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FALLISANIDEALTIMETOVISITFOOTHILL wineries, when the vines and trees show off fall colors. In Nevada County, the big red barn at


Smith Vineyard is redolent of New England. Naggiar Vineyard's Tuscan-style tasting room reminds you of the Italian countryside. In Placer County, theWine Trail is a col-


lection ofwineries in Auburn andNewcastle that provide weekend tastings. An annual Holiday in the Hills event also is popular. Pilot Peak in Penn Valley has an end of


harvest celebration called "Turkey Treats at the Peak," a fun event that pairs its wines with turkey dishes. You also can stroll the streets of historic


Grass Valley and Nevada City, visiting the growing number of tasting rooms. Grass Valley's lineup includes Avan- guardia, Sierra Starr, Smith, Lucchesi and


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the Grass Valley Wine Co., com- prised ofMontoliva, Solune, Bent Metal and Pilot Peak. Nevada City's tasting rooms include Indian Springs,


the


Nevada City Winery—and new- comer ClaveyWines in November. When it comes to wine drinking, all the


vintnersmake award-winningwines that are well suited for holiday dining. Some examples include Avanguardia


Cristallo, a soft Russianwhitewine that pairs perfectly with the traditional Italian Seven Fish Dinner on Christmas Eve. Sierra Starr's Starr Bright champagne—


unique in the foothills—is a Brut bubbler with a touch of sweetness. Montoliva's Aglianico is a dry red wine


that makes a perfect pairing for any fowl, including turkey, chicken or duck.


Solune's Cabernet Franc is a favorite,


working well withmarbled beef and lamb. Naggiar'sMistero is the best of Zinfandel,


Sangiovese and Syrah grapes. Enjoy it with pasta, chicken or light meal dishes. Naggiar was named the area's favorite winery by viewers of KCRA television, a notable honor. Lone Buffalo's "Where the Buffalo Roam"


red wine is a popular Rhone-style blend. It is elegant and easy to drink. Pilot Peak's Syrah Port called Porta Joyas


(for "Bearer of Jewels" in Spanish) won Best of Class in this year's San Francisco Chronicle tasting competition.


Harvest festival at Naggiar Vineyards


TastingRoomHours Open Friday, Saturday&Sunday Weekdays by appointment.


EnjoyWineTasting


In Historic Downtown GrassValley 142 MILL STREET


Mon-Wed-Thur 12-6 p.m. • Fri-Sat 12-7 p.m. • Sun 1-5 p.m. Closed Tuesday


18125 Rosemary Lane, Grass Valley, CA 95949 between Auburn & Grass Valley off Hwy. 49


530-268-9059 •www.naggiarvineyards.com


Downtown Tasting Room available to rent for your holiday party. Please call 273-7032


ESTATE BOTTLED & ORGANICALLY GROWN smithvineyard.com FoodWineArt 27 |


DAN SENKBEIL


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