Why not?
It’s the usual answer Uphill Vineyards founders, Beth and Ira Rosenthal, give people when asked why they went into the wine business when they could just retire.
“We are curious people,” said Ira. “We want stay to active in our retirement, whenever that may be.”
Enjoying wine “wasn’t enough” for the couple who are quickly earning a reputation for their small lot European style wines as being ones of “elegance” and “balance.”
“We feel great peace and contentment in the vineyard, “Beth added. “The beauty of the place, the sound of the wind rushing through the pines, the hawks riding the thermals above, the mountains in the east wearing their white aps, all of this makes us happy to be alive.”
Uphill’s vineyards are located at an elevation 2400 feet in Fiddletown in the Sierra Foothills of Amador County. The first vineyard, of five acres, was planted in 2007 and undulates across both simple and compound slopes. They currently produce Zinfandel, Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Tannat.
“Our tastes are a bit more refined from when we first started drinking wine in the 70s and we understand that the wine we like best is the one we share over a meal with family and friends and that many factors unrelated to the wine itself affect one's perception and enjoyment (or lack thereof): company, place, ambiance, even the weather,” said Beth.
Walking into their tasting room, you’ll be greeted with joyful smiles from Beth and Ira who love to share stories and pour at their tasting room.
Uphill Vineyards’ new tasting room tucked next to the Sutter Creek Theater at 46 Main Street. Open Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 5pm.
