What pairs well with a great view? A delicious glass of wine. And the Sierra Foothills have both to offer, in abundance! In fact, the Placer County Wine Trail has made it easier than ever to explore some of the best wineries the Foothills have to offer. Read about a few of our favorite wineries from the region below and bookmark this page for the next time you’re ready for a wine day excursion.
Bear River Winery (Meadow Vista, CA) - Bear River Winery is a family-operated boutique winery known for producing small lots of hand-crafted wines from grapes sourced in and around northern Sierra vineyards. They specialize in red wines like Barbera, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more. Visit to enjoy an outdoor tasting in their pet-friendly picnic area. Visit.
Bontitata Boutique Wine (Auburn, CA) - Head to Auburn, CA to visit Bontitata Boutique Winery to enjoy delicious white, red, and sweet wines including Ports. Bontitata Boutique Wine prides itself on attention to detail. Each wine is handcrafted and barrel-aged before bottling. Located in the historic Berhnard museum, founded in 1874, so you can take a tour of the facility while you’re there and get a little history lesson along with your wine tasting! Visit.
Fawnridge Winery (Auburn, CA) - Fawnridge Winery is a hidden gem set back in the beautiful hills of Auburn, CA. The owners, Stewart and Stephanie Perry, are personally involved in every aspect of the wine making process, from growing the grapes, to blending the wine, to hosting guests at the winery. Visit them on the weekends to enjoy a variety of white and red wines at affordable prices. Visit.
Naggiar Vineyards (Grass Valley, CA) - Naggiar Vineyards has been voted Best Winery for 9 years in a row, and it’s not hard to see why. They offer traditional Rhone, Bordeaux, and Italian wines from their traditional Tuscan-style tasting room, served with a side of breathtaking panoramic vineyard views. Pair your wine with delicious bites from local food trucks every weekend and don’t forget to check out their events calendar for their schedule of live music events. This is a must-visit for wine lovers and vineyard enthusiasts! Visit.
PaZa Estate Winery (Auburn, CA) - The views don’t get better than at PaZa Estate Winery. Their rustic Tasting Shed is situated right next to the vineyard, with awesome views of the Coastal Mountains and Sutter Buttes. Stop by to enjoy a relaxed tasting experience of their award-winning wines, including Barbera, Primitivo, Petite Sirah, Albarino and more. Visit.
Pilot Peak Winery (Penn Valley, CA) - Pilot Peak Winery believes wine should be enjoyed with food, family, and friends. Sample a flight of their award winning wines served with appetizers while enjoying serene, peaceful views from the winery patio. Some of their award winning wines include: Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo, and more. Visit.
Sierra Starr Winery (Grass Valley, CA) - The Starr family has been producing award winning wines in the Sierra Foothills since 1996. Their wines are crafted from their own estate vineyards and include Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc, among others. Visit their tasting room in historic downtown Grass Valley to relax and enjoy a tasting before heading out on the town for an afternoon of shopping and sight seeing. Visit.
Winding Way Vineyards (Auburn, CA) - Winding Way Vineyards isn’t on the Placer County Wine Trail, but it’s a must-visit! Located in Auburn, CA, Winding Way Vineyards is a boutique vineyard owned and operated by the Cesarin family. Stop by to enjoy their Chardonnay and Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon among others. Cheers! Visit.