The Sierra Foothills

Ready to plan a California Wine Tour to the Sierra Foothills? Beautiful scenery, quiet country roads, and award-winning California wineries are yours to enjoy in this wine region.

During the mid-1800s the California Gold Rush brought thousands of people to this area from all over the world. Some of those who flocked to the California gold fields from Europe brought grapes and planted them here. One of these grapes was Zinfandel.

Zinfandel has become the flagship wine of the Sierra Foothills. The soil in this part of California’s wine country is well suited for producing “BIG” Zinfandels. These Zinfandels are especially robust and full bodied. <

We love driving the 90 minutes or so from our home up into the Sierra Foothills to enjoy an uncrowded day taking in the fresh air, clear skies, and superb wines. It's a great place for a California Wine Tour and a great place to go wine tasting at some of the best California wineries.



There are more than 100 wineries in the Sierra Foothills waiting to welcome you to their wine tasting room. In addition to the many award-winning Zinfandels, the wineries offer high quality Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Ports, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Primitivo. Wine tasting is usually complimentary.

This is a California wine tasting experience that you do NOT want to miss. Visit our listings of mountain wineries by county soon to begin planning your California Wine tour into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Wineries of Amador County Amador County is one of our favorite places to spend a day or two wine tasting. There are some wonderful wines being produced in this region. It's a beautiful area with rolling hills and quiet roads. You will find some charming bed and breakfast inns if you want to spend the night. The wine tasting rooms are friendly and wine tasting is usually free.

Calaveras Wineries There are many wineries located in the heart of California's historic Gold Rush area. Many of the wineries are located in the small town of Murphys where you will also find great restaurants and charming accommodations. Another popular activity in Calaveras County is exploring the caverns of the region. There are several that are open to the public.

Wineries of El Dorado County El Dorado County wineries are located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and are known as "wineries with an altitude". This is a scenic area with many wonderful mountain wineries to explore. Most of the wineries are located in and around the mountain towns of Placerville and Fair Play. This is another great place for a winery getaway.

Mountain Wineries of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties Tuolumne County extends to the top of the Sierra Nevada’s Sonora Pass and includes half of Yosemite National Park, home of spectacular granite mountains and large waterfalls. Visit one of the most impressive sights in California and also take time to enjoy wine tasting in nearby Mariposa and Tuolumne counties.

Wineries of Nevada County

Nevada County is the perfect wine tasting destination for a California wine tour. The magnificent mountains, historic towns, and natural beauty will add to your enjoyment. Grass Valley and Truckee are the two largest towns in this area.

Placer County Wineries are located in and around the town of Auburn. This region is noted for its fine Syrah and Italian varieties. After Prohibition, the wine industry died out in Placer County but has been enjoying a regrowth during recent years. Have fun wine tasting at some of these newer wineries.

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Sierra Wine Country Accommodations

If you are planning a wine tasting trip to the Sierra Foothills, consider staying at one of these fabulous California Bed and Breakfast Inns:





Foxes Inn of Sutter Creek
The Foxes Inn is a lovely Wine Country Bed and Breakfast located in Amador County. It's a charming place with great accommodations and friendly hosts.

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Dunbar House
Dunbar House is a wonderful bed and breakfast inn located in the historic town of Murphys in Calaveras County. You are within walking distance to wineries, restaurants, and charming shops.

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Yosemite National Park
Anyone who has not been to Yosemite, needs to plan a trip soon. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Accommodations in the park range from tent camping to a luxury resort. You can even reserve a vacation rental.

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Sierra Caverns

Explore Caverns in California's Gold Country
Why not combine a wine tasting trip with a tour of a fascinating cavern? There are a number of unique caverns scattered throughout Calaveras and Amador Counties making it easy to visit both wineries and caves during a visit to the Sierra Foothills. Learn more about the caverns of this wine region by cl
icking on the link above.

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Recommended Restaurants in the Sierra Foothills

Kane's Fine Food Restaurant
If you are wine tasting in Nevada County, or visiting Grass Valley, enjoy a delightful meal at one of the region's newest restaurants. Kane's Fine Food Restaurant creates delicious food from fresh ingredients. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

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Taste
After a day of wine tasting in Amador County, head for Taste Restaurant in Plymouth to enjoy fine dining in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. This small restaurant offers large and small plates to satisfy all appetites. This is our choice for the best restaurant in Amador County.

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V Restaurant and Bar

If you are in Calaveras County Wine Country, plan to dine at V Restaurant and Bar.This is a great wine country restaurant. The food is fabulous and the service is great. Located in the charming town of Murphys, combine a wine tasting trip to Murphys with fine dining at V's. This is a restaurant that you will want to return to . . . often!

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Zachary Jacques
This El Dorado County restaurant features country French cuisine. It is located near Placeville. Spend a day wine tasting at the wonderful Fairplay and Placeville area wineries and then top of your day with a wonderful dinner at Zachary Jacques. The food is fantastic.

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