Beer and Wine Tasting

The Sierra Foothills have a long history of wine production in California. The area is undergoing a renaissance of sorts as more wine makers return to this once-famous wine region, with a wide range of interesting and exotic varieties being grown and bottled up and down the foothill counties. Along with popular California favorites like Zins and Cabs, expect to find wineries growing harder to find Italian and Spanish grapes. The wineries tend to be smaller, family run and extremely personable. You’re likely to find the winemaker or owner pouring samples, very often happy to talk you through their offerings. Look for county Wine Trails to help guide you through the local offerings.

Craft brewing has taken off in the foothills in a big way. LIke the local wineries, the breweries are often family run and you’ll often find yourself talking to the owners and brewers as you sample beer, cider and even mead. Bring a picnic, grab a fresh brewed cool beer and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in some of the most gorgeous countryside in the state.