United States

Sierra Foothills

United States wine regions

About Sierra Foothills

Gold Rush country east of Sacramento, where old-vine Zinfandel and Barbera thrive at elevation on decomposed granite soils. Warm days and cool mountain nights produce concentrated, characterful wines with a rustic charm that reflects the pioneer heritage of the region.

300–900 m

Elevation range

red

Wine styles

6 AVAs

Avg. slope 6°

United States wine regions

Vintages

11 · 2014–2024

Rating:

95+

90-94

85-89

80-84

<80

PeakReadyHold

Year	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015	2014
Red

Outstanding Sierra Foothills Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2024

Ready

92Excellent

Early reports suggest excellent concentration. Clean harvest conditions and balanced fruit.

2026Peak 2027–20302031

2023

At peak

91Excellent

Lighter-bodied than recent years. Bright fruit and higher acidity from the cool season.

2025Peak 2026–20292030

2022

At peak

92Excellent

Balanced and generous. Dark fruit with good structure.

2024Peak 2025–20282030

2021

At peak

93Excellent

Concentrated and powerful from drought stress. Low yields, intense flavors, sometimes lacking freshness.

2023Peak 2024–20272028

2019

At peak

92Excellent

Elegant and layered. Cool conditions produced more nuanced Zinfandel with bright acidity.

2021Peak 2022–20262028

2018

At peak

93Excellent

Excellent across the board. Well-structured Zinfandel with dark fruit, spice, and fine tannins.

2020Peak 2021–20262028

2016

Drink now

92Excellent

More balanced than the drought years. Brambly fruit with earthy complexity and better acidity.

2018Peak 2019–20252027

2015

Past window

91Excellent

Ripe and generous. Dark fruit and pepper, though some wines lack freshness from the heat.

2017Peak 2018–20232025

2014

Drink now

92Excellent

Concentrated, full-bodied Zinfandel with ripe blackberry and spice. Drought stress produced small berries and thick skins.

2017Peak 2018–20242026

AVAs

What Sierra Foothills produces

Red

Old-vine Zinfandel and Rhône varieties from Gold Country elevation vineyards.

Grapes of Sierra Foothills

Barbera

cherryplumblack pepper

High-acid, fruit-forward Barbera that thrives in the warm foothills. Bright cherry and plum with firm structure.

Zinfandel

strawberryraspberryplumblack pepper

Old-vine plantings from the Gold Rush era. Rustic, concentrated, with wild berry character.

Climate

Warm continental with significant diurnal temperature variation. Hot summer days (often above 35C) are followed by cool mountain nights, preserving acidity in the grapes. Elevation ranges from 300m to 900m, creating distinct microclimates across the foothills.

Terroir

Decomposed granite and volcanic soils with excellent drainage. The Sierra Nevada foothills offer rocky, well-drained slopes that stress vines into producing concentrated fruit. Iron-rich red clay adds structure to the wines.

Typical Aromas

wild blackberrydusty earthchaparral herbsdark chocolateleatherpine needle

Explore the aroma wheel