(Photo by TripAdvisor)
You might not think of Nevada City as wine country. But the Sierra Foothills wine region is growing fast. And right here in downtown, you can find tasting rooms that pour some of the best local wines in the area.
A wine tasting walk through downtown Nevada City is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon. The tasting rooms are close together. The wines are interesting. And the people behind the bar love talking about what they pour.
The Sierra Foothills Wine Region
The Sierra Foothills AVA covers a wide area of the Gold Country. The climate here is warm in the summer and mild in the winter. That makes it ideal for growing bold red grapes and crisp whites.
Vineyards like Naggiar, Sierra Starr, and Lucchesi produce wines that rival much more famous regions. The soil and elevation give the wines a unique character that is hard to find anywhere else.
What makes this region special is the passion of the people behind the wines. These are small, family run operations. They pour their hearts into every bottle.
Tasting Rooms in Town
Several tasting rooms have set up shop in downtown Nevada City. You can walk from one to the next without getting in a car. Each one offers a different selection of wines and a different experience.
Some tasting rooms focus on a single vineyard's portfolio. Others bring together wines from multiple producers across the region. Either way, you will find something you enjoy.
The staff at these tasting rooms are knowledgeable and approachable. They can guide you through a tasting and help you find wines that match your taste. Do not be afraid to ask questions.
Planning a Tasting Walk
A wine tasting walk works best in the afternoon. Start around 1 or 2 PM. That gives you plenty of time to visit a few rooms before dinner. Most tasting rooms are open until 5 or 6 PM.
Pace yourself. Take your time at each stop. Enjoy the conversation. You are not in a rush. The point is to relax and discover something new.
Bring a friend or a group. Tasting is always more fun when you can share your thoughts and compare favorites. It makes for great conversation.
Buying Local Wine
One of the best parts of visiting a tasting room is buying wine directly from the source. You can take bottles home or ship them. Many tasting rooms offer club memberships with regular shipments and discounts.
When you buy local wine, you are supporting small producers who care deeply about their craft. That support keeps the Sierra Foothills wine scene alive and growing.
A bottle of local wine also makes a great gift. It is personal, unique, and tied to a specific place. That is much more meaningful than grabbing something off a supermarket shelf.
Pair Your Tasting With Dinner
After your wine walk, you will be ready for a great meal. Nevada City has no shortage of excellent restaurants to choose from. Many of them feature local wines on their lists.
For a full experience, pair your afternoon tasting with dinner at a restaurant that shares the same values of local sourcing and quality.
Continue the Wine Experience at Friar Tucks
Friar Tucks has one of the deepest wine lists in the area. With two wine cellars and hundreds of selections, it is the perfect place to continue your wine journey over dinner. The Wine Spectator Award of Excellence is proof of the quality on offer.
Reserve your table at Friar Tucks and explore the specialty cocktails and wine menu.