California Winery Advisor

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Dobra Zemlja (dobra zem-ya)

 3.58/4 3.58/4 (3 reviews)

12505 Steiner Road , Plymouth, CA 95669

(209) 245-3183

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About This Winery

Dobra Zemlja means "Good Earth" in Croatian, and describes the beautiful grounds and ambiance of this very interesting boutique winery specializing in powerful, estate-grown Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera and Viognier. Hidden in the hills a few miles outside the tiny
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Dobra Zemlja means “Good Earth” in Croatian, and describes the beautiful grounds and ambiance of this very interesting boutique winery specializing in powerful, estate-grown Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera and Viognier.

Hidden in the hills a few miles outside the tiny berg of Plymouth is this little gem of a winery producing unabashedly big, bold, robust, chewy and fully flavored red wines. “No lightweights” is the catch phrase for these potent Amador fruit bombs. Check out their one-liter bottles of Milan Ruz for a visual and tasty treat.

The winery and tasting room is housed in a restored late-19th-century structure complete with a wine-cave tasting room. Visitors enter the underground cellar through heavy wooden doors. The concrete floor and rustic tasting counter add to the old-world ambiance.

Outside are picnic tables on a grassy lawn under tall eucalyptus trees. There is a large pond, pathways, and nooks and crannies for exploring.

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Winery Information

Hours: Open daily 10 to 5 pm
Fees: Complimentary Tasting
Price Range: $16 to $26
Established: 1995
Vineyards: 17 acres
Production: 3000 cases
Discounts: 10% case discount
Tour Info: Informal Tours
Unique Amenities: Wine cave tasting room

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Amenities

  • Event Space
  • Gift Shop
  • Picnic Sites - Superior
  • Tours Available

Ambiances

  • Casual & Relaxed
  • Country Charm
  • Dog Friendly
  • Family Run
  • Historic Features
  • Kid Friendly
  • Off the Beaten Path
  • Resort Like

Wine Types

  • Italian
  • Syrah

Winery Map

12505 Steiner Road , Plymouth, CA 95669

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Reviews

 4/4 (3) 4/4 (3 reviews)
 3.33/4 (3) 3.34/4 (3 reviews)
 4/4 (3) 4/4 (3 reviews)
 3/4 (3) 3/4 (3 reviews)

Rating Entries

The wine maker at Dry Town Cellars recommended this winery to us.

The winery is located in a cave at the end of a long and windy road. The servers were friendly and knowledgeable; the owner/winemaker, Milan, was at the bar engaging in conversation with his guests. The wines were unique. Made in a Croatian style, the wine is unfiltered and slightly cloudy, which has no adverse effect on the flavor or enjoyment. The wines were remarkable for the price.

Our favorite was the Milan Ruz, a blend of Sangeovese, Syrah and Zinfandel. We bought a 1L jug for 20!

The ’13 Zin was deep purple with a very fruity flavor and a nice finish.

His KIKAS Port was quite interesting. It is made with late harvest Syrah fortified with grappa. The color was black/purple and it was sweet and warm.

 3.75/4 3.75/4 (0 reviews)

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You drive down this long driveway to find this very cool spot that looks like it has been there for years. It reminds me of a country park with a lake, lawns and mature trees surrounding the winery buildings. The tasting room is underground and a bit spooky, but our host made it all very worthwhile. Try their Italilan wines and their good Rhone blends.

 3.5/4 3.5/4 (0 reviews)

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The rustic quality to Dobra Zemlja Vineyards surpasses any other vineyard I have found in this region. The tasting room lies within a wine cave and creates and ambiance unable to be created by a simple bar. The simple beauty surrounding the wine cellar is what I found to be most pleasurable. I enjoyed the 1998 Syrah, finding it to be aged to perfection.

 3.5/4 3.5/4 (0 reviews)

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