California's Gold Country region is made up of seven counties stretching from the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills and winding up into higher elevation terrain. Gold Country is famously known as the epicenter of California's Gold Rush, but the region also boasts a deep-rooted agricultural tradition.
When gold was discovered in the Sierra Foothills, it set off a series of events that dramatically changed the region and the state as a whole. During the Gold Rush, immigrants flooded into the state, many heading straight to the Sierra Foothills.
As the excitement of the Gold Rush faded, settlers began to put down roots, establishing homes, farms, and communities across the region. They soon discovered that the area's rocky soil and cool evening temperatures were ideal for growing fruit trees, wine grapes, and berries.
Today, livestock leads the region’s agricultural production, but a number of small farms and ranches still thrive throughout the foothills. Many of them welcome visitors with tours and hands-on experiences that offer a genuine look at life on the land. Gold County offers abundant agritourism opportunities, including historic wineries, high-elevation apple ranches and unique foothill farms.
The Sierra Foothills are best known as the epicenter of California’s Gold Rush, but they’re also home to a rich agricultural legacy. The next time you travel through Gold Country, plan to participate in a few of these amazing activities.
Gold Country wineries are quickly becoming just as much of a draw as the region’s storied Gold Rush towns and sweeping landscapes. Whether you’re an oenophile, an outdoor adventurer, or a history buff, be sure to add these seven standout wineries to your next California Gold Country getaway.
