Looking for food and beverage at their peak? Let us introduce you to the Placer Wine & Ale Trail. This delicious self-guided tour through Placer County’s Sierra Foothills is filled with stops at dozens of wineries, breweries, distilleries, and local eateries. Whether you’re a wine lover, craft beer enthusiast, a foodie, or something in between, embark upon the trail to explore your way through the tasty medium of food and drink. Read on for our guide to exploring the Placer Wine & Ale Trail!
Drink
Hillenbrand Farmhaus Brewing
The 24 boutique wineries on the Placer Wine Trail offer a uniquely personal take on delicious wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine taster or an occasional one, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes; Zinfandel, Malbec, Barbera, Tempranillo, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc or Viognier, the trail has it all! Embark upon scenic vineyard tours and attend exclusive tastings, where you can savor each handcrafted wine in a relaxed setting. So grab a glass, take in the breathtaking views, and savor the flavors of Placer County wine. Several Placer Wine Trail-wide events and celebrations happen throughout the year to celebrate and taste award-winning wines with grapes grown right here in Placer County and the Sierra Foothills. Many include a local sip and shop! Look for the perfect gift while sipping on your favorite varietal.
For the beer lovers, the Placer Ale Trail features 18 unique, award-winning craft breweries, along with two craft cideries and a craft distillery. Each offers a diverse array of handcrafted beverages to delight. While you’re finding your new favorite brew, learn about the brewing process and each brewery’s history in the community! Mark your calendars for events like the Foothills Brewfest in early May, where lovers of beer and community craft beer champions come together for a day of delicious brews and bites. Best of all? The celebration supports good causes across the area, with all proceeds benefiting The Rotary Club of Auburn & the Gold Country Fair Heritage Foundation. Get your tickets here.
Looking for an adventure that combines the best of both worlds? Explore the fun-filled 2024 Placer Wine & Ale Trail Sips & Suds Summer Passport, showcasing local wineries and breweries in Auburn, Granite Bay, Lincoln, Loomis, Newcastle, Rocklin & Roseville. Tickets are currently on sale, offering complimentary tastings and other specials at participating Placer County Wineries and Breweries. Purchase of the “passport” will allow you to be invited to an exclusive “Sips & Suds Winemaker & Brewers BBQ” at Gold Hill Gardens in Newcastle, featuring local wine and beer, live music, games, artisan vendors, and a gourmet BBQ. Enjoy access to 30+ participating wineries and breweries with your passport. Use it for a day, weekend, or several visits from June 1st to September 30th, unlocking over $150 worth of specials, discounts and complimentary tastings!
Eat
High-Hand Cafe
You’ll need something to soak up all the wine and beer you drink during your stay, so you may as well do it at one of the fantastic local farm-fresh eats in Placer County! Whether you’re dining in Old Town Auburn at the Auburn Alehouse Brewery & Restaurant, in Lincoln at Fourk Kitchen, in Roseville at Hawk’s, in Loomis at High-Hand Brewing Company, or at any other eatery in the county, you’ll find that a tasty bite to eat is never far away.
Play
Hidden Falls Regional Park, credit Erik Bergen, Placer County
If you’re looking to sprinkle some adventure into your trip, Placer County is just the place for you. From hiking to water sports, this area has year-round adventure for everyone. In the spring and summer, visitors can expect a bustling and beautiful landscape just waiting to be explored–with wildflowers blooming and warm weather leading to bluebird skies–including Hidden Falls Regional Park, located right in the heart of Placer’s wine country. It’s no wonder that it’s the most popular time to visit! The fall brings cooler temperatures, providing the perfect atmosphere for exploring the scenic gems of the Wine Trail during harvest season. In the winter, visitors can expect snow in the Sierra Nevada, and lots of it! Welcome to your winter playground for skiing and snowball fights.
In addition to these seasonal outdoor activities, Placer County also hosts a plethora of local events throughout the year. In the fall, from the Placer Artists Studios Tour to the Mountain Mandarin Festival, you’re sure to be entertained in between sips of wine or craft brew.
Stay
After a long day of eating, drinking, and exploring, you’ll want a place to stay where you can kick back and relax. With 24 places to choose from in Lincoln, Rocklin, and Roseville, you are sure to find the perfect place to rest during your trip. In the Auburn area, consider the Springhill Suites or the Holiday Inn, both which have prime locations near Downtown and Old Town Auburn. Many of the hotels in the area offer Wi-Fi, parking, and complimentary breakfast, adding to the overall comfort of your stay and ensuring all your adventuring needs are met.
Whether you prefer the elegance of wine or the robustness of beer, Placer County offers a vibrant backdrop for you to indulge in both. With adventure, good food, and beautiful views, you are sure to find Placer County to be a much needed escape from the daily bustle of life. Cheers to good drinks, creating unforgettable experiences, and living life at its peak in Placer County!
Explore the Placer Wine and Ale Trail today and indulge in the finest experiences the Sacramento Region has to offer. Whether you’re interested in trying local wine, craft beer, spirits, or delectable food, Placer County has it all. Join us at the intersection of food, drink, and fun. Now is the perfect time to start your journey!