Far from the glamorous rolling vineyards of southern France, Sacramento prides itself on a growing number of small, local wineries that spurn big business and commercialism for the area. But with more than 200 wineries to choose from it’s hard to know which ones are worth visiting, so here are our insider recommendations on some of the region’s best wineries in Sacramento.
Miner’s Leap Winery
Wine is a labor of love at this boutique winery near downtown Sacramento. In the family for several generations, Miner’s Leap produces small lots of exceptional bottles, using grapes from vines as old as 127 years. Get an authentic tasting experience at their rustic century-old barn, or simply pick up a bottle to enjoy at home.
Fawnridge Winery
From the advantageous quasi-European climate and soil conditions of the Sierra Foothills, Fawnridge Winery has blossomed into an award-winning establishment since it opened in 2002. Their table wine is not too shabby either — it won gold at the Indianapolis International Wine Competition.
Gold Hill Vineyard
A regional favorite, Gold Hill Vineyard was established in 1980 and has been producing award winning wines ever since. More recent developments have been their Italian and Rhone varieties, to name but a couple among thousands of cases in Gold Hill’s expansive cellar and cave houses.
Wise Villa Winery
Great wine begins on the vineyard at the family-run Wise Villa Winery. From carefully handpicked grapes to measured controls during the fermentation process, these connoisseurs nurture their winemaking from beginning to end. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that the specific soil and microclimate of the vineyard fosters distinctive grapes, which are complex and rich, without too much sweetness.
Bogle Vineyards
Not to be confused with the nearby Boeger Winery (also to be recommended), Bogle Vineyards is family-run and in its sixth generation. Stretched out across more than 1,500 acres, this place farms high-quality grapes to produce a selection of good value, handcrafted wines.
Naggiar Vineyards
Winner of Sacramento’s best vineyard for three consecutive years from 2010, Naggiar Vineyards has a selection of handcrafted wines that are grown, produced and bottled on the estate. Expect nothing less than fruit-forward flavors imbued with rich color, taste and aromas.
Frasinetti’s Winery
Proud to be recognized as Sacramento’s oldest family owned winery since 1897, Frasinetti’s holds the magic formula of traditional methods combined with modern improvements. Visitors are invited to sample gourmet foods and wine in the tasting room, or even dine in the old East Cellar where the menu features entrées such as rib eye steak gorgonzola.
Feature image © ARPAD RADOCZY/iStock/Thinkstock
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas.
