Paul J. Wines

I have been coming to Paul J. Winery for over two years now, and they are my favorite go to winery! Marteen, the wine maker and server, is always friendly and accommodating. Erin, who works weekends, is always smiling and professional. All the servers make you feel welcome. Coming from the Bay Area, where Chardonnay's and Pinots are abundant, in Amador County, they are hard to find, Paul J, has created both wines to rival those in Napa and Sonoma. They also have a wonderful mix of Reds and a sparkling wine as well. The atmosphere is laid back and comfortable with bocce ball courts, and a putting green, along with Adirondack chairs. Paul J Winery is the first place, of the many good wineries, I would go to in the Shenandoah valley.

I've been here a few times over the past few years and it's quickly become a must visit winery for me. The property is just stunning, the outdoor space is cozy and inviting, they have bocce ball and a putting green, and the indoor bar top is gorgeous. I have thoroughly enjoyed every wine I've had here and have never had a bad experience with any of the staff. The prices are fair and it feels like a hidden gem amongst the many wineries in the area.

Referred here by another tasting guide. The Chardonnay was really nice. The dessert Chardonnay was nice but definitely a sweet dessert wine. This would be a great spot to walk-in The whites were nice. Flavorful. Not the destination but a great little winery that you can see is up and coming

4.5 stars rounded up. I have been coming here for a few years now, they are easy to access off Shenandoah Road in Amador County. Unpretentious with its friendly service, what brings me here is their chardonnay. I swear it is one of the best in the area. The combination of local (Clarksburg) and Mendocino area grapes create a well-balanced blend with a hint of malolactic fermentation due to aging in oak barrels. The tasting room is a rustic building with lots of counter space as well as plenty of outdoor seating. There is an area for picnics and plenty of tables. Whenever I have out of town visitors, I take them here for wine tasting as well as a few other favorites!

We were excited to visit your winery as we had heard wonderful feedback from friends. That took a turn when we approached the tasting bar - the young man seemed disinterested in our being there - even went as far as to tell us he wasn't supposed to be working that day - it was obvious he didn't want to be there nor did he want to serve us. We inquired about a bottle special he had and he rudely grabbed the sign and said not available- his arrogant manner was a big turn off - need hire people that enjoy your wine and are proud to convey it.

After our experience in the tasting room (9/3) we had to leave a review as a group. We were all shocked by the service today. We've never felt more unwelcome and uncomfortable in your winery. Two from our group of 6 walked in first at 4:20pm ish and were greeted with, "hi, two for a tasting?" my husband let her know there were 6 of us coming in total and she said, "we close 4:30 but i guess I'll take you guys now"...My parents (2 out of the 6 in our group) are members of your winery (& many others in the area) and go often to taste, buy wine, and pick up their wine from membership. My husband and I often meet them up there. We love sitting outside. We've always had great experiences until this time. Throughout our tasting your employee was cold, uninterested (in us, your wine or whatever else was going on). She was the one with long brown hair. She didn't introduce herself. She poured our tasting as quick as she could, no explanation of what each wine was and only shared after we asked. Lacking personality for a job you got to have some personality! The owners daughter is always very nice and welcoming. She was there but not when we first walked in. Soon after we were inside she came out and welcomed two other groups of people in to taste after us. So much for 4:30 rule eh?I understand it's hard to hire right now. I experience it too, in my business. But this was a bad experience leaving us not wanting to come back as often as we do.

We enjoyed the service and friendly pouches. Oh and the wine was good. Ambiance was ok.

Wines are good, people are great. But dear Paul J, an automatic gratuity is not a gratuity. It's a surcharge.

Paul is a legendary Amador wine producer, whose latest winery enterprise carries the Sobon legacy forward. At present, the Paul J facility is largely undiscovered, so visit before real wine fans (and crowds!) figure it out. $$$

The wine was good. The winery is family owned and they treat you like family when you taste. We didn't know until this trip that their winemaker makes wine at two of our other favorite wineries, Sobon & Shenandoah.