This large appellation encompasses much of California’s “gold country," incorporating several counties and numerous microclimates. It is roughly 160 miles long, stretching from Yuba County in the north to Mariposa County in the south, on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Despite the large total size of this appellation, there are only a few dozen wineries scattered throughout it, mostly in El Dorado and Amador counties.

The soils of the Sierra Foothills are decomposed granite formed by mountain erosion over centuries. This soil type has forced the vines to probe deeply for nutrients and water, resulting in wines that are dense with ripe fruit and plentiful structure.

The seven major grape-growing counties in the Sierra Foothills appellation are:

• Amador County
• Calaveras County
• El Dorado County
• Mariposa County
• Nevada County
• Placer County
• Yuba County

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Fiddletown

Grapes grown: Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel

Local wineries: Frenz, Le Mulet Rouge, Rabbit Hill (no website)

Shenandoah Valley

Grapes grown: Barbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab-Shiraz, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel.

Local wineries: Sobon Estate, Villa Toscano, Young’s

Calaveras County [back to top]

Grapes grown: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Claret, Merlot, Muscat Canelli, Orange Muscat, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel

Local wineries: Irish, Laraine, Twisted Oak

El Dorado

Grapes grown: Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Charbono, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Gewürztraminer, Grenache, Malbec, Marsanne, Merlot, Mondeuse, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Riesling, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel

Local wineries: Boeger, Pescatore, Venezio

Fairplay

Grapes grown: Barbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Muscat Canelli, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Gris/Grigio, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Viognier, Zinfandel

Local wineries: Charles B. Mitchell, Chateau Routon, Fitzpatrick

Grapes grown: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Zinfandel

Local wineries: Butterfly Creek, Mt. Bullion, Silver Fox

Grapes grown: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Marsanne, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Rousanne, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Viognier, Zinfandel

Local wineries: Double Oak, Nevada City, Sierra Knolls

Placer County [back to top]

Grapes grown: Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel

Local wineries: Green Family Winery, Mt. Vernon Winery, Ophir Wines.

Grapes grown: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah , Zinfandel

Local wineries: Clos Saron, Renaissance