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: