Dry Creek Valley · Sonoma County · Healdsburg
Amphora Winery
Amphora Winery: Where the art of winemaking meets the craft of pottery.
4.7(38)
Rate this winery
Known forTeroldegoMourvèdreCave ToursBoutiqueArtistic WinemakingCouples
About Amphora Winery
Amphora Winery is renowned for its unique winemaking philosophy that combines the art of wine-making with the craftsmanship of pottery, using terracotta amphorae to enhance the terroir of their wines. Founded by Rick Hutchinson in 1997, the winery has evolved from a small operation in a redwood barn to a spacious facility in Timber Crest, where they produce small lots of various varietals, including rare selections like Teroldego and Mourvèdre. Visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience with a focus on balanced wines that reflect their origins, all while appreciating the artistry behind each bottle.
Why Visit Amphora Winery
The moment one steps into Amphora Winery, the allure of their terracotta amphorae captivates the senses, promising a winemaking experience like no other. Imagine savoring a glass of their rare Teroldego while surrounded by the creativity and craftsmanship that define this unique winery. It's not just about tasting wine; it's about connecting with the essence of each bottle, with every sip echoing the passion and artistry poured into its creation.
- Utilizes ancient terracotta amphorae to enhance the winemaking process, providing a distinctive flavor profile.
- The winery offers rare varietals like Teroldego and Mourvèdre, which are hard to find elsewhere.
- Rick Hutchinson's philosophy of crafting balanced wines ensures every bottle reflects its origins.
- The tasting experience is hands-on, allowing visitors to engage deeply with the wines and the winemaking process.
- Located in Dry Creek Valley, the winery provides a picturesque setting that enhances the tasting experience.
The Setting
At Amphora Winery, the striking sight of terracotta amphorae lining the walls instantly sets it apart from typical tasting rooms. This spacious facility in Timber Crest boasts a blend of rustic charm and modern design, with the sun filtering through the tented outdoor tasting area, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. Visitors are enveloped in the sounds of nature, with birds chirping harmoniously as they sip on balanced wines that truly reflect their terroir. The inviting presence of Rick Hutchinson’s artistic vision is palpable throughout the space, making it a haven for wine enthusiasts.
The Tasting Experience
The wine tasting at Amphora is an experience that actively engages the palate and the mind. Guests can enjoy tastings outdoors, where the ambiance is filled with laughter and the occasional sound of a cork popping, as they sample a curated selection of small-lot wines. Each wine tells its own story, especially when pouring the Mourvèdre, which is known for its bold flavors. The opportunity to taste while learning about the winemaking process—from the influence of the amphorae to the specifics of each varietal—creates an immersive experience that lingers long after the visit ends.
Tasting Experiences
Wine Tasting
$25Wine tastings are conducted outdoors under a tent/shade structure, with options to move indoors in inclement weather. Standup tastings are available at the bar in the Tasting Room. Groups can be accommodated up to a maximum of 6 people.
Reservation Required
Wine List (16)
| Wine | Type | Vintage | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley Concentrated dark fruit character, spiced with characteristic Cabernet Franc notes of cedar and chaparral. | Cabernet Franc | 2022 | $58 | |
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Timber Crest Vineyard The Timber Crest Vineyard is our go-to for Cabernet Sauvignon that expresses the complex character of the varietal. | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2017 | $65 | |
2017 Merlot Enjoy the quiet elegance of this wine, crafted from a vineyard just across Dry Creek Road from the winery. | Merlot | 2017 | $55 | |
2019 Petite Sirah, Bevill/Wolcott Vineyard This 2019 is our seventeenth vintage from the consistently wonderful Bevill/Wolcott Vineyard. | Petite Sirah | 2019 | $46 | |
2017 Aglianico Of all the Italian varietals we produce, our Aglianico is perhaps the most “Italianate” in character. The flavors are blend of red currant and black cherry, and the overall impression is complex and interesting. | Red Blend | 2017 | $40 | |
2017 Barbera This vintage expresses the more subtle aspects of a varietal known for dark color, and fruit-forward flavors. Aromas of cherry compote, clove and mushroom greet you in the glass. | Red Blend | 2017 | $36 | |
2018 Tempranillo Juicy dark berry fruit, lush texture, and sweet aromas enhanced by aging in American oak barrels. | Red Blend | 2018 | $37 | |
2019 GSM 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. This delicious blend has proven to be both a staff and guest favorite every vintage. | Red Blend | 2019 | $44 | |
2019 Mourvedre Mourvèdre often presents a wild range of flavors and aromas, with meaty and animalistic notes nestled amidst spicy aspects. | Red Blend | 2019 | $35 | |
2019 Sagrantino This is Amphora’s first vintage of this rare and mysterious Italian varietal. | Red Blend | 2019 | $58 | |
2019 Tannat True to form, our 2019 Tannat shows its typical character of dark blue-black color, black fruit flavors. | Red Blend | 2019 | $42 | |
2020 Grenache This vintage is a bit bigger than the 2019, with a touch more tannic grip, and more dark fruit character. | Red Blend | 2020 | $38 | |
2020 Nebbiolo Riserva This wine was partially fermented in terracotta, and then spent a total of three years in barrel to mellow and deepen. | Red Blend | 2020 | $42 | |
2018 Syrah The 2018 Syrah is true to the spirit of this Rhône varietal: it is blue-black in color, with deep-noted aromas of blackberry. | Syrah | 2018 | $45 | |
Port, LPR For our 'Late-Picked Reserve' Port, we take Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel grapes at the peak of ripeness. | Zinfandel | NV | $48 |
2022 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley
Concentrated dark fruit character, spiced with characteristic Cabernet Franc notes of cedar and chaparral.
Cabernet Franc2022
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Timber Crest Vineyard
The Timber Crest Vineyard is our go-to for Cabernet Sauvignon that expresses the complex character of the varietal.
Cabernet Sauvignon2017
2017 Merlot
Enjoy the quiet elegance of this wine, crafted from a vineyard just across Dry Creek Road from the winery.
Merlot2017
2019 Petite Sirah, Bevill/Wolcott Vineyard
This 2019 is our seventeenth vintage from the consistently wonderful Bevill/Wolcott Vineyard.
Petite Sirah2019
2017 Aglianico
Of all the Italian varietals we produce, our Aglianico is perhaps the most “Italianate” in character. The flavors are blend of red currant and black cherry, and the overall impression is complex and interesting.
Red Blend2017
2017 Barbera
This vintage expresses the more subtle aspects of a varietal known for dark color, and fruit-forward flavors. Aromas of cherry compote, clove and mushroom greet you in the glass.
Red Blend2017
2018 Tempranillo
Juicy dark berry fruit, lush texture, and sweet aromas enhanced by aging in American oak barrels.
Red Blend2018
2019 GSM
65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre. This delicious blend has proven to be both a staff and guest favorite every vintage.
Red Blend2019
2019 Mourvedre
Mourvèdre often presents a wild range of flavors and aromas, with meaty and animalistic notes nestled amidst spicy aspects.
Red Blend2019
2019 Sagrantino
This is Amphora’s first vintage of this rare and mysterious Italian varietal.
Red Blend2019
2019 Tannat
True to form, our 2019 Tannat shows its typical character of dark blue-black color, black fruit flavors.
Red Blend2019
2020 Grenache
This vintage is a bit bigger than the 2019, with a touch more tannic grip, and more dark fruit character.
Red Blend2020
2020 Nebbiolo Riserva
This wine was partially fermented in terracotta, and then spent a total of three years in barrel to mellow and deepen.
Red Blend2020
2018 Syrah
The 2018 Syrah is true to the spirit of this Rhône varietal: it is blue-black in color, with deep-noted aromas of blackberry.
Syrah2018
Port, LPR
For our 'Late-Picked Reserve' Port, we take Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel grapes at the peak of ripeness.
ZinfandelNV
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to Stay Nearby
View all
HotelAppellation Healdsburg
Healdsburg
Luxury hotel in Healdsburg with exceptional dining and vineyard views.
Dog OK*CouplesWine Enthusiasts
4.8(52)
· 5-star hotel· 1.1 mi
More Wineries in Dry Creek Valley
View all →
VerifiedCapo Creek Winery
$$$Dry Creek Valley · Healdsburg
Experience exceptional wines and culinary magic at Capo Creek Winery.
Reservation
5.0(155)
VerifiedAmista Vineyards
$$Dry Creek Valley · Healdsburg
Experience the joy of connection through exceptional organic wines at Amista Vineyards.
Dog OKKid Friendly
4.9(157)
VerifiedDry Creek Vineyard
$$Dry Creek Valley · Healdsburg
A family-owned winery producing award-winning wines in Sonoma County.
Dog OKKid Friendly
4.8(293)
VerifiedPedroncelli Winery
$Dry Creek Valley · Geyserville
Experience nearly a century of winemaking excellence at Pedroncelli Winery.
Reservation
4.8(81)
Planning a wine country trip?
Explore curated day trips and build your own custom route.