Smith, Sierra Starr, Avanguardia, Secret Ravine, and Amador wineries among big winners in State Fair Wine Competition

Foothills wineries won major awards at the prestigious, long-running California State Fair wine competition. Smith Vineyard’s 2013 Primitivo from Nevada County was named “Best in California” and “Best of Class of Region,” and it won a Double Gold medal. Smith also won a Gold for its Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bronze for its Merlot. The […]

Tasting Notes: Nevada City Winery, Bent Metal and Popie Wines

What’s new at Sierra Foothills wineries: NEVADA CITY WINERY & GOLDEN ERA Local collaboration is a theme in the New Year, among chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, winemakers and brewmasters. In one example, Nevada City Winery in Nevada County CA is providing a custom-blended wine to the Golden Era cocktail lounge, also in the city’s historic downtown. […]

Loomis Basin Brewing plans brew & BBQ pub in downtown Loomis

IN THE NEW YEAR, the Loomis Basin Brewing Co. is expanding to include a pub (craft beer, barbecue and growlers “to go”) at 3640 Taylor Rd. in downtown Loomis, next to Taylor’s burgers, our magazine has learned. It comes during a revitalization in downtown Loomis, which will include new streetscapes. Loomis Basin Brewing will continue […]

Popie Wines: Now at historic Blue Goose Fruit Shed in Loomis

POPIE WINES IS A BOUTIQUE winery creating award-winning wines in Loomis. Since the 1920s, three generations of the Duarte family have worked in the Napa Valley growing high-quality grapes. Michael Duarte represents the fourth generation and is continuing the family tradition in Placer County. Michael named the winery after his dad, whose nickname is “Popie.” […]

Tasting Notes: Sierra Starr celebrates 20th harvest, Nevada City Winery turns 35, winery dogs

CALIFORNIA STATE FAIR WINE WINNERS Gold-medal winners in the 2015 California State Fair Wine Competition included Avanguardia (Premiato), Double Oak Vineyards & Winery (Chardonnay), Le Casque (Sergent Dessert Wine), Mt. Vernon Winery (Cabernet Franc), Naggiar Vineyards (Sangiovese) and Nevada City Winery (Barbera). Medal winners also included Avanguardia (silver, two bronze), Ciotti Cellars (silver, bronze), Le […]

Sierra Foothills and Truckee wineries score in 2015 S.F. Chronicle tasting competition

After receiving a record 6,417 entries from more than 25 states, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, recognized as the largest competition of American wines, this weekend announced its winners. Here are some winning wineries in the Sierra Foothills and Truckee. The full list of winners is here: Avanguardia Wines: Premiato, silver Due Fiori, bronze […]

Naggiar: “Double Gold” medals, winter food & wine events

“AMERICA’S FAVORITE RESTAURANT,” says Open Table, “is at a winery.” St. Francis Winery in Sonoma recently was named the county’s favorite restaurant by the online reservations service, beating out The French Laundry in Napa and others. The honor underscores the growing influence of destination wineries that provide exquisite food-and-wine pairings, remarkable views and stylish tasting […]

Placer wineries’ 4th annual Holidays in the Hills is December 14-15

Experience collaborative open-house style wine tours hosted by the Placer County Vintners Association and the Placer County Wine Trail members. Meet winemakers, wine grape growers and other wine enthusiasts while tasting award-winning artisan wines in the down-to- earth atmosphere of the Sierra Foothills. Admission is Free with Toy Donation: Start your tour at any participating […]

New beer & wine hot spots in Loomis

3 VIGNE This fall, three local wineries—Cristaldi Vineyards, Popie Wines and Ciotti Cellars—opened adjoining wine tasting rooms at the historic High Hand Fruit Sheds in Loomis calling themselves “3 Vigne.” “We are honored to bring our craft to this building that once bustled with the processing of local fruit,” says Michael Duarte of Popie Wines. […]

Tasting Notes: What’s new at foothill wineries

SIERRA FOOTHILLS WINERIES WON HIGH HONORS in the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the world’s largest competition of American wines. Sierra Vintners wineries that won medals included Avanguardia Wines, Lucchesi Vineyards, Montoliva Vineyard, Naggiar Vineyards and Pilot Peak Winery. Montoliva won “Best of Class” for its 2008 Sierra Bella. “Now try to tell me […]

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