Sierra Foothills
Sierra Foothills Wineries attracts a different kind of winemaker than other regions in the state. Farming grapes is difficult, and wines do not command extremely high prices. Dedicated vintners make wines that express the marginal climate and terrain. Explore the Sierra Foothills Wine Country Map.
Sierra Foothills Wine Country
The El Dorado AVA is comprised of rugged, mountainous terroir. The thin, austere soils of the region are ideal for Zinfandel; but Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Barbera, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Sierra Foothills Wineries are known for producing these wines.
The Fair Play AVA is a hill-top sub-region of Sierra Foothills Wine Country. The AVA has relatively fertile soil compared to other grape growing regions in the Sierra Foothills. But this is balanced by the wine region’s extremely high elevation and cool, windy climate. So the soil is forgiving compared to other Sierra Foothills Wineries, but the climate is marginal.
The oldest Sierra Foothills Wineries are in the Shenandoah Valley AVA. Wine has been made here since the Gold Rush. It’s located in Amador County, and has a sunny climate that produces wines of considerable depth. In addition, there are some extremely old Zinfandel vineyards in this historic part of Sierra Foothills Wine Country.
The Fiddletown AVA is also in Amador County and sits adjacent to Shenandoah Valley, but at a higher elevation. If the soils were any less fertile, they simply would not be able to sustain vineyards. But this feature produces extracted Zinfandel with dark pigments, strong tannins and high alcohol.
A Few Popular Sierra Foothills Wineries
Related Articles
-->Latest News – Sierra Foothills
- Mar 12, 2007
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Events for Fitzpatrick Winery
Upcoming events for Fairplay’s Fitzpatrick Winery, including; a St Patrick's day celebration, El Dorado Passport weekend and an open house and futures tasting. - Mar 12, 2007
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Events for Perry Creek Winery
Weekly Event for Fair Play’s Perry Creek Winery, including; weekly library tastings and barrel tastings. - Mar 06, 2007
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El Dorado Hills Art and Wine Affaire
El Dorado Hills are and wine affaire scheduled for May. - Mar 06, 2007
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Bray Vineyards Honored by SF Chronicle
Shenandoah's Bray Vineyards honored by the San Francisco Chronicle. - Mar 06, 2007
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Amador Foothill Winery Open House
Shenandoah Valley's Amador Foothill Winery upcoming open house.
