service man gave us several helpings of yummy crackers with our wine. The red wine tasting was good. I didn't taste a wine that I didn't enjoy. It was a pretty nice day. Would love to return one day. read more

Never a big fan of dry wine but this place have amazing dry wines definitely recommend and wrote trying Chesney have always been sooo amazingly awesome every-time I m here I enjoy relaxing here with friendly awesomeness conversations with chesney u definitely need to give this place a try when she works here if you love awesomeness friendly services read more

It my first time, and I'm so lucky coming today, Father's Day, alone in the tasting room, well there's a family who pick up their stuff. I get to talk more with the wine lady who's conducting the tasting. I get to explore alittle the place. She's very pleasant and the place is very nice. She offered that I can do picnic in the tables outside... I love this place ... I'll bring my family next time! read more

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Highly recommend the 2023 Pinot Grigio! I'm not a wine drinker but this one was amazing! Beautiful place. read more

Avio Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Sutter Creek, California

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We had a group of 18 visit Avio Vineyards about two weeks ago. It was wonderful! The ambiance is quite lovely with Tuscan charm and a lovely fountain in their courtyard. Chesney was our host and she was very pleasant and knowledgeable! We were able to bring food which added to the event. And, of course, their wine is great! We really enjoyed ourselves! Thanks so much for the gracious hospitality to owner, Stefani and to Chesney! read more

Avio Vineyards - One happy group of people! - Wineries Near Me - Sutter Creek, California

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Found this place by chance and had a great visit. All of us tasted something we liked and bought wine. The wine tasting fee is also reasonable at $10 unless you buy one bottle which covers it. The pours were great and we got a small tour. read more

Lovely charming setting !! Generous tasting! No pressure to buy !! Will keep returning with loved ones!! read more

I LOVE This Place! I can't believe I waited so long to post my review from my last visit (months ago). The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. The guy "Dave" who did our wine tasting is a local resident and provided entertaining conversation; we never felt pressured to buy or rushed for time. We ended up purchasing a couple cases that were on special as well as some really unique bottles that we really enjoyed. Their prices vary, but this place has something for everyone. I hear that they are now OPEN for Wine-thru pick-up... we'll find out shortly :) read more

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I am the mother of the young lady who came with my sister and mother today. The fact that the lady behind the counter who declined my daughter's entry at first when she had a valid ID is not only discriminatory but flat out offensive! Never once were we ever treated in such an offensive manner and we have been members of elite Napa wineries where even my daughter frequents with me!! Train your staff wisely before refusing guests entry and be treated like second class citizens. We don't care how great your wine is, the atmosphere and overall experience also makes the winery and yours is definitely subpar to say the least!! read more

Came in with a friend, (I'm 31 years old btw) wouldn't serve me because I didn't have the "California REAL id" even though I had my valid drivers license. And I quote " I can't serve you because you don't have the golden bear in the corner." Never in my life have I heard that before... all the while other patrons were making jokes about her not checking their id!!! read more

Nice place, off the beaten path. Very friendly staff. Will come back. Nice place, off the beaten path. Very friendly staff. Will come back. read more

A trusted spot for hospitality! We love a winery that is so confident that you will enjoy what you're tasting, they do not need to charge to "try it first" Nicely priced delicious wines to take home or open and enjoy in the shade near their fountain. read more

I returned to Avio winery on July 21 Sunday 24 to show off winery to my family mother and niece hoping for a nice relaxing way to celebrate my niece's birthday. As a wine club member,I thought they would be impressed. When we arrived however, I was shocked to be treated so bad. The lady behind the counter directly told my niece she didnt believe her ID was real and refused service to her without even verifying first. My niece even had her father on the line who was about to show her passport to confirm but the lady disregarded her and said that she is with customers currently She in the end confirmed with the owner the authenticity of the ID and then later apologized. However my niece waa so offended by then, she decided to cut the tasting short. Although I did love the wine, it is not worth how we were treated. I will no longer return and do not recommend because of the poor discriminatory service of this lady. read more

I couldn't find one varietal here that I liked.and trust me that never happens. Nobody behind bar when I entered..waited 5 min. For host. Maybe a bell on counter would help? She insisted on pushing the written tasting notes on me i.e. I got lime in the pinot grigio, but she corrected me twice that it was lemon! Everyone's pallet is different and mine is pretty trained dearheart! Best tjing was no charge for the tasting. Thank goodness. read more

Check in for buy 1, get the second bottle 50% off! We came across this vineyard on a failed attempt to eat at the Jackson Rancheria Seafood buffet. The courtyard was beautiful with a large fountain. Our server, Deanna, was friendly and knowledgeable. We had 7 tastings. We ended up purchasing the 2012 Pinot Grigio and the 2010 Sangiovese Reserve. Both were reasonably priced. Their Raspberry Champagne was also very good. read more

