Sierra Vintners’ wine trails on May 20, July 15 and September 23

THE FOOTHILLS HAVE SOME exceptional wine trail experiences on “roads less traveled”: “Grape Days of Summer” in Placer County, “Drink Pink” and “Big Crush” in Amador County, and “Passport” in El Dorado County, among others. Sierra Vintners, which includes wineries in Placer and Nevada Counties, is offering three regional wine trail experiences in 2017—in May, […]

“Kitchen Cabinets”: Friends & family who advise each other in a real kitchen

“Kitchen cabinet” politics is a group of unofficial advisers to a political leader—often more influential than the official cabinet. President Reagan’s “kitchen cabinet” included trusted old friends, as did the group assembled by Andrew Jackson in 1829. Next year, our new President will form his or her own “kitchen cabinet.” The same is true when […]

Sierra Vintners Wine Trails on May 14, July 16 and September 24

THE FOOTHILLS HAVE SOME ENJOYABLE wine trail experiences on “roads less traveled”: “Grape Days of Summer” in Placer County, “Big Crush” in Amador County, and “Passport” in El Dorado County, among others. Sierra Vintners, which includes wineries in Placer and Nevada Counties, is offering three regional wine trail experiences in 2016— in May, July and […]

Wine and food tasting abounds in Placer County and Nevada County CA this summer

For savory eats and award-winning wines, these festivals offer eclectic tastings, hands-on cooking demos with imaginative chefs, and breathtaking venues: SIERRA VINTNERS SUMMER REGIONAL WINE TRAIL JULY 18 AND SEPTEMBER 26 A premier wine tasting experience from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on “roads less traveled” in Nevada and Placer Counties. The trail includes wineries that are […]

Sierra Vintners’ three wine trails for as little as $18 each: May 16, July 18 and Sept. 26

THE FOOTHILLS HAVE SOME ENJOYABLE wine trail experiences on “roads less traveled”: “Grape Days of Summer” in Placer County; “Passport” in El Dorado County; and “Big Crush” in Amador County, among others. Now Sierra Vintners, which includes wineries in Placer and Nevada Counties, has come up with an innovative plan: three regional wine trail experiences in […]

Food meets wine: Tess’ Chef’s Table and Solune Winegrowers

FOOD AND WINE ARE ageless companions, and two masters of marrying the two in a sophisticated yet approachable style are accomplished locals. Meet Tess’ Kitchen Store in-house chef Alan Tangren, who worked at the venerable Chez Panisse restaurant in Berkeley for 22 years, and Solune Winegrowers’ owner-winemaker Jacques Mercier, an experienced vintner who has judged […]

BYOB and barrel tasting at foothills wineries

BYOB Italy is a wine-lover’s paradise and locals buy it on tap (“alla Spina”), bringing their own bottle and filling it themselves at the winery. Sierra Knolls’ Bear River Tasting Room offers a “refillable bottle” option for red (a blend of Primativo, Barbera and Sangiovese) and white (a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) in […]

2013 Food Trends: Our top predictions for the New Year

Here are our top food, wine and beer trends for the new year and where to find them in our Sierra foothills: 1. ARTISAN FOOD Hand-crafted food sales are booming. Food lovers crave artisan cheese, crusty bread and dry-cured meats. New laws, such as California’s Homemade Food Act, will spur further growth. • Smokey Ridge […]

Tasting Notes: “Uncorked,” Movies, Pizza & Wine

UNCORKED IN NEVADA CITY August 4, 1-5 p.m., in the historic downtown. Wander through Nevada City, enjoying its charm and a sampling of local wines and foods. More than 20 wineries and restaurants are participating. WINE, FOOD & MUSIC Naggiar’s Winefest at its spectacular “destination” winery includes tribute bands, such as Joel The Band (Billy […]

Tasting Notes: Meet at the Peak, Solune in France & more

SOLUNE HONORED IN FRANCE For the sixth time, Solune Winegrower’s Owner/Winemaker Jacques Mercier was invited to Vinalies Internationales, France’s premier wine competition in Paris. There were about 100 judges from all over the world, judging 3,400 wines. “It is the strictest competition I know of,” says Jacques. Two Solune wines (the 2009 Torrontés and the […]

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