In some ways you have made it when a major international newspaper runs a great story on the wines of our local region. You have really achieved something, however, when they compare you to the Napa of a generation ago.

Well then, the wines and the wine growing region of the Sierra Foothills have made it – and big time!

This recent story ran in none other than the Financial Times. No mere paper across the ‘pond’, it has 2.2 million readers every day. Makes you smile when they are talking about the vineyards you and your fellow growers tend and the wines the outstanding winemakers turn out every year. Add the special emphasis on regional highlights like zinfandel, barbera, petite sirah and other Rhones and you are darn near grinning.

Yes, the vineyards and wineries of the Sierra Foothills are something the region can be proud of – very proud!

In addition to the great review of the wines, the writer rightly calls out the very relaxed experience that awaits our visitors. Folks pouring in the tasting rooms live here and likely grew up here as well. You may well catch a glimpse of the wine maker as they make their way into the barrel room.

Just as compelling are the lights–out small towns we may take for granted but are no less stunning. Real, honest gold rush towns with false fronted buildings, relics of bygone gold mining are visible everywhere. What’s more, we have some great restaurants and B&B’s in these historic towns from Placerville to Murphy’s.

Spring winetasting is just calling from the green rolling hills and stunning wildflowers in a relaxed atmosphere rich with authenticity and history – just like the entire Sacramento region.

Tim and his wife Ann grow wine grapes in the Sierra Foothills with Ann’s parents carrying on a 40-year family tradition.