Sierra Foothills Wine Travel Guide (California, United States)

Discover the Sierra Foothills Wine Region

The Sierra Foothills wine region in California offers a unique blend of rustic charm and world-class wines. This historic Gold Rush area has transformed into a thriving wine destination, boasting picturesque landscapes and family-owned wineries.

Towns and Villages

Explore charming Gold Rush-era towns that now serve as hubs for wine enthusiasts:

Placerville: Known for its well-preserved downtown and nearby wineries
Murphys: A quaint village with tasting rooms lining its main street
Sutter Creek: Home to antique shops and boutique wineries
Plymouth: The heart of Amador County's wine country

Wine Producers

The Sierra Foothills boast a diverse range of wineries, from small family operations to larger estates:

Renwood Winery: Known for exceptional Zinfandels
Ironstone Vineyards: Offers stunning grounds and a museum
Boeger Winery: One of the oldest in El Dorado County
Sobon Estate: Produces organic wines in a historic setting

Accommodations

Choose from a variety of lodging options to suit your style and budget:

Eden Vale Inn (Placerville): Luxury B&B with vineyard views
Murphys Historic Hotel: Charming 19th-century accommodation
The Foxes Inn (Sutter Creek): Elegant Victorian B&B
Wine & Roses (Lodi): Upscale hotel with a spa and wine bar

Dining

Savor local cuisine paired with regional wines at these notable restaurants:

Taste Restaurant (Plymouth): Fine dining with an extensive wine list
Alchemy Market and Cafe (Murphys): Farm-to-table fare in a casual setting
Heyday Cafe (Placerville): Eclectic menu featuring local ingredients
Element (Sutter Creek): Contemporary American cuisine with a focus on wine pairings

Wine Shops & Bars

Explore these local wine shops and bars to taste and purchase regional wines:

Amador 360 Wine & Spirits (Plymouth): Offers tastings and a wide selection of local wines
Andrae's Bakery & Cheese Shop (Amador City): Features local wines paired with artisanal cheeses
Bella Grace Vineyards Tasting Room (Sutter Creek): Showcases organic wines in a historic setting
Bray Vineyards Tasting Room (Plymouth): Specializes in Italian varietals grown in the Sierra Foothills

Other Shops

Discover unique local products and souvenirs in these charming stores:

Dedrick's Cheese (Placerville): Offers artisanal cheeses and wine-pairing accessories
Alchemy Market (Murphys): Stocks gourmet foods and local wine-related gifts
Sutter Creek Provisions: Features locally-made products and wine country souvenirs
Amador Vintage Market (Plymouth): Sells regional specialties and wine country memorabilia

Attractions

Complement your wine experiences with these regional attractions:

Gold Discovery Site (Coloma): Visit the historic site where gold was first discovered in California
Kennedy Gold Mine (Jackson): Take a guided tour of this former Gold Rush-era mine
Black Chasm Cavern (Volcano): Explore stunning limestone caves near Amador wine country
Empire Mine State Historic Park (Grass Valley): Learn about Gold Rush history in a picturesque setting

Events

Plan your visit around these wine-focused events:

Barbera Festival (June): Celebrates the region's signature Italian grape variety
Amador Four Fires (May): Features wine and food inspired by four wine-growing regions
El Dorado Wine Harvest Celebration (September): Offers tastings and harvest activities at local wineries
Behind the Cellar Door (March): Provides exclusive access to winemakers and barrel tastings

Appellations

The Sierra Foothills AVA encompasses several sub-appellations:

El Dorado AVA: Known for high-elevation vineyards and diverse varietals
Amador County AVA: Renowned for bold Zinfandels and Italian varieties
Fair Play AVA: A high-elevation region producing intense, complex wines
Fiddletown AVA: Home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California

Grape Varieties

The Sierra Foothills region grows a diverse range of grape varieties. Zinfandel is the most iconic, thriving in the area's hot climate and rocky soils.

Other key varieties include:

Cabernet Sauvignon
Syrah
Barbera
Petite Sirah
Sauvignon Blanc
Viognier

Main Wine Styles

Sierra Foothills wines are known for their bold, fruit-forward character. The region's warm climate produces wines with ripe fruit flavors and higher alcohol content.

Notable styles include:

Full-bodied Zinfandels with blackberry and spice notes
Rich Cabernet Sauvignons with firm tannins
Aromatic Viogniers with tropical fruit flavors
Robust Barberas with bright acidity

Food Specialties

Sierra Foothills cuisine reflects its Gold Rush heritage and agricultural bounty. Local specialties pair well with the region's wines.

Must-try dishes include:

Grass-fed beef from local ranches
Fresh-caught trout from mountain streams
Locally-grown heirloom tomatoes
Artisanal cheeses from small producers

Drives & Walks

Explore the Sierra Foothills' scenic beauty through drives and walks. The region offers stunning vistas of vineyards, forests, and historic Gold Rush towns.

Scenic Drives

Highway 49: This historic route connects Gold Rush-era towns and wineries
Carson Pass Highway: Offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains

Walking Trails

Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park: Features riverside paths and vineyard views
Empire Mine State Historic Park: Combines Gold Rush history with nature walks

Itineraries

Plan your Sierra Foothills wine adventure with these suggested itineraries. Each offers a mix of wine tasting, local cuisine, and regional attractions.

Weekend Getaway

Day 1: Visit wineries in Amador County, dine in Plymouth
Day 2: Explore Gold Rush history in Placerville, taste wines in El Dorado County

Week-long Wine Tour

Days 1-2: Amador County wineries and local restaurants
Days 3-4: El Dorado County wines and outdoor activities
Days 5-6: Calaveras County wineries and Gold Rush towns
Day 7: Scenic drive along Highway 49, final tastings

Getting There & Around

The Sierra Foothills are easily accessible by car from major California cities. Sacramento International Airport is the nearest major airport, about 1 hour from most Sierra Foothills wine regions.

Transportation options:

Rental car: Best for exploring wineries and scenic routes
Wine tour shuttles: Available in some areas for guided experiences
Rideshare services: Limited availability in rural areas

Best Time to Visit

The Sierra Foothills offer year-round wine experiences, but certain seasons stand out:

Spring (April-May): Pleasant weather, wildflowers in bloom
Fall (September-October): Harvest season, wine events, vibrant foliage
Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, outdoor concerts at wineries
Winter (November-March): Quieter season, cozy tasting rooms

Sustainability Efforts

Many Sierra Foothills wineries prioritize sustainable practices. Look for these eco-friendly initiatives:

Organic and biodynamic farming methods
Solar-powered wineries
Water conservation techniques
Wildlife habitat preservation

Sustainable Wineries

Andis Wines: LEED-certified winery in Amador County
Sierra Starr Vineyard: Certified organic vineyards in Nevada County

Language Tips

English is widely spoken in the Sierra Foothills. However, knowing some wine-related terms can enhance your experience:

Old Vine: Refers to Zinfandel vines over 50 years old
Field Blend: Wine made from multiple grape varieties grown together
AVA: American Viticultural Area, a designated wine grape-growing region

Further Resources

Enhance your Sierra Foothills wine journey with these additional resources:

Sierra Foothills Wine Roads: Official website with winery listings and events
Visit California Gold Country: Travel guide for the broader region
Wine Enthusiast Sierra Foothills Guide: In-depth wine reviews and articles