As the month of November settles in and the festive season approaches, wine enthusiasts are getting excited for the return of the Foothill Wine Fest, hosted by Choose Folsom at the Palladio this Saturday, November, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m at Folsom’s Palladio.
This year’s event promises to be the biggest and most exciting yet, bringing together well over 50 wineries, gourmet bites, artisan vendors, live music, and more in the covered parking structure of the Folsom Palladio. For anyone looking to start the holiday season on a high note, the Foothill Wine Fest has something to delight every taste.
The Foothill Wine Fest is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sample the finest wines of the Sierra Foothills, an increasingly celebrated winemaking region in California. Known for its diverse climate and distinct terroir, the Sierra Foothills are producing award-winning wines that rival those of any region in the state, with everything from bold Zinfandels to delicate Chardonnays. This year’s festival brings over 50 local wineries to the covered parking structure of the Palladio, allowing guests to sample a wide variety of exceptional wines without the need for a road trip. Among the wineries making appearances are Amador Cellars, Boeger Winery, and Lava Cap, to name just a few. With such a stellar lineup, both seasoned wine aficionados and casual sippers will find plenty to explore and enjoy.
More than just wine, the Foothill Wine Fest is a full holiday experience. Festivalgoers can stroll through the beautifully decorated outdoor space, sampling delicious bites from local food vendors while enjoying live music. Food offerings include everything from artisanal cheeses to decadent desserts, each complementing the rich flavors of the wines on offer. And for those who prefer a break from wine, several craft breweries will also be on hand, adding to the festival’s diverse selection. It’s an ideal setup for a relaxed afternoon of sipping, savoring, and socializing.
In addition to wine and food, attendees can browse a wide array of artisan goods from local vendors. With handcrafted wine accessories, gourmet foods, and unique gifts, the festival provides ample opportunities for holiday shopping. From picking up a favorite bottle of wine to finding the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—and plenty of ways to bring a taste of the Foothill Wine Fest home with you. The festive ambiance, complete with holiday lights and seasonal decor, creates a warm and welcoming environment that captures the spirit of the season.
Choose Folsom has carefully curated ticket options to make this event accessible and enjoyable for everyone. For those who want an exclusive experience, the VIP Access ticket offers early entry at 2 p.m., giving VIP guests the first taste of wines in a more intimate setting with unlimited tastings, light bites, and live music. This ticket option, priced at $65, is ideal for guests who want to make the most of their afternoon. General admission opens at 3 p.m. and is priced at $50, offering attendees unlimited wine tastings until the festival wraps up at 6 p.m. For couples looking to enjoy a special day out, a couples ticket is available for $90 and includes access to unlimited tastings from 3 to 6 p.m., providing an ideal outing for friends or loved ones. Learn more about tickets and purchase them on the official event WEBSITE BY CLICKING RIGHT HERE.
A core mission of the Foothill Wine Fest is to support local businesses, including regional winemakers and bring the community together for a spectacular event. Joe Gagliardi, President and CEO of Choose Folsom, has worked closely with his team and local sponsors to make this year’s event a standout. “An event like this doesn’t come together on its own,” said Gagliardi. “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.” Attendees can feel good knowing that, by purchasing tickets, wines, and other products, they’re helping support the local economy and the dedicated winemakers and artisans of the Sierra Foothills.
For those traveling from outside the area, Choose Folsom is offering a special “wine weekend” package, which includes a two-night stay, a $25 Lyft gift card, and two tickets to the festival. This package is an excellent choice for visitors who want to explore more of the Sierra Foothills’ winemaking culture over the weekend, adding an extra layer of experience for those who want to delve deeper into the region’s offerings.
This year’s participating wineries represent a wide range of styles and specialties, ensuring a diverse tasting experience for guests. The lineup includes:
Amador Cellars, Arthur Michael Vineyards, Avio Vineyards & Winery, Bella Grace Vineyards, Boeger Winery, Casque Wines, Casino Mine Ranch, Chateau D’ Estienne, Cielo Sulla Terra Estate Vineyard & Winery, Cooper Vineyards LLC, Crystal Basin Cellars, D’Agostini Wines, Dora Dain Wines, Drytown Cellars Winery, Element 79 Vineyards, Fenton Herriott / Docmanov Vineyards & Winery, Findleton Estate, Frog’s Tooth Winery, Golden Leaves Vineyard & Winery, Gwinllan Estate, Helwig Vineyards and Winery, Hill Top Oaks Winery, Holly’s Hill Vineyards, Inner Sanctum Cellars, Ironstone Vineyards, Jazz Cellars Winery, Jose Wine Cave, Krissie Winery, Lava Cap, Lewis Grace Winery & Trevor Grace, Lone Buffalo Vineyards, Mais Fica Winery, Marcelais, Mellowood Winery, Myka Estates & 1850 Wines, Nello Olivo Wines, Pecota Vineyard, PleinAir Vineyards, Rancho Victoria Vineyard, Rombauer Vineyards, Shadow Ranch Vineyard, Sierra Réalta Wines, Sierra Vista Winery, Six Blocks Winery, Skinner Vineyards & Winery, Starfield Vineyards, Steiner Family Vineyards, Story Winery, SZABO Vineyards, Teneral Cellars, TKC Vineyards, Ursa Vineyards, Vina Moda, Vino Noceto Winery, Windwalker Vineyard, and Wise Villa Winery.
The Foothill Wine Fest is sure to be a highlight of the season, providing a warm and inviting space to enjoy the finest wines, gourmet bites, live music, and holiday ambiance. Gather your friends, grab your tickets, and prepare to raise a glass to the flavors of the Sierra Foothills. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a holiday shopper, or simply looking for a great time, this is a must-attend event. With tickets available through Choose Folsom’s website, now is the time to reserve your spot at one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year. Cheers to the start of the holiday season in style!
Foothill Wine Competition Award Winners
The annual Foothill Wine Competition, designed to spotlight wines from Sierra Foothill appellations, saw nearly 400 entries this year. Award categories included five Best of Show, 32 Best of Region, 26 Double Gold, 156 Gold, 146 Silver, and 54 Bronze medals, setting a new record. View all of the winners and their entries HERE.
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