Why You Need To Pay Attention to the Sierra Foothills

Each wine region gets its shine in due time, and the day is coming for the Sierra Foothills AVA. In a time where we worry daily about the effects of climate change, as well rising costs on all levels of production and land acquisition, look to the undervalued pockets of brilliance that are often hiding in plain sight. The Sierra Foothills Wine Collective is here to expose what could be the best value wine region in all of California. The region's battlecry forms clear tenants to rally around: 1) family owned wineries 2) sustainable practices are a must 3) value farmers before winemakers. The truth is, it's one of California's few wine regions that actually grows its fruit at what we'd refer to as high elevation . The region's wines are marked by freshness and fresh acidity thanks to the elevation and microclimates. Dig in and learn more.

Sierra Foothills Wine Collective members are bespoke, nature-forward wineries that recognize the potential of this extraordinary terroir. With vines planted up to 3500 feet, the Sierra Foothills AVA boasts the highest elevation of grapes planted in California. This unique feature, coupled with a predominantly Mediterranean climate characterized by hot days and cool nights with temperature fluctuations up to 30 degrees, contributes to the creation of wines with exceptional character and complexity. The terroir of the Sierra Foothills AVA is further enhanced by its diverse soil types, ranging from decomposed granite to volcanic and sandy loams. This combination of factors makes the Sierra Foothills AVA one of the most diverse grape-growing regions globally, with over 150 varieties planted. It is a testament to the region's ability to produce wines that truly showcase the essence of the land and its biodiversity.

Rooted in history, the Sierra Foothills AVA has a rich viticultural heritage dating back to the California Gold Rush of the late 1840s and early 1850s when the first vines were planted. Recognizing the potential of this remarkable region, the Sierra Foothills AVA was established in 1987, serving as a testament to its viticultural significance and unparalleled winemaking tradition.

Of the 7 participating wineries, I want to highlight a few that bring a unique spin to the region. Casino Mine Ranch was established in 1908 and boasts Andy Erickson as winemaker, bringing his 25+ years of experience in and around the Napa Valley. Lava Cap is a third-generation family farm making wines grown in volcanic soils at elevation. Lusso Della Terra is known for its Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. Andis Wines have two of the most known minds in Napa overseeing their winemaking: Philippe Melka as consulting winemaker, and Mayan Koschitzky is the director of winemaking. The firepower amassed in such an agricultural wonder of a wine region makes us have to double take because the wines are so under appreciated. The Sierra Foothills Wine Collective aims to change this, bringing the wine drinking world up to speed and becoming more aware of the brilliance happening in the hills.

Click here to visit the Sierra Foothills Wine Collective website to learn more