Whether you’re planning a trip to Lake Tahoe and want to stop by on your way, or you’re set on exploring the Placer County Wine Trail on its own, this wine region in the Sierra foothills of Gold Country won’t disappoint.
Placer County Wine History
Winemaking is deeply embedded in the culture here, having first taken root around the same time as gold was discovered in nearby Coloma. Aspiring miners weren’t the only ones drawn to the area by the Gold Rush—more than a few winemakers, some of them from Europe, found their way over as well, and a booming wine region was born. (Fun fact: Up until Prohibition, there were more vineyards and wineries in the Sierra foothills than in Napa and Sonoma combined.)
What to Expect on the Placer County Wine Trail
The 20 or so wineries that make up today’s Placer County Wine Trail (map) stretch across oak-dotted foothills roughly bisected by Interstate 80, making it easy to plan a loop through Auburn, Loomis, Newcastle, Lincoln, and Rocklin.
Expect low-key tasting rooms, scenic backroads, and a friendly, owner-poured vibe where conversations often drift from vineyard talk to local history. Patios, picnic lawns, and bocce courts are common, along with cheese boards and weekend food trucks and/or live music. Many spots welcome kids and dogs, and several offer reservations for shaded tables or private cabanas.
Placer County Wineries and Varietals
Wise Villa Winery, Rappé Family Vineyards, Dora Dain Wines, Mt. Vernon Winery, and Twin Rocks Winery are a few of the operations that prove this trail is not to be missed. All take advantage of the region’s typically warm and dry summers to produce a wide array of wines. Bold Italian, Spanish, and Rhône varietals like Tempranillo, Barbera, Syrah, Viognier, and Petit Sirah are what the Sierra Foothills AVA is most known for, but Grenache, Sangiovese, and several types of port make appearances too.
Placer County winemakers tend to be an adventurous lot, and their wineries are typically family-run operations. You’ll absolutely see—and hopefully taste—a few of the more unusual vintages and blends they specialize in as you travel through the region.
Placer County Wine Trail Events, Ale Trail, & More
Check the trail’s website for events, tasting room hours, and vineyards with picnic grounds and other amenities. (If you’re traveling with beer lovers, there’s also a map for the Placer Wine & Ale Trail, which includes not-to-be-missed craft breweries and taprooms.)
For more inspiration on how to make the most of your visit to Placer County—including insight on nightlife, where to satisfy a sweet tooth, restaurants and more—peruse Visit Placer’s things-to-do recommendations.