Why you should visit wineries in Lincoln CA
This blog post covers the best wineries in Lincoln, California.
Lincoln