Ancient winemaking at Story Winery

By KRISTINA HACKER

No need for a Delorean to travel back in time for wine lovers to experience the origins of the nectar of the gods. David Dediachvili has brought ancient winemaking techniques to Story Winery in Plymouth.

—David Dediachvili

e country of Georgia is considered the “cradle of wine,” as archaeologists have traced the rst evidence of winemaking to the region in 6,000BC. Dediachvili is using what he learned about winemaking in his native Georgia to create a unique California wine. e retired healthcare entrepreneur decided in 2019 that he wanted to bring a little bit of his

“We say that wine is in our blood,” said Dediachvili about his Georgian heritage.

Georgian heritage to Central California’s wine country and bought Story Winery, established in 1973 by Dr. Eugene Story, a winery that already came with a reputation for creating great wine.

The Georgian technique of winemaking involves pressing the grapes and then pouring the juice, grape skins, stalks and pips into qvevri — subterranean eggshaped earthenware vessels — to ferment for six months and then finished in oak barrels.

Dediachvili imports all the qvevri used at Story Winery from Georgia, as the vessels are handmade.

Story Winery is using this Georgian style of winemaking with California grapes, while also importing wine from his winery in Georgia using Georgian grapes.

“Georgia grows over 500 varietals of grapes that don’t grow anywhere else,” he said.

Both wines made from California and Georgian grapes are available for tasting at Story Winery, located in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County. The tasting room overlooks some of the best panoramic views in the Valley, amidst a 120-year-old vineyard. The winery grounds, which include picnic tables, are open daily. ●

Tsitska is part of the Imereti family of indigenous Georgian vines. The variety is believed to be among the oldest white grape varieties in western Georgia. It has nice freshness and balance with aromas of linden and a note of honey.

Named after the family’s affectionate brand ambassador dog, Simba, this Chardonnay has fruity notes.

If You Go

WHAT: Story Winery

WHEN: Tasting room hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday and noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday

WHERE: 10525 Bell Rd., Plymouth

INFO: storywinery.com or (209) 245-6208

By VIRGINIA STILL

There are several places in the 209 to indulge in edible delights and libations that will leave a lasting memory. With so many things to celebrate like Easter and Mother’s Day people in the 209 may be looking for a jewel of an establishment with great food and great service to spend time with the people they love.

For Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14 Camps Restaurant, 711 McCauley Ranch Road in Angels Camp will o er a Mother’s Day brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature specialty curated cocktails and wine. e pristine green golf course at Greenhorn Creek resort and the beautiful views makes this gem in the Mother Lode worth the trip for a special day to remember.

Call for reservations at 209-729-8181.

Another option is the Oxford Kitchen, 110 W. Oak in Lodi where guests can indulge in an eclectic menu with a unique blend of avors that will take your taste buds on a global tour. e Beef Wellington is of English origin and melts in your mouth or 209ers may enjoy the ever so popular and very tasty Fish n Chips. is cosmopolitan restaurant with a swanky bar has a delectable brunch and dinner for those that are looking to make some memories.

Call for reservations at 209-263-7234.

It is nice to have traditions and nice to do something new or a little di erent especially for special occasions. A change of scenery, a road trip, and time spent with great company around the table at an exceptional establishment with savory cuisine is a fabulous time any day. ● aking mom out for high tea is a Mother’s Day tradition and there are a variety of shops to visit in the 209, including a new place in Oakdale.

With this tea shop the 209 has gained a rare gem which has been a long time in the making. At a time when historical buildings are being transformed to more modern interiors, that is far from the case of the recently opened Tea at 202 in Oakdale.

Owner Oly Truhett and lifelong partner Jim Bauman have spared little by way of time, detail or expense in recreating the 1884 Victorian home at 202 E. G St., Oakdale.

“ e minute I bought this house, I walked in and I could see it all done,” Truhett said of the Victorian being transformed into a tea house. “I envisioned everything.”

Admitting to a love of all things “pretty” and a love for “playing house” with her sister Judy Furtado, Truhett has hosted tea parties at her Orange Blossom, Oakdale home for friends and non-pro ts for years. A lover of antiques and antiquing, she shared she’d always wanted to bring a tea house into town,