The Sierra Foothills AVA (established in 1987) is an American Viticultural Area in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the U.S. state of California in the United States. Wine grapes were introduced to the area in the nineteenth century during the California Gold Rush. Over 100 wineries are located within its boundaries. Geography and climate The Sierra Foothills AVA contains portions of eight California counties: Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Mariposa, Nevada, Placer, Tuolumne and Yuba. The total area is , one of the largest viticultural areas in the state of California. History Wine grapes were first planted in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada during the California Gold Rush of the late 1840s and early 1850s. Federal recognition of the viticultural area occurred on November 18, 1987. Vineyards of the appellation are planted to grapevines. The most common grape variety is Zinfandel, which accounts for . Cabernet Sauvignon is planted on , and Syrah is planted to . The most common white grape variety is Chardonnay, planted to . Other grape varieties are grown in smaller quantities. Vineyards are generally planted in locations between above sea level. There are over 100 wineries located within the Sierra Foothills AVA. Many are small, boutique wineries, often family-owned. The first known planting in the Sierra Foothills was in the Coarsegold Gulch area during the Gold Rush period. See also California wine Wikipedia articles about wineries in the Sierra Foothills AVA Bear River Winery Lone Buffalo Winery Ironstone Vineyards Le Casque Winery References American Viticultural Areas of California American Viticultural Areas Sierra Nevada (United States) Geography of Amador County, California Geography of Calaveras County, California Geography of El Dorado County, California Geography of Mariposa County, California Geography of Nevada County, California Geography of Yuba County, California 1987 establishments in California