Amador County’s sixth annual Barbera Festival showcases more than 80 wineries from all over California, and takes place June 11 at the Terra d’Oro Winery/Montevina Vineyards near Plymouth.

The event provides attendees with the opportunity to compare and contrast this versatile varietal, including four Barberas from Italy selected by Darrel Corti. The festival features extensive wine tasting along with gourmet Barbera-friendly food prepared by the region’s top chefs and purveyors, live music, and hand-crafted works by local artisans.

New this year, a hands-on sensory station enables attendees to learn about the aromas and flavors characteristic of the varietal, and about barrels, toasts and soil compositions.

Barbera originated in the Piemonte region of northern Italy, and today nearly 200 California wineries produce the varietal, which is known for its low tannin and generous acid structure yielding a smooth, food-friendly wine.

The Barbera Festival was founded in 2011 by Brian Miller and Deirdre Mueller, owners of the Amador 360 Winery Collective tasting room.

The Barbera Festival takes place from 11am-4pm. Tickets are $50 ($40 for designated drivers) and must be purchased online in advance.