Sierra Foothills/Lodi: So much area, so many things to do. This region includes the El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras and Sacramento counties. It’s in this area that gold was discovered in California in 1848, causing the Gold Rush, which brought a lot of people to California. Some of these people needed more than just whiskey and beer to drink; they needed wine. And so vineyards were planted in many areas in Northern California, not least of which were the very areas where people were looking for their fortunes in gold: the Sacramento area and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Today people come to this area to see this key element of California history, and to get into the Sierras. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is arguably the most beautiful in the country, and even the world. (OK, you might have a different opinion, but having been born and raised and lived 40+ years in California, we’ll argue this point until we run out of wine!) Yosemite National Park deservedly draws millions of visitors each year to see its granite and waterfall vistas. Or visit Sequoia National Park, or Calaveras Big Trees State Park to see the biggest trees in the world.

But don’t forget the wine. Vineyards have been planted from the floor of the Central Valley (Lodi area) to about 3500 feet in altitude. And it somehow seems appropriate in this area that gave rise to the state of California that the primary varietal grown is Zinfandel, California’s own grape. 100+ year old vines and new vines, dry farmed and irrigated, Zinfandel flourishes in this area. You will also find a lot of Rhone varietals planted, such as Syrah and Viognier. These, along with the mountains and the history and the beauty, are worth the trip.