The Sierra Nevada region is known for its rough-and-ready pioneering spirit and
winemaking tradition that dates back to the mid-1800s Gold Rush days. Nearly 180 wineries nestle in the nooks and
crannies of these foothills, with vineyards that lie between 1,500 to 3,000
feet.
The Sierra
Foothills American Viticultural Area was established in 1987.It stretches from YubaCounty in the north to MariposaCounty
in the south, along the western portion of the Sierra Nevada, with Amador, El Dorado and Calaveras
in the center. It encompasses five other
AVAs: California Shenandoah Valley, El Dorado,
Fair Play, Fiddletown and North Yuba.Major wine varieties include: Zinfandel,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Merlot and Barbera.The area has decomposed granite soils, formed over centuries
by mountain erosion which forces the vines to put down deep
roots for nutrients and water. The
resulting wines have dense, ripe fruit and plentiful structure.
