Travel, Wine

Exploring Wines From the Northern Sierra Foothills

Discover the hidden gems of the Sierra Foothills AVA with a focus on wines from Nevada, Placer and Yuba Counties. Learn what makes these areas a must-visit for wine lovers.

If you’ve never explored the northern corner of the Sierra Foothills AVA, it’s time to meet the wine country trifecta of Nevada, Placer and Yuba counties — steeped in history and brimming with flavor. These under-the-radar regions are where scenic backroads, small-production wineries and bold wines come together in a way that feels both rugged and refined. From spicy Syrah and old-vine Zinfandel to alfresco tastings with sweeping views, there’s much to sip and savor.

Discover California Wines is a campaign by Wine Institute, an association of more than 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses. You can trust that we are knowledgeable when discussing California wine regions, including Nevada, Placer and Yuba Counties.

This article will share everything you need to know about these regions, from their climates and grape varieties to the wines they produce and wineries to visit. Join us as we delve into the storied pasts of these counties, uncover the climatic and soil conditions that shape their wines, highlight sustainable practices, like the use of alternative packaging, and introduce you to wineries that exemplify the region’s charm.

History and Heritage

As we discussed when talking about the other counties (El Dorado, Amador and Calaveras) in the Sierra Foothills AVA, this corner of California boasts a rich viticultural history dating back to the mid-19th century.

During the Gold Rush era, European settlers recognized the potential of these rolling hills for grape cultivation, establishing vineyards to quench the thirst of miners and settlers alike. Nevada County, for instance, was organized in 1851 from land that was originally part of Yuba County and named after the bustling mining town of Nevada City.

Over time, these regions have witnessed a resurgence in winemaking, with passionate vintners revitalizing old vineyards and planting new ones. Today, they are a testament to California’s enduring wine legacy, blending historic charm with modern innovation.

Climate, Terroir, Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

The diverse climates and terroirs of Placer, Nevada and Yuba Counties play pivotal roles in shaping the character of their wines. Situated within the Sierra Foothills AVA, these regions experience warm days and cool nights, a diurnal temperature variation that allows grapes to develop balanced acidity and complex flavors. The mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet, offers well-drained mineral soils, ideal for viticulture.

In Nevada County, boutique wineries craft elegant, concentrated red wines from varietals like Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Placer County, once home to one of California’s most extensive wine industries, continues to produce deep, flavorful wines, mainly from Zinfandel and Rhône varieties. Yuba County, encompassing the North Yuba AVA, is characterized by mountainous terrain that attracts outdoor enthusiasts and supports a small but dedicated wine community.

A Few Wineries in the Area

Now that you know all about the history and winemaking in this corner of the Sierra Foothills AVA, you’ll likely want to explore the wineries of Placer, Nevada and Yuba Counties for yourself. Here are just a few of the wineries to consider purchasing wines from, or visiting on your next trip:

Clos Saron (Yuba County)
Clos Saron’s goal is to produce well balanced wines with a minimalistic, bar bones approach to winemaking. They focus on producing Pinot Noirs that highlight the distinctive characteristics of the Sierra Foothills. *Clos Saron is not open for tastings, but has wines available for purchase on their website.

Renaissance Winery (Yuba County)
Since its founding in 1978, Renaissance Winery has garnered acclaim for its distinctive style and pure expressions of terroir. Visitors can explore a library of aged wines unparalleled in scope and depth.

Secret Ravine Vineyards (Placer County)
Secret Ravine is a family-owned winery in Loomis dedicated to crafting fine wines from locally grown grapes. The winery offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can learn about winemaking practices while enjoying the countryside setting.

Learn more about these regions and plan your next trip.

Sustainability Practices: Alternative Packaging

Sustainability is at the forefront of modern winemaking in all of California, including in the Sierra Foothills AVA regions.

One practice gaining much traction is alternative packaging methods to reduce environmental impact. Traditional glass bottles contribute significantly to a wine’s carbon footprint, with packaging and shipping accounting for approximately 51% of total emissions.

Transitioning to lightweight packaging can reduce a winery’s carbon footprint by up to 20% compared to standard glass bottles. Innovative solutions like bag-in-box, aluminum cans and lightweight PET bottles offer eco-friendly alternatives.

These options lessen environmental impact and provide practical benefits like extended shelf life and convenience.

Recipe Highlight and Wine Pairings

To fully appreciate the robust wines of these regions, consider pairing them with flavorful dishes like Grilled Lamb Kofta and Veggie Skewers with Garlic Herb Sauce. The rich, spiced lamb complements the bold profiles of local Syrah and Zinfandel, enhancing the dining experience.

Warming cayenne, coriander, cumin and allspice season these smoky grilled lamb kofta skewers, a Persian staple. Serve these summery skewers with grilled squash, peppers and onions, seasoned with similar warm spices. Creamy hummus, a simple cucumber and tomato salad and toasted pita complete the meal. California Syrah or California Zinfandel are the perfect pairing for these bold, savory flavors.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Kofta:

1 pound (454g) ground lamb
¼ cup (6g) chopped fresh mint leaves
¼ cup (10g) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
3 cloves (4g) garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

For the Vegetable Skewers:

2 medium (448g) zucchini, ends trimmed and cut into ½ inch slices
2 medium (336g) summer squash, ends trimmed and cut into ½ inch slices
1 medium (312g) red onion, quartered and cut into ½ inch slices
2 red or orange bell peppers (424g), stemmed, seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
¼ cup (2 ounces) extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 (12-in/ 30 cm) metal or wooden skewers

For Serving:

Hummus
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Warm pita bread

Directions

For the Lamb Kofta:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 10 minutes before beginning.
Combine all the kofta ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix together until evenly combined (your hands are the best tool for this).
Divide into 6 equal portions and form into log shapes. Insert a skewer into the middle of each piece.
Place on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate while you make the veggie skewers.
For the Vegetable Skewers:
Combine all the veggie skewer ingredients in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine until the vegetables are evenly coated, trying not to break up the onion too much.
Layer the vegetables on the remaining 6 skewers, packing them tightly (they will shrink as they cook). Set on a separate baking sheet.
To Grill:
When ready to grill, prepare a gas or charcoal grill with an area of direct grilling set to medium-high heat and an area of indirect grilling. Once grill is hot, clean the grates and oil.
Place vegetable skewers on the grill, directly over the flame and close the lid. Grill, turning frequently until lightly charred on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Move vegetable skewers to the indirect side of the grill.
Place lamb kofta directly over the flame and close the lid. Grill, turning frequently until firm, but not hard and cooked through, about 8 minutes total. Keep the lid on when not turning the skewers.
Remove the vegetables and kofta to a clean baking sheet.
To Serve:
Spoon a thin layer of hummus on the bottom of a plate, remove the vegetables and kofta from the skewers and place on top of the hummus. Serve with cucumber and tomato salad and warm pita on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wineries are there in these regions?
The Placer Wine Trail features over 20 family-owned wineries, while Nevada County has numerous wineries on the Sierra Vintners California Wine Trail. North Yuba AVA is smaller, with about four or five wineries operating.

What are the signature grape varieties of the Sierra Foothills wine regions?

While the regions grow a diverse array of varieties, they’re mainly known for Italian varieties like Barbera and Sangiovese, Rhône varieties including Syrah, Grenache and Viognier, as well as Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon.

When is the best time to visit the Sierra Foothills wine regions?
The regions offer wonderful experiences year-round, but spring and fall provide the most pleasant temperatures and scenic beauty. Special events throughout the year provide enhanced experiences with special tastings and activities.

California wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris