Naggiar Vineyards: Wine, food and music

A VISIT TO NAGGIAR VINEYARDS & Winery, nestled in the rolling hills between Auburn and Grass Valley, is one of the most satisfying wine country experiences. This time of year the wildflowers are in full bloom. Naggiar’s Tuscan-inspired tasting room and bistro overlook 60 acres of vineyard that produce award-winning wines.

Naggiar’s warm-weather season begins with a free wine release event May 6, 1-4 p.m. Guests can enjoy new wines, along with barrel tastings, food and music. The new releases include a 2014 Mourvedre, 2016 Muscat Canneli, 2016 Rosé, 2014 Sangiovese and 2016 Viognier.

A Mother’s Day Brunch is set for May 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations are necessary.

Throughout spring and summer, the winery’s bistro is open Fridays and Saturdays, 12-8:30 p.m. and Sundays, 12-4:30 p.m. The bistro food is fresh and seasonal. The menu includes an antipasto plate, cheese plate,
chopped salad and lava cake.

Now in its seventh season, Naggiar’s Winefest starts in May. It includes tribute shows to the music of world-famous bands — offering wine, food and music.

The lineup includes a Beach Boys tribute show May 27, Eagles tribute June 24, Steely Dan tribute July 29, Earth Wind & Fire tribute August 26 and Chicago tribute September 30. Gates open at 4 p.m., dinner service begins at 5 p.m., the band takes the stage at 6 p.m. and the show ends at 8:45 p.m.

“Vine to Wine” Tours

Throughout spring and summer, Naggiar offers guided tours of its vineyard in a 13- person ultra-modern electric tram or “Eco Shuttle.” This “vine to wine” experience is unique among the Sierra Vintners.

The first tour lasts 45 minutes, with stops in the vineyard. Guests learn about the varietals, and growing and harvesting techniques. The tours run at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sundays. The cost is $15 per person; Root 49 Wine Club members receive a 20 percent discount.

A second 2-1/2 hour “behind the scenes” tour is more in-depth, including stops in the vineyard, winery and tasting room. Guests learn how the wines are grown, produced, cellared and bottled. The trip includes a wine and cheese pairing and a commemorative glass. It is offered twice a month, and reservations are necessary. The cost is $40 per person, or $35 for wine club members. NaggiarVineyards.com

WINE DISCOUNT
Mention Sierra FoodWineArt to Naggiar and receive 10 percent off wine purchases.