Sierra Vintners: “Where the vines meet the pines”

SIERRA VINTNERS WINERIES—LOCATED in the scenic foothills of Nevada County— are clustered around the gold-rush towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley, slightly north of I-80 and situated between Reno and Sacramento.

Fall, spring and summer is an ideal time to visit this historic, picturesque region. Enjoy new downtown tasting rooms or experience wine, food and music at “destination” wineries—for tasting, meeting the winemakers, barbecues, picnicking and outdoor movies and concerts. Here’s a rundown on some of the wineries from Sierra Vintners.com, the new website of the Nevada County Winery Association:

AVANGUARDIA WINES
Premium blends of exotic and regional grape varieties: Italian, French, Georgian and Californian, all grown in an estate vineyard. Flavor profiles of their designer wines will complement your cuisine and offer new and unique tastes. Tasting room in downtown Grass Valley. AvanguardiaWines.com

BENT METAL WINERY
Owners Scott and Judy Brown, along with a supporting cast, have taken a contemporary approach to create fine wines in the Sierra foothills. Casual and friendly, beautiful Sierra views. BentMetalWinery.com

GRASS VALLEY WINE CO.
The Grass Valley Wine Co. is a place where you can taste wines from three local wineries—Bent Metal, Pilot Peak and Solune. They offer wines by the flight, glass and bottle. Come sit and relax with a “nibble.” Special events welcome. GVWineCo.com

INDIAN SPRINGS VINEYARDS
Established in 1985, Indian Springs offers a wide array of rich varietals and produces 18 award-winning wines. The tasting room is a favorite downtown Nevada City destination. Indian SpringsWines.com

MONTOLIVA VINEYARD & WINERY
Creating Tuscan-inspired quality wines. Located in scenic Chicago Park, Montoliva Vineyard & Winery bottlings include Sangiovese, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, Aglianico, Teroldego, Primitivo, as well as several proprietary blends. Owner Mark Henry is “entertaining and educational.” Montoliva.com

NAGGIAR VINEYARDS
Sample delicious small-lot hand-crafted estate grown wines, produced from the 60 acre family vineyards. With a signature style that is always rich and flavorful, it’s easy to love each member of the Naggiar family of fine wines. NaggiarVineyards.com

PILOT PEAK VINEYARD & WINERY
Complimentary “Comparative” Wine Tasting served while seated on the terraces. Pilot Peak believes wine should be enjoyed sitting down, with food, family and friends. Enjoy flights of four wines served with food pairings. Come try this new tasting method. PilotPeak.com

SIERRA KNOLLS VINEYARDS & WINERY
Four longtime friends having fun and producing award-winning small lot Estate and locally grown
wines. Their wines boast big noses, fruit-forward complexity and long finishes. Visiting the properties will be an experience you’ll remember. Bring a picnic. SierraKnollsWinery.com

SIERRA STARR VINEYARD
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays, Zinfandels (including Zinjolais), Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Bubblies, Proprietary Red blends and Port make up the award-winning wines. Events are hosted at their landscaped vineyard just two miles from Grass Valley. Visit their downtown Grass Valley tasting room. SierraStarrWine.com

SMITH VINEYARD
Smith Vineyard is a family owned winery and vineyard, with a tasting room in downtown Grass Valley. The Smiths handcraft small lots of classic varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Primitivo and Chardonnay. “Organically Grown…Three Generations Strong.” SmithVineyard.com

SOLUNE WINEGROWERS
Distinctive wines with balance, intensity, complexity and varietal clarity. Their small-lot production includes Barbera, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Zinfan- del and Port. Visit their beautiful setting, chat with the winemaker and enjoy the picnic area. SoluneWinery.com

PLANNING A TRIP
To help plan a wine tasting getaway, visit our magazine’s website at SierraCulture.com, which now includes wine tasting, dining and art-walk itineraries in historic Grass Valley and Nevada City, complete with Google maps for directions.

All our articles about the wineries, dining and lodging, are archived there, along with winery and city maps. A mobile app, SierraCulture.com/mobile lists events at the wineries.

Also visit SierraVintners.com a brand new website for the county’s winery association. It is a one-stop-shop for information about Nevada County’s wineries, including maps and events.