PaZa is a small, family-run winery located on the Auburn and Placer Wine Trails, just northeast of Sacramento, and halfway between Auburn, Newcastle, and Lincoln. Our rustic, elegant tasting shed and picnic areas are surrounded by picturesque views of the Sierra's, the Sutter Buttes, and even the coastal mountain range.
Our History
Our winemaking journey began in 2005 when we, Pamela and Zane Dobson, sold our home to buy an old farmhouse and traded our Porsche for a tractor. We traded in our extreme sports and love of fast cars for a passion for winemaking. We've never taken ourselves too seriously, but we take our wines very seriously.
Our Vineyards
We believe that great wines really do begin in the vineyard. We have varietals with lineage traced back to France, Italy, Spain, and even Germany and Croatia. Our vineyards are planted in soil known as Andregg, which is comprised mostly of granite, clay, and sandy loam. We personally manage the vineyards for sustainability, striving for healthy balance and focused effort, which yields consistently higher quality fruit.
Our Winemaking Process
Our approach to winemaking is hands-off, providing gentle guidance to let the fruit and the place shine. We use minimal sulfite additions, and our wines are never filtered, fined, or adjusted. Our premium red wines are treated as reserves and aged in barrels for 2 to 3 years. To let the wine remain the star, we only incorporate a small percentage of new barrels with each vintage. Total production ranges from 600 to 800 cases per year.
Pamela
Pamela was an avid bicyclist, long-distance hiker, and snow skier, with years of experience in the retail grocery business. She managed the California State Fair Wine Garden and is now focused on PaZa.
Zane
Zane was an engineer and designer in the aerospace industry, working on exciting projects, including avionics upgrades and modifying interiors of private jets for movie stars. He's spent a lot of time around fast cars and participated in many driving events and car races. He's now dedicated to winemaking.
Cyndie
Cyndie has worked along the Placer County Wine Trail for almost 13 years and joined our team in 2017. She has a passion for wine and taken several classes toward her Wine Business Certificate at Sonoma State. She enjoys our European varietals and the unique experience she can give her customers at PaZa.
Visit Us
Escape to the Shed to experience the best of what Placer County has to offer. Our tasting shed is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM, with last call at 4:30 PM. We welcome private tastings and tours by appointment. For groups of 6 or more, please contact us ahead of time to make arrangements.
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Overall Experience
PaZa Winery has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from its customers. The winery offers a unique outdoor tasting experience with breath-taking views of the vineyards. The staff is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. Guests rave about the quality of the wine, with many praising the unique varieties and excellent blends. The atmosphere is described as relaxing and peaceful, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or wine tasting.
Physical Setting
The winery's physical setting is a major highlight for many reviewers. The outdoor seating areas offer stunning views of the vineyards, and the grounds are described as beautiful and lovely. Guests appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy the scenery while sipping wine.
Service
While there are a few criticisms about the service, many reviewers praise the staff's friendliness, knowledge, and hospitality. The owners, Zane and Pam, are particularly mentioned for their welcoming nature and excellent customer service.
Wine
The wine is, without a doubt, a major highlight for most reviewers. The variety of wines is impressive, with many praising the unique blends and excellent quality. Some reviewers even mention specific wines, such as the Shed Red, Sangiovese, and Primitivo, as their favorites.
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