Sierra Foothills AVA - Vineyards

Vineyards

5,700 acres (23.1 km2) of the appellation are planted to grapevines. The most common grape variety is Zinfandel, which accounts for 2,300 acres (9 km2). Cabernet Sauvignon is planted on 600 acres (2 km2), and Syrah is planted to 560 acres (2 km2). The most common white grape variety is Chardonnay, planted to 289 acres (1 km2). Other grape varieties are grown in smaller quantities. Vineyards are generally planted in locations between 1,500 feet (457 m) and 3,000 feet (914 m) above sea level.

There are over 100 wineries located within the Sierra Foothills AVA. Many are small, boutique wineries, often family-owned.The first known planting in the Sierra Foothills was in the Coarsegold Gulch area during the Gold Rush period.