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I came by Avio Vineyards with my two good friends to do some winetasting but more importantly to see the wedding venue that they will be getting married at in September. The vineyard is quaint, nothing extravagant or elaborate, but the perfect spot to do some winetasting without a crowd or any fuss. Their tasting room is simple with a walk up counter and a few seats under some umbrellas out on the patio. Adam was our wine tasting server for the day. He was extremely friendly and engaging with us. He even offered to show us around the vineyard after our tasting so that I could see where the wedding will be held in more detail. He was very knowledgeable not only about the wines he was serving us but also the local history of wine in the area. I cannot wait to come back to Avio Vineyards to celebrate my best friend's wedding in September and to enjoy more of their delicious wine. P.S. The wine tasting was $5 per person but that fee is deducted when you buy any bottle of wine. If you check-in on yelp, they have a buy one bottle get one bottle 50% off. read more

This is a Great local winery! Marcos was friendly, knowledgeable & professional. A tremendous young man who the owner saw potential and hired him from a totally different industry. The tasting is complimentary which is rare these days and wines are delicious!! read more

Service is amazing. Wine is so yummy... scenery is beautiful and Groot (the dog) is so cute. read more

Avio Vineyards - a menu and glasses on a table - Wineries Near Me - Sutter Creek, California

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We had a very nice time at Avio Vineyards. The wines were good, the host was excellent, and the grounds were delightful. We sat outside on a sunny spring day. We had a child with us and he was able to sit outside with us and he also enjoyed looking at the tadpoles in the fountain. We each brought home a couple of bottles to enjoy another day. read more

My friend is a member here and was raving about the experience, so we decided to go with him and check it out. MAN he was not kidding. Dave helped us out and he was INCREDIBLE. He was so knowledgable, passionate, friendly, and patient. We threw all the questions we could think of at him and he took us out to the vines and gave us a breakdown of exactly how they do what they do. He even let us in the "wine cave"! We learned a lot, drank copious amounts of delicious wine, and made a new friend, all while surrounded by the gorgeous grounds Avio stands on. THANKS, DAVE! We'll be back. :) read more

Off the Amador and Sutter Creek path, but worth a targeted visit. This winemaker is exceptional. If you really enjoy well made, small lot, carefully crafted wine then this is the place for you! The tasting room is a traditional Tuscan farmstead featuring a beautiful courtyard and fountain. The vineyard is atop the rolling hills and also features a bed & breakfast onsite. The tasting room is simple Tuscan elegance, complete with the bar made of solid wood resting on vintage wine barrels. This Italian winemaker has brought the family history of wine making over to the USA and has exception Italian red varietals. Each year brings new favorites, but the Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are my favorites from the 07-08 vintage. Much like Terre Rouge/Easton this winemaker ages his wines a couple years. While the rest of Amador is tasting the 09/10 vintage, Avio still serves up it's 07 and 08's. It's this patience and passion for the wine, not the money, that really comes through. The structure of these wines gives the ability to lay them down for 5-10 years, but they are also drink ready now. You may want them to breathe for an hour in the decanter for full appreciation! Worth particular mention as well was the pourer in the tasting room. Teresa was exceptionally patient with our kids (7 and 5) while they played in the courtyard. She treated us like extended family, never once pushing us to speed up the tasting. Avio is a rare bird these days with a winemaker who is exceptional, and passionate about the quality of the wine over the commercial opportunity. It is one of my favorites anywhere! read more

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We made our first visit to Avio and we'll be back. It was a very relaxed experience with great tasting wines and a helpful staff. They also had a Tesla and Chargepoint charger which make it even more convenient. We overall had a great time and are looking forward to returning. read more

We stumbled across this winery while out exploring Jackson, CA. The grounds are beautiful and we were able to taste some really nice Italian wines that were reasonably priced. I ended up buying three bottles and have enjoyed the ones that I have opened so far. I bought two reds and a berry champagne. I usually do not like champagne at all but this one had a great berry flavor with a tiny hint of sweetness. The hostess at the vineyard was very friendly and knowledgeable. There was plenty of parking and the winery itself was beautiful. read more

Avio Vineyards - Wineries Near Me - Sutter Creek, California

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Amy was our server she taught us a lot about wine and the owners. The wine was very good! No Merlot!! But the rest were good. If you check in with Yelp you get 50% off a bottle which we got ! read more

Good Lord, Amador County - you produce some incredible bubbles and beautiful scenery to look at while sipping away. Yes, those of us accustomed to Sonoma County and Lodi are a bit snobby, but I was very curious what sort of wine's this region was producing. Primarily known for reds, Avio offers an array of options. My favorite being a fairly dry Brut. The golden leaves and acreage with the backdrop of the valley was breathtaking. Cheers to that! read more

I was visiting the Jackson Rancheria Casino seafood buffet for the unlimited lobster. Once we finished at the buffet, I figured I should charge my Model 3 a bit to be sure I would make it home. I discovered Stefano's vineyard for some wine tasting while I charged my car. It was towards closing time around 4:30pm when we arrived so nobody else was there other than one employee (I believe his name was Bob) and Stefano. They were both very nice and had no problem allowing me to charge my car at the vineyard while I tasted some of their wine. I was able to speak to Stefano about his vineyard and how he operates it which was very intriguing. Stefano is a very intelligent guy. I recommend the "Confession" as this was my favorite of the 6 or so different wines I tried. It was a pleasant experience and I highly recommend visiting. read more

Avio Vineyards - Visited this vineyard to charge my Model 3. Stefano has a Tesla destination charger in the back of the tasting room. - Wineries Near Me - Sutter Creek, California

Excellent service, excellent wine and great conversation. We came up for a visit from Fresno and want to order wine but are trying to figure out how to get hold of them, if anyone has any ideas let me know! We have tried calling and emailing. Thanks! read more

After a very difficult day yesterday, in which far too much crying was involved, I decided that I needed a nice, relaxing drive today. I would have been perfectly content to go alone, but Pete agreed to go along, in exchange for the promise of BBQ. We headed off toward Sutter Creek, CA. We picked this spot because a coworker of mine frequents this town on weekends and always comes back describing any time spent there as restful and relaxing. On the drive, we realized there are wineries all around this area and felt a pull toward Avio Vineyards. Matt R. did a great job of describing the layout, so I won't repeat what he has already written so well. What I can add, is that there are currently 30 acres of land being used for growing grapes at Avio, and that land is divided into 5 sections. Each section is lovingly named after Lisa's (one of the owners) Italian Uncles. They compare the uncles to the type of wine created from those grapes. It's really very cute. For example, "Zio Giorgia's Lot- Cabernet Sauvignon: One acre. Zio Giorgio has always been somewhat of a classic; he's reserved in nature with refined qualities...just like our Cabernet Sauvignon." When you hear the couple's story, and how they ended up as wine makers in California, this will be as touching to you as it was to me (unless you lack a heart, in which case, you might gag). If you don't get to hear their story from them at the winery, definitely take the time to read it online. Anyway, on to the wine. I am not going to make any claims that I am a wine aficionado or anything. What I can say is that I love what I love, regardless of how much a bottle might cost, what label it has on it, and what awards it has or has not won. I can't describe wine very well, and really don't care how others describe it. It's usually fairly meaningless to me. What might be "easy on the palate" or "robust and full-bodied with a hint of spice" might taste like deer piss to me... I have been able to go to wine tastings across the country and have had my fair share of downright disgusting to absolutely exceptional wines. After more recent trips to wineries in the Finger Lakes Region of New York and in Wisconsin, where I have had lots of Riesling, Ports and Ice Wines (try Wollersheim Winery, Prairie du Sac, WI) I was excited to try some Italian wines. Pete and I were served by Stefano, one of the owners, and he gave us an amazing selection to try from. We tried the Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and the Maximus Super Tuscan. Later we had Champagne and Raspberry Champagne. I am normally a sweet wine type of girl, because red wine just makes me naked, but I ended up leaving with a bottle of Sangiovese, Maximus Super Tuscan (the hands down best wine I have ever tasted in my life), and the Raspberry Champagne. I am not allowed to open any of them till I'm married (in April) because of said nakedness that follows red wine consumption and because the champagne is to celebrate once we get married. I can't tell you what I am more excited about. The nakedness or the amazing Maximus Super Tuscan...both will be worth the wait! read more

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While talking about Italian wines with the nice woman at Sutter Ridge, she mentioned that some of their grapes went next door to Avio, where they were putting together a stable of wines with more of an Italian style. So I headed over to the neighbors'. I was greeted by an amazing spread, with the well-signed gate leading to a smoothly paved road that wound through the vineyards toward an attractive, Mediterranean-style complex of buildings that looked like a reconstruction of an Umbrian agriturismo. I was served by Stefano, the owner, and he was quite ready to give me a free tasting of Tuscan-Amador hybrids. The first was an unoaked Chardonnay, free of bitterness and carrying a nice tropical fruit nose. We moved into the reds, including a fruity Sangiovese, a good Zinfandel, and most notably a Cabernet that bore a distinct chianti-style finished, imparted by imported oak barrels. These wines were served in a nice, spacious tasting room, with large windows overlooking toolsheds, grapevines, and a small outdoor picnic area. The atmosphere was simply perfect, and this place would make a fine lunchtime destination on a sunny day. Prices were in the $20s-$30s. I picked up a Sangiovese (which, on second taste, came out a little *too* fruity) and a bottle of that great Cabernet. read more

A great stop, and a gorgeous place to stay. We contacted Stefano - they were closed the day before Thanksgiving, but he was nice enough to host us to tour and taste his property and wines. The property and guest room is stunning, and Stefano is a gracious host. He tasted us through many of the wines (which we left with some) and then took us throughout the property. A recommended stop when in the area, and a place to stay. read more

Stefano and his wife Lisa are so hospitable. Not only is the winery atmosphere gorgeous, but their wines are well produced as well. When you come to taste here, you're treated like family, not like another dollar coming in to the business like some of the (few) corporate wineries in Amador (whom I won't name). They also allow dogs on leash. Tux is good with other dogs, but Squirt almost mauled my 100 pound German Shepherd (who lives with a 14 pound cat at home. Squirt is SUPER protective over the tasting room, so dogs beware. read more

One word to describe our stay in the guest house at the Avio Winery...MAGICAL! Not one complaint. The owners, Stefano and Lisa Watson know what they are doing and are doing it very well! They are a wonderful couple and so welcoming. We had a private tour of the winery at night given by Stefano himself, and then Lisa texted Stefano to tell him that she had turned on the pool lights for us if we wanted a night swim. Where else will you find that hospitality?! The wines are REALLY good and they will go far with this delightful winery. We had this INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL guest home, decorated to perfection by Lisa herself, and so clean. Tons of movies and music to choose from, a detached kitchenette with breathtaking view of the hills and vineyard and animals. It was nice to sit at the outside table and enjoy coffee in the morning or wine at night. The wine they left in our room was so also a delightful treat. Stefano and Lisa, thank you for making my birthday weekend extra special! We will be back. You are a hidden gem in Sutter Creek and I am so glad we found you! Another great thing about this couple is that they rescue animals. Maybe if we get some worn out animal costumes and we act lost around their property, they will rescue us and we can live on this beautiful property and in their guest home for forever. :) This experience was truly heaven! Julaine and Tom read more

I'm giving this three stars because the guy sharing the wine with us was wonderful. If it had been based upon his personality I would have bought everything they had! However the wine was mediocre but somehow tasted really poor when the owner walked in. He left his SUV running outside (great for the environment) for over 20mins whilst interrupting the conversation we where having with the guy offering the tastings to tell him off for not running the stereo. He didn't even introduce himself and then abruptly asked "what shall I send you away with" pfffftttt how about a bad taste in our mouths (literally) there are much better wineries with nicer people out there. The grounds are beautiful and the atmosphere I can imagine (as long as the owner doesn't show up) can be nice on a summer day. We'll drive on by next time. read more

The grounds are lovely and the tasting room staffer is very friendly. The wines, however, are not drinkable. We tasted and poured out everything. Nothing we would even consider purchasing. The sparkling raspberry wine had us laughing on our entire journey home. Sparkling koolaid anyone? The reds all tasted like very bad dessert wines. I know how hard it is to make wine, but one must have at least a clue about proper harvesting, fermentation, etc. Did not see that required expertise reflected in these wines. I really hate giving one star reviews, but the wines were that awful. We have tasted throughout california, oregon and washington, and this is the first time i have encountered a winery that offered not a single drinkable wine. I do not understand the glowing reviews of this winery. Either they have no clue about how wine varietals are suppossed to taste, or they like koolaid. Baffling. read more

Good server, nice location. A fun experience with other guests. Wines are okay, and a bit overpriced. read more

The location is pretty and the tasting room is warm and inviting. The wines were classic in flavor, I prefer a little more fruit forward wines. Staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. read more

In addition to thinking that Avio is a really lovely winery in a gorgeous spot with nice wines, I hosted a bridal shower there this past weekend and couldn't have been happier with the venue. I grew up in Sutter Creek (as did the bride) so it was nice to be able to have the event in such a beautiful spot back home. The people at the winery were very accommodating and helpful. Stefano, the owner, was very helpful and open to allowing us to have the event there, and the volunteers pouring that day were just the nicest people. My favorite wines are the Barbera and Sangiovese. All in all I'm very happy we decided to do this at Avio. By the way, when I say the place is gorgeous I'm not kidding. There are sweeping views (I can't imagine how spectacular it is in the fall) and pretty buildings, and I enjoy the animals running around. read more