Newcastle

Portuguese Hall in Newcastle
By T71024 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21674649

Despite being right next to Highway 80, you can easily miss Newcastle as you zip by on your way up to the mountains or down into the valley. Nestled on a bluff overlooking the highway, the town is hidden from the traffic, and it seems, the rest of the modern world. 

Downtown may be a bit rough and tumble, but it is home to some of the regions best wineries and some of the best pizza anywhere. 

Newcastle was founded in the mid 19th century, with the post office opening in 1864. Despite being close to the heart of gold country, Newcastle has long been known for its plentiful manderine orange orchards. The old fruit processing sheds actually make up most of downtown Newcastle today, now occupied with local businesses and restaurants. Many family farms are open to the public, usually November through January, and sell mandarins along with several other citrus varieties.

Things to do

Exterior of Newcastle Produce
Food

Newcastle Produce

Located next to the historic fruit sheds, Newcastle Produce is a local market, maker of delicious deli sandwiches, and provider of local Newcastle goods and produce. It’s a great place to stop and grab a picnic before exploring the area, or for finding unique gifts, and especially for picking up fantastic local produce.
The patio at Dono dal Cielo
Wineries

Dono dal Cielo

Dono Dal Cielo is an estate vineyard nestled in the warm rolling foothills of Newcastle. Taste award winning wines in a relaxed and very friendly atmosphere, either in the spacious barn or out on the patio overlooking the vineyards and farm.