East of the Central Valley, the Sierra Foothills extends toward the Sierra Nevada. Vines were planted here in the 1860s to supply Gold Rush miners. This hot inland area has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, with hot days, cool nights and large day-to-night temperature swings. Vineyards can reach 3,500 feet, where elevation moderates daytime heat and helps balance the wines. Red grapes grow best here. Zinfandel accounts for about half of production, and its wines are described as ripe, fruity and higher in alcohol. Aglianico, Barbera, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are part of the region's production.
Continue through the region
Elsewhere in California · Sierra & Central Valley
- Lodi & North Valley7 producersLodi & North Valley includes Lodi, Capay Valley, Clarksburg and several nested Lodi appellations. Soil is an important feature here, from Mokelumne River's deep sandy loam to Jahant's pinkish Rocklin-Jahant loam.
- South Valley1 producerSouth Valley corresponds geographically to the San Joaquin Valley in the southern Central Valley. Growers work through hot, dry summers and foggy, rainy winters, producing grapes for raisins, table grapes, wine and juice concentrate.