Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly stands out—whether for its singular character, compelling backstory, or the sheer joy it brings in the glass. This week’s pick is a golden gem: the 2023 Yorba Greco di Oro from Shake Ridge Vineyard.

This is a wine that tells a story of reinvention—of how a family rooted in citrus groves found their way to the Sierra Foothills and transformed a rugged patch of land into one of California’s most celebrated vineyards. It’s also the story of a grape—Greco—that traveled from the volcanic soils of southern Italy to thrive in a completely new terroir. And at the center of it all is Ann Kraemer, the quiet force behind Shake Ridge Ranch.

Yorba Wines and Shake Ridge Ranch

The Kraemer family, known for four generations of citrus farming in Southern California, found a new chapter in the Sierra Foothills when they settled on a scenic, secluded ranch in Amador County. At the heart of this transformation is Ann Kraemer, who owns and manages Shake Ridge Ranch. Drawing on decades of agricultural experience, Ann set out to create something truly special.

Shake Ridge Ranch sits at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,400 feet, with slopes that twist and turn through a mosaic of soils and exposures. Rather than imposing a vision on the land, Ann listened to it—studying its contours, mapping its microclimates, and carefully matching grape varieties to their ideal conditions. The result is a patchwork of vineyard blocks, planted with 13 different grape varieties, including Greco Bianco, the rare Italian white grape that stars in this week’s wine.

Since the first vines were planted in 2003, every decision at Shake Ridge has been made with one goal in mind: to grow grapes that make exceptional wines. That ethos continued with an additional 12 acres planted in 2009, bringing the total to 46 acres of thoughtfully farmed vineyard.varieities of

Sustainability isn’t a marketing slogan here—it’s a way of life. Shake Ridge is farmed using organic principles that put the health of the land first. Only what’s needed is used—compost and organic fertilizer to nourish the soil, cover crops to prevent erosion, beneficial insects to keep pests in check. Just before harvest, nets are draped over the vines—not just for protection, but because the fruit is irresistible to birds, too.

This delicate balance—minimal intervention with maximum care—creates a vineyard that feels alive. And it shows in every bottle.

2023 Yorba Greco di Oro Shake Ridge Vineyard

Out of respect for the protected origin of Italy’s renowned Greco di Tufo DOCG wines, Yorba chose not to borrow the exact name—but still wanted to honor the grape’s heritage while reflecting the unique character of its new home in the Sierra Foothills. The result is ‘Greco di Oro’—oro being the Spanish word for ‘gold’—a thoughtful nod to both the grape’s Italian roots and the region’s rich Gold Rush history.

Tasting note: Pale golden yellow color with enticing lemon zest, almond skin, white peach, nectarine and a kiss of spice aromas. On the palate, this medium-full bodied and persistent wine radiates freshness with flavors of ripe white peach, just ripe nectarine, almond, subtle honey and spice with a very satisfying finish. 13.2% abv|SRP – $40|90pts.

Yorba affectionately refers to this as a “winter white”—a wine with enough body and texture to pair beautifully with heartier cool-weather dishes, and that’s certainly true, but in my book, its freshness make a great year-round choice at the table.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Yorba Greco di Oro is more than a delicious, well-crafted white—it’s a tribute to thoughtful farming, a distinctive site, and a winemaking philosophy grounded in respect for both land and legacy. If you’re looking for a white wine that’s both vibrant and substantial—with a story as compelling as what’s in the glass—this bottle is one to try.