Summer / Fall 2008

Explore Northern Sierra Wine Country

The family wineries of Nevada County extend a friendly welcome to visitors to this unique, accessible, but less traveled wine destination. You'll find award-winning wineries, fine dining, a vibrant art, theater and music community, boutique shopping, lovely inns, as well as historic hotels and quaint Bed & Breakfasts. An easy (just over an hour) drive from Sacramento, spend a day, a week-end or a week in this little-known get-a-way that offers the best of California country.

Nevada County has 16 wineries, each with a great diversity in style and affordable wines. The growing wine region has attracted a new generation of grape growers and innovative vintners. Northern Sierra Wine Country boasts over 45 planted varietals. Many are familiar like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot, while others like Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, and even exotic varieties, like Rkatsiteli are a treat for those looking to expand their horizons.

Northern Sierra Wine Country is a region of contrasts with golden valleys, dense forests and snow-capped mountains. A Mediterranean climate, glacial geography, and wine making talent have merged into a region with highly distinctive, top quality and award-winning wines, the new gold of Nevada County.

Nevada County is well-known for its charming historic gold rush towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City, surrounded by towering Ponderosa pines reaching into brilliant blue skies. It's fun to stroll the picturesque shops along the beautifully restored historic buildings, working up a thirst for wine, complimentary at the in-town tasting rooms. Pick up our wine guide then drive along scenic country roads. Follow the winery signs to our friendly wineries, each with its own personality. Bring along a picnic lunch and get ready for complimentary tastings and barrel samplings. Meet the vintners. They enjoy describing their wine-making techniques and "secrets". An impromptu tour of the vineyards or berry sampling is a treat, and part of the casual and friendly country life.

Plan your visit around our great winery events. Experience all the wineries in one scenic venue at "A Grape Affair" in June or celebrate the harvest bounty of the grand tour of the wineries at the Gold Harvest Wine Trail in September. Forget winter doldrums and live it up at our Winter Event in February. Come explore the wineries of Nevada County, delicious to the taste and easy on the spirit, with wine adventuring as it was meant to be. It is a destination worth exploring.

For more information, call 866.355.WINE or visit www.nswinecountry.com. We're looking forward to meeting you!