Sierra Foothills

Nestled in the western foothills of northern California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, just east of Sacramento, lies one of the state’s best-kept secrets: the Sierra Foothills wine region. The area runs 120 miles from north to south, covering 2.6 million acres (1.05 million hectares) and has a rich history, diverse topography and unique blend of varietals. It’s a go-to destination for wine lovers seeking something different.  

History of the Sierra Foothills Wine Region

The region’s wine industry dates back to the Gold Rush when, in the mid 1800s, hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world arrived searching for riches. Some looked for gold and others, like businessmen Levi Strauss, Domingo Ghirardelli and Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, serviced those looking for gold. Southern European settlers, mainly from Italy, first began planting grapevines in the area. The region’s diverse soils proved ideal for growing grapes. The wine industry soon took off thanks to a population boom and by the early 1900s, the Sierra Foothills had become a major producer for California.

Unfortunately, Prohibition dealt a severe blow to business. But vineyards were merely abandoned instead of being ripped out entirely. In the 1970s, winemakers began to discover the many old vines still producing high-quality grapes and saw potential in the Sierra Foothills. In 1987, The Sierra Foothills American Viticulture Area (AVA), with its six sub-zones of California Shenandoah Valley, Amador County, El Dorado, Fair Play, Fiddletown and North Yuba, was officially established. Today, the region has more than 200 wineries.

Geography and Climate of the Sierra Foothills

The Sierra Foothills AVA spans eight counties and includes a diverse range of microclimates and topography. The area is defined by rolling hills, high elevation and rocky outcroppings. Elevations in the region range from 1,200 to 3,500 feet above sea level, but most vineyards are planted under 3,000 feet. The AVA has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summer days, cool nights and breezes from the Foothills, making it an ideal environment for maintaining acidity and freshness in the grapes.

Soils range from decomposed granite to sandy loam and volcanic rock with low-fertility, which makes it harder to grow grapes yet leads to the production of higher-quality wines. The combination of elevation, soil type and climate make for a wide range of growing conditions, allowing winemakers to produce an impressive array of varietals and styles of wine.

Grapes and Styles of the Sierra Foothills

The most popular varietal in the Sierra Foothills is Zinfandel, also known as Primitivo, which accounts for 38% of plantings. Other classic European grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Merlot, as well as lesser-known varieties, including Barbera, Petite Syrah and Viognier, can be found in the Foothills. The region’s unique growing conditions and winemaking techniques result in wines that are complex, full-bodied and bursting with flavor.

In addition to traditional still wines, the Sierra Foothills AVA also produces sparkling wines (particularly rosés), dessert wines, and fortified wines. Many wineries offer a range of tasting options, allowing visitors to sample the region’s diverse wine styles.

Wineries in the Sierra Foothills are small, boutique and family owned, where sustainability has always been a priority. The region has many old, heat-tolerant vines that have been dry-farmed without modern irrigation for decades. Because these deep-rooted vines rely on rainfall to water the vines, viticulturalists do not divert water from cities and other users. Increasing bouts of drought and wildfires are challenging, but the area is committed to conservation.

Tourism in the Sierra Foothills Wine Region

The Sierra Foothills wine region is a wonderful place to explore, with its picturesque vineyards, charming towns and stunning natural scenery, featuring the majestic Sierra Mountains as a backdrop. It is home to several wine trails, each offering a unique selection of wineries and vineyards to visit.

The Amador County Wine Trail is one of the most frequented by visitors. It includes more than 50 wineries and vineyards. Another popular option is the El Dorado Wine Trail, which offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and a range of wineries that produce high-quality wines. Unlike Napa and Sonoma, where one can see the region in a short amount of time, the sheer expanse of Gold Country requires time and patience for those who want to explore it in-depth.

Outdoor enthusiasts can traverse the region’s many hiking and biking trails, or kayak or fish on one of the area’s lakes or rivers. The area’s many historic sites and museums give visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Whether you’re looking for high-quality Zinfandels, picturesque vineyards or outdoor activities, the Sierra Foothills wine region has something to offer everyone.