Gold Country Wine Country

When gold was discovered in the Sierra Nevada foothills in 1848, thousands of pioneers rushed west to make their fortunes. Today, people flock to California’s gold country for treasure of a different sort: old-western architecture, quaint B&Bs, farm-to-table restaurants, and outdoor excursions abound, in a place where the past and future merge.

TOP TIPS FOR GOLD COUNTRY

  1. This area may be known for gold, but fit in time for wine: there are more than 100 wineries in the area.

  2. Arrival via State Route 49 yields views of many historic mining settlements.

  3. Set aside some time to go panning for gold. Who knows: you might hit paydirt!

Nearby

Cities
  • Sutter Creek, CA
Regions

APPELLATIONS (AVAs)

Primary
  • Sierra Foothills AVA
  • Fairplay AVA
  • Sponsored Ad

Don't Miss

  1. Calaveras Big Tree State Park Just outside Arnold, this park preserves two groves of giant sequoia trees.
    1170 California 4, CA
  2. Black Chasm Cavern This National Natural Landmark contains stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and arrays of rare helictite crystals.
    15701 Pioneer Volcano Rd, CA
  3. Lava Cap Winery A variety of reds and whites in a charming countryside setting have made this winery a local favorite.
    2221 Fruitridge Road, CA
  4. O.A.R.S. California Rafting Grab an oar and cool off with a wild ride down the south fork of the American River.
    2863 Hwy 49, CA
  5. Hidden Falls Regional Park Hike on five miles of trails, encounter wandering livestock, or swim in a waterfall.
    7587 Mears Pl, CA

lodging

Hotel
The Jackson Lodge

Only about a two-hour drive from San Francisco, and an hour from Sacramento, the Jackson hotel in Amador County California and the historic Gold Country welcome you to all the wonders of the Mother Lode and Sierra Nevada foothills.

Bed & Breakfast / Inn
The Foxes Inn Bed & Breakfast

The individually styled rooms of this B&B are prepped and ready for your California gold rush vacation. Centrally located in Sutter Creek, this B&B is popular for both its location and its delicious complimentary two-course breakfasts.

Restaurants

AMERICAN
Lone Wolf Restaurant and Lounge

The Lone Wolf Restaurant and Lounge located within the Jackson Rancheria Casino features fine dining and live music on the terrace. Dine on steak, pasta, pizza and excellent desserts.

AMERICAN
Carpe Vino

Find an extensive list of fine wines and high-end new American cuisine in a historic and charming location.

Things To Do

Attractions
Moaning Cavern Adventure Park

Calling all adventure addicts! Conquer your fear of heights by rappelling, zip-lining, and climbing the rock wall. Then, explore the area on foot by touring the caverns and hiking the trails. Expect to get dirty, so bring a spare change of clothes.

Parks and Nature
Hidden Falls Regional Park

30 miles of trails, oak trees, panoramic views of the Sacramento Valley, and a stunning waterfall, this park is perfect for adventurous day-trippers. Families will enjoy spending the day here, dogs and horses included. Parking reservations required!

Wineries

Winery
Ironstone Vineyards

Hosting antiques from the gold mining era, the world’s largest gold leaf specimen, and built like a 19th century gold mill, this vineyard exudes wild west charm in the heart of the Sierra Foothills. Try your hand at panning for gold at the onsite sluice.

Winery
Bella Grace Vineyards

This family run winery established in 2006 focuses on sustainability. Bella Grace strives for excellence and has won two 'Best of California' awards for Barbera and Grenache Blanc wines.

Did you Know?

More than 25 million ounces of gold were mined during the California Gold Rush.

Featured Sponsor


More Gold Country Listings

Our site is dedicated to the adventure and romance of global wine country. Our local teams bring you tips, guides, and inspirations for this weekend’s trip or a favorite daydream. Follow us on Facebook Get our newsletter