Are you looking for a unique wine-tasting experience away from the hustle and bustle of Napa Valley? Look no further than the Nevada County Wineries, nestled in the charming towns of Truckee, Grass Valley, Soda Springs, Downieville, and Donner in California. Here, you can savor award-winning wines while enjoying stunning mountain views, friendly hospitality, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Truckee, CA Wineries
Truckee is a picturesque town located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy skiing, hiking, fishing, and boating. However, Truckee is also home to some excellent wineries that offer a unique taste of the local terroir.
One of the most popular wineries in Truckee is the Truckee River Winery, which specializes in Rhone-style wines. They offer a range of red and white wines, including Grenache, Syrah, Viognier, and Roussanne. The tasting room is located in a historic brick building that was once a fruit-packing warehouse.
Truckee River Winery: https://www.truckeeriverwinery.com/
One of the must-visit wineries in Truckee is the Nevada Sunset Winery, which specializes in handcrafted, small-batch wines made from grapes grown in the Sierra Foothills. Their tasting room is located in the heart of downtown Truckee and features a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can sample a variety of their award-winning wines, such as the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel, and enjoy the beautiful decor and artwork on display.
The Nevada Sunset Winery also offers a Wine Club membership, which provides exclusive access to their limited-production wines, discounts on wine purchases, and invitations to members-only events. If you’re looking for a unique and personalized wine-tasting experience, this winery is a must-visit.
Nevada Sunset Winery: http://nevadasunsetwinery.com/
Grass Valley, CA Wineries
Grass Valley is a historic town located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has a rich gold mining history and is known for its Victorian architecture and charming downtown. Grass Valley is also home to some excellent wineries that reflect the region’s unique terroir.
One of the most notable wineries in Grass Valley is the Nevada City Winery, which was established in 1980 and is one of the oldest wineries in the region. They offer a variety of red, white, and dessert wines, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier. The tasting room is located in a restored Victorian house and offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Nevada City Winery: https://www.ncwinery.com/
Another great winery in Grass Valley is the Avanguardia Wines, which specializes in Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Barbera, and Nebbiolo. They also offer a unique blend of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese called “The Good Earth,” which reflects the winemaker’s commitment to sustainable farming practices.
Avanguardia Wines: https://www.avanguardiawines.com/
Soda Springs, CA Wineries
Soda Springs is a small town located near Donner Pass, which was an important route for pioneers during the California Gold Rush. Today, Soda Springs is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, but it also has some hidden gem wineries that are worth exploring.
One of the most unique wineries in Soda Springs is the Sierra Knolls Vineyard and Winery, which offers a range of red, white, and dessert wines made from grapes grown in the Sierra Foothills. They also have a cozy tasting room located in a converted barn, where you can enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace.
Sierra Knolls Vineyard and Winery: No direct website
Another great winery in Soda Springs is the PaZa Vineyard and Winery, which is owned by a family of Italian winemakers. They specialize in Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Barbera, and Primitivo, as well as a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Barbera called “Barbernique.”
PaZa Vineyard and Winery: https://www.pazawines.com/
Downieville, CA Wineries
Downieville is a historic mining town located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, known for its picturesque Main Street and stunning mountain views. It is also home to some excellent wineries that offer a taste of the local terroir and a unique wine-tasting experience.
One of the top wineries in Downieville is the Sierra Valley Farms, which offers a variety of wines made from grapes grown on their farm, as well as locally sourced fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and peaches. They also offer a range of fruit preserves and jams, which make great souvenirs to take home.
Sierra Valley Farms: https://www.sierravalleyfarms.com/
Another great winery in Downieville is the Gray Eagle Vineyards, which specializes in red and white wines made from grapes grown in the Sierra Foothills. They offer a beautiful outdoor patio with stunning views of the surrounding mountains, where you can enjoy a glass of wine and a picnic lunch.
Gray Eagle Vineyards: https://greyeagle.com/product-category/wine-spirits/wine/
Donner, CA Wineries
Donner is a small town located near Donner Pass, known for its skiing and snowboarding resorts and scenic beauty. It is also home to some hidden gem wineries that are worth exploring.
One of the top wineries in Donner is the Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery, which offers a variety of award-winning wines made from grapes grown in the volcanic soils of Howell Mountain. Their tasting room, located in a charming 120-year-old redwood barn, offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards, making for a memorable wine-tasting experience.
Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery: https://www.summitlakevineyards.com/
Another great winery in Donner is the Viña Castellano, which specializes in Spanish-style wines made from estate-grown grapes. Their tasting room features a cozy fireplace, outdoor patio with vineyard views, and a picnic area where you can enjoy a glass of wine and some tapas. They also offer vineyard tours and wine-making classes for those who want to learn more about the winemaking process.
Viña Castellano: https://www.vinacastellano.com/
So next time you’re in Nevada County, make sure to add a visit to one of these wineries to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
Nevada County is home to some excellent wineries, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun and relaxing activity to do with friends and family, a visit to one of these wineries is a must-do.
In Truckee, the Nevada Sunset Winery and the Donner Trail Fruit and Wine are both worth a visit for their handcrafted wines and beautiful outdoor spaces. In Grass Valley, the Nevada City Winery and the Avanguardia Wines offer a taste of the local terroir and a glimpse into the town’s rich history. In Soda Springs, the Sierra Knolls Vineyard and the Paza Estate Winery offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and premium, estate-grown wines. In Downieville, the Sierra Valley Farms and the Gray Eagle Vineyards offer a unique wine-tasting experience and a taste of the local fruits and grapes. And in Donner, the Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery and the Viña Castellano offer a cozy and memorable wine-tasting experience with stunning views and unique wines.