The wine industry is facing challenging times. The community in Amador County was taken aback by the sudden news that Terra d’Oro is shutting down its tasting room and putting the winery up for sale. Adding to the poignancy, this winery was the first established in Amador County post-Prohibition, known initially as Montevina.
Scott Harvey’s history at Montevina
The news was particularly startling to us, as just a few days prior, we had visited the winery with our Wine Club members for a tour and tasting led by their winemaker, Emily Haines. In celebration of our 20th anniversary, we embarked on a historical tour of Scott’s winemaking career in Amador County. Our first stop was Montevina/Terra d’Oro, significant as Scott’s inaugural winery job, where he apprenticed under Cary Gott. During the 1974 harvest, he resolved to dedicate his life to winemaking at the age of 20.
Off to Germany to learn his craft
Scott arrived at the family’s doorstep with whom he had stayed as an exchange student, announcing his desire to attend winemaking school and apprentice at a winery in Germany. With a German birth certificate, he seamlessly integrated into the German educational system.
Back to Montevina
With his newfound knowledge, Scott returned to California and participated in the 1976 and 1977 harvests at Montevina. At 23, he assumed his first role as a full-fledged winemaker, taking charge of the operations at Story Winery in Amador County.
Terra d’Oro was beneficial to Amador County.
“They had a powerful marketing arm that got Amador out in the marketplace. Amador is much better known now than it would be if they hadn’t been around,” says Scott Harvey.
The Trinchero family (who owns Terra d’ Oro and several other large brands) and Scott are connected. Right before the inception of Scott Harvey Wines, Scott worked at Folie a Deux Winery and created the brand Menage a Trois. Ironically, the Tricheros purchased Folie a Deux, acquired Menage a Trois, and developed into a giant.
Terra d’Oro Legacy
The closure of this iconic winery marks the end of an era, but it also underscores the importance of preserving the stories and traditions that have shaped our region. As Scott Harvey Wines celebrates 20 years of our journey, we are more committed than ever to honoring Amador County’s rich heritage.
