January 22, 2026 (Amador County, CA) — For one exclusive weekend this March, the velvet ropes come down. Amador Wine Country is pulling back the curtain for the much-anticipated 2026 return of Behind the Cellar Door, a rare opportunity for guests to step out of the tasting room and into the heart of the region’s storied winemaking tradition. This signature passport event will take place March 21-22, 2026.
Celebrating over a quarter-century of tradition, this year’s event invites guests to master The Art of Winemaking. Attendees won’t just sip; they will engage in the craft, tasting directly from barrels, comparing rare library vintages, and learning the nuances of the Sierra Foothills terroir from the ancient, dry-farmed Zinfandel vines to the innovative Italian and Rhône varietals that have earned the region international acclaim.
“Behind the Cellar Door is about more than just what’s in the glass,” says Megan Van Hook, Executive Director of Amador Wine Country. “It’s an invitation to discover the stories written in our soil and the passion of the hands that harvest it. This year, we are pulling back the curtain to give guests a true insider’s perspective on the craft that makes Amador a world-class wine destination.”
The event follows a two-day, reservation-only format, allowing participants to craft a personalized journey through the six distinct sub-zones of Amador Wine Country—Amador City, Drytown, Fiddletown, Shenandoah, Sutter Creek, and Ione. Guests may select up to five exclusive winery experiences per day from a curated lineup of family owned participating wineries. Experiences include hands-on demonstrations, vertical tastings, and delectable small bites expertly paired with rare varietals.
A limited number of single-day passes are also available. This rain-or-shine event promises an unforgettable experience regardless of the weather.
Ticket Information & Pre-Sale Pricing
Tickets are available for purchase online at https://www.BCDAmador.com. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of Pre-Sale pricing available through February 28th.
- Full Weekend Passport (Sat & Sun): $80 Pre-sale ($85 regular price)
- Saturday Single-Day Passport: $70 (Limited quantities available)
- Sunday Single-Day Passport: $60
- Designated Driver Pass: $25–$30 per day
All passes include a commemorative wine glass.
About Amador Wine Country
Located in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Amador Wine Country is one of California’s most historic wine regions, dating back to the Gold Rush of the 1850s. Home to the oldest documented Zinfandel vineyard in the state, the region is celebrated for its high-elevation terroir, decomposed granite soils, and a commitment to preserving heritage vines while embracing a new frontier of Italian and Rhône varietals.
