The Grapes Are Calling

Fall Travel Guide to California Foothills Grape Festivals

Placerville Ca, September 2022 – Looking for an exciting and fun-filled weekend away from the Eastern Sierra? Ready to discover why the Sierra Nevada Foothills have gone from Gold to Grapes? 

42 Sierra Foothill Wineries to Explore

Whether you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe and want to stop by on your way, or you’re set on exploring The Sierra Foothills from the Reno / Carson City region, the Placer Wine Trail and sierra Foothill Wine tour is a great weekend excursion. What is great about a weekend away in wine country is that you don’t have to be a wine coinsure to enjoy a good winery experience. Discover California wines for example has ta great beginners guide for Selecting, tasting and Serving wines online for travelers to explore.

Placer Wine Trail

The 20 participating wineries, roughly paralleling Interstate 80, take advantage of the region’s typically warm and dry summers to produce bold Italian, Spanish, and Rhône varietals like Tempranillo, Barbera, Syrah, Viognier, and Petit Sirah. These winemakers tend to be an adventurous lot; you’ll probably see—and hopefully taste—some unusual vintages and blends as you explore. Check the trail’s website for events, tasting room hours, and vineyards with picnic grounds and other amenities. (More: Placer County Wine Trail)

The Sierra Foothill

A beautiful scenic drive down HWY 49 and surrounding valleys will lure you into the old west and some of California’s oldest wineries. Local vineyards in the Sierra Foothills serve up wines of abundant flavor and variety. The epicenter of the California Gold Rush, this area attracted thousands of immigrants who sought fortune in the mines—and left their vines in the soil. As a result, ghost towns still dot the region, serving as reminders of the Wild West.

Madera Wine Trail

The first vines along the Madera Wine Trail, just south of Yosemite, were planted well over 100 years ago, but few survived Prohibition in the 1920s. More recently, family-run wineries such as Birdstone, San Joaquin, and Toca Madera have cropped up, offering a low-key diversion near Fresno. The region, with plenty of sun and heat in summer, is known for dessert wines, so be sure to sip some if they’re on the tasting menu. Note that wineries here might have limited hours, and some require advance appointments, so check the wine trail’s website before you venture out and plan accordingly. (More: Madera Wine Trail)

As we peel the calendar into the fall season, there are multiple festivals or wine specialty events worth checking out while making your fall travel plans to Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, or one of the various small California gold rush towns which dot the Western Sierra foothills.

California Foothills Grape Festivals

Tour & Tasting with Food Pairing at Rombauer Vineyards September 1—30, 2022

This educational and fun tour of our Sierra Foothills site also includes a Reserve Wine and Food Pairing. Starting with a splash in our tasting room, you will head to our display vineyards, where our hosts will start the deep dive into how our beautiful wines are made. You will then move to production and into our barrel rooms to enjoy a second wine and learn more. Following the tour, you will return to a seated wine and food pairing featuring our reserve wines matched with specifically curated bites.

Cost: 125

Address & Location: Rombauer Vineyards, 12225 Steiner Road, Plymouth, CA

Phone: (866) 280-2582

Yoga and Brunch Box at Rombauer Vineyards Sierra Foothills Wednesday, September 21

Salute the sun and California Wine Month at Rombauer Sierra Foothills! Join us for a 60-minute vinyasa yoga class, followed by a curated brunch box to enjoy with your favorite Rombauer wines.

Cost: 55

Address & Location: Rombauer Vineyards Sierra Foothills, 12225 Steiner Rd, Plymouth, CA

Phone: (866) 280-2582

Amador Wine Country Big Crush Harvest Festival October 7—9, 2022

Join us in celebrating the harvest at the 30th Annual Big Crush Harvest Festival on Friday, October 7, through Sunday, October 9. With fall vineyard views filled with trudging tractors and bustling crush pads, this annual tradition takes place during our favorite time of the year. Experience everything Amador Wine Country offers, with over 40 wineries providing world-class wine alongside a small bite, live music, or a fun harvest activity.

Cost: $90(Full Weekend), $65(2-Day), $50(1-Day), $15 per day (Designated Driver)

Address & Location: Amador Wine Country, 9310 Pacific Street, Plymouth, CA

Phone: (209) 245-6992

6th Annual Murphys Witch Walk Saturday, October 15

The Murphys Witch Walk has grown with over 24 tasting rooms within walking distance along Main Street. Attracting thousands of costumed wine revelers to Murphys to explore, shop, dine, and enjoy. Murphys looks like a Deadwood, Silverado, and Wyatt Earp movie set combined with the relaxed and casual atmosphere and elegance of early 1970s Sonoma and Napa. For fun and festive-themed party with friends and strangers, Murphys naturally becomes the perfect Gothic-ish “all the world’s a stage where everyone’s a star” backdrop.

Auburn Wine & Food Festival, October 8

Sip & Stroll in Charming Old Town and Downtown Auburn while enjoying wine, craft beer, and farm-to-fork faire from 20 Sierra Foothills wineries & breweries and 20 area restaurants.

Cost: $45-55

Hours: Sat: 1-5pm

Where: Old Town & Downtown Auburn

Thanksgiving Weekend on the Placer Wine Trail Nov. 25-27

Come out and celebrate the bounty of the season at your local wineries. (This is not a ticketed event – just a note to let you know we’re open and ready to host you, your friends, and your family for the Thanksgiving Weekend!)

THE PLACER WINE TRAIL LOOKS FORWARD TO HOSTING YOU & YOUR FAMILY ON THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!

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Here is a list of California Wineries to look into before your travels to the Sierra Foothills. Each has a unique flavor and story to tell in the Sierra.

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