Scott & Jana Harvey

Scott Harvey discovered his passion for winemaking as a high school exchange student in Germany’s Rhineland Pfalz. Back in the U.S., he trained at Montevina Winery in Amador County, becoming Winemaker and GM of Santino Winery in 1979, helping establish Amador as a top wine region. His expertise with Zinfandel and Barbera is renowned. In 1996, Scott joined Folie à Deux Winery in Napa Valley, creating the "Ménage à Trois" line. After its sale in 2004, he and his wife, Jana, founded Scott Harvey Wines, blending European tradition with California's terroir. Jana, with 30+ years in marketing, has been instrumental in their winery's success. Located in Amador County, their winery produces celebrated old-world-style wines, including Zinfandel, Barbera, and blends under the "Jana" label.

Sierra Foothills

The Sierra Foothills, located along the western edge of California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, is a historic wine region that traces its roots back to the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. This AVA spans multiple counties and is celebrated for its rugged terrain, warm days, and cool nights. These conditions create a microclimate ideal for producing bold and expressive wines, especially red varietals. Vineyards are often planted at higher elevations, ranging from 1,200 to over 3,000 feet, benefiting from volcanic and granite-rich soils that impart complexity and minerality to the wines.

Zinfandel is the flagship grape of the Sierra Foothills, thriving in the region’s hot summer days and cool evening breezes. Other varietals, such as Barbera, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, also thrive here, showcasing the region’s versatility. A curious fact about the Sierra Foothills is its legacy of old vines—many vineyards date back to the late 19th century, yielding low-production, high-concentration wines that reflect the area’s historical significance. With its combination of distinctive terroir and a legacy of winemaking, the Sierra Foothills stands as a testament to California’s viticulturally diversity.