FOLSOM — The wait is nearly over for one of the region’s most anticipated fall celebrations. The Foothill Wine Festreturns to The Palladio in Folsom this Saturday, November 8, bringing together more than 40 award-winning wineries, gourmet food, artisan vendors, and live entertainment for an afternoon of tasting, shopping, and seasonal cheer.
Hosted by Choose Folsom, this year’s Foothill Wine Fest promises its biggest and most exciting experience yet. The event takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. in the covered parking structure at The Palladio, with VIP admission beginning at 2 p.m. and general admission opening at 3 p.m. Attendees can check in at the event entrance located near Panera Bread across from the Piazza, where free parking is available throughout the venue.
Guests can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, local flavor, and the unmistakable charm of the Sierra Foothills wine region. More than 40 wineries from across Amador, El Dorado, Calaveras, and Placer counties will pour their best selections, offering everything from robust Zinfandels and smooth Syrahs to bright Chardonnays and sparkling rosés.
This year’s lineup features an impressive roster of participating wineries, each representing the unique terroir and craftsmanship of the foothills. Among them are Allegorie Winery, Arthur Michael Winery, Bella Grace Vineyards, Belledor Winery, Boeger Winery, Borjon, Casino Mine Ranch, Cielo Sulla Terra, Ciotti Cellars, Cooper Vineyards LLC, Country Roads Wine Cellars, Crystal Basin Cellars, D’Agostini Wines, Docmanov Vineyards & Winery Inc., Domenico Winery, Dora Dain Wines, E16, and Element 79 Vineyards. The selection continues with Findleton Estate, Frog’s Tooth Winery, Giacomo Lucien Cellars, Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery, Gwinllan Estate, Helwig Winery, Hill Top Oaks Winery, Holly’s Hill Vineyards, Inner Sanctum Cellars, Jazz Cellars, La Mesa, Lava Cap, Le Casque, Lewis Grace, Mais Fica Winery, Myka/1850, Nello Olivo Wines, and Noceto.
Rounding out the festival’s extensive tasting experience are Oakstone Winery/Obscurity Cellars, Pecota, PleinAir Vineyards, Polynesian Girl, RhoneWolf, Rodeo Camp, Rosa Lucca, Shadow Ranch Vineyard, Six Blocks Winery, Skinner, Smokin’ Barrel Winery, Sobon Estate/Shenandoah Vineyards, Starfield Vineyards, Steiner Family Vineyards, Story Winery, Ursa Vineyards, Vina Moda, Vino Tahoe | Pansaré Cellars | Amador Heights Wine, Windwalker Vineyard, and Wise Villa Winery. Together, these wineries will showcase why the Sierra Foothills continue to gain recognition as one of California’s most exciting wine regions.
Beyond the wine, guests can enjoy delicious gourmet bites from local restaurants and food purveyors, a variety of craft breweries and mocktails, and live music that will fill the open-air space with a festive ambiance. Food selections include artisanal cheeses, fresh appetizers, and desserts crafted to pair perfectly with the wines on hand.
Attendees will also find plenty of opportunities to shop for the holidays at the event’s “Sip & Shop” pop-ups, featuring local artisans like Vosswood Permanent Jewelry and MTT Collective. With handcrafted gifts, jewelry, and other goods available, the Foothill Wine Fest doubles as both a tasting event and a seasonal shopping experience.
For those seeking an enhanced experience, VIP Access tickets are $65 and include early entry at 2 p.m. with a more intimate tasting atmosphere and light bites. General Admission tickets are $50 and provide access from 3 to 6 p.m. for unlimited tastings. Couples can also purchase a special $90 ticket that grants two guests full access from 3 to 6 p.m., perfect for an afternoon outing together. Guests must be 21 or older to attend, and small clutches are allowed under the clear bag policy. Pets are not permitted.
Joe Gagliardi, President and CEO of Choose Folsom, said the festival represents not only a celebration of local winemaking but also a chance for the community to come together in support of regional artisans and small businesses. “An event like this doesn’t come together on its own,” Gagliardi shared. “Thanks to all who have supported the event, including presenting sponsors Prime Real Estate and the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C. The evening will be an ideal balance of wine tasting and an opportunity to connect and reconnect with community members.”
With a combination of fine wine, live entertainment, and local flair, the Foothill Wine Fest continues to grow as one of Folsom’s signature seasonal events, offering the perfect way to raise a glass to the holidays ahead.
Celebrating This Year’s Award-Winning Wines
In addition to offering guests the chance to taste from the region’s finest wineries, this year’s Foothill Wine Fest also honors the winners of the 2025 Foothill Wine Competition, held in Folsom on September 13 and 14. Sponsored by Choose Folsom, the competition was created to showcase and promote wines from grapes grown throughout the Sierra Foothills appellations, with the goal of raising visibility and driving more visitors to local tasting rooms.
This year’s Best of Show winners highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of Foothill winemakers. The Overall Best of Show – Judges’ Choice went to Cielo Sulla Terra for its 2024 Rosé of Primitivo “Primarosa.” The Best Sparkling Wine was awarded to Gwinllan Estate for its 2021 Late Disgorged Blanc de Noirs, while the Best Rosé also went to Cielo Sulla Terra for its standout “Primarosa.” In the white wine category, judges named two winners: Inner Sanctum Cellars for its 2024 Chardonnay “Dwell in Joy” and Sobon Estate for its 2024 Viognier. Jazz Cellars captured top honors for Best Red with its 2022 Syrah, and Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery earned the Best Dessert Wine award for its 2023 Asmodeus Merlot Dessert Wine.
In total, the 2025 competition awarded medals to hundreds of wines across four tiers, recognizing the broad talent of Foothill vintners. Ninety wines received Double Gold medals, 96 earned Gold, 201 took home Silver, and 80 were recognized with Bronze medals. Among the standout performers, PleinAir Vineyards and La Mesa each received six Double Gold medals, Jeff Runquist earned five, and Bella Grace Vineyards claimed four.
The competition results further underscore the quality of winemaking that festival guests will experience firsthand this Saturday. Whether enjoying a crisp Viognier, a bold Syrah, or a sparkling Blanc de Noirs, attendees are tasting the wines that continue to elevate the Sierra Foothills’ reputation in California and beyond.
For full event details and to purchase tickets, visit the official Foothill Wine Fest website.
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