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Sierra Foothills

United States

Sierra FoothillsSierra 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°

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014
Red

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Outstanding Sierra Foothills Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

Red

2024

Ready
Excellent

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

2026Peak 2027–20302031

2022

At peak
Excellent

Balanced and generous. Dark fruit with good structure.

2024Peak 2025–20282030

2019

At peak
Excellent

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

2021Peak 2022–20262028

2018

At peak
Excellent

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

2020Peak 2021–20262028

2016

Drink now
Excellent

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

2018Peak 2019–20252027

2014

Drink now
Excellent

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

2017Peak 2018–20242026

AVAs

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Terroir & 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

Grapes of Sierra Foothills

Barbera

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
cherryplumblack pepper

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

Zinfandel

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryplumblack pepper

Bold, rustic Zinfandel from old vines on granite slopes. Brambly dark fruit with black pepper and earthy complexity. Often dry-farmed for concentration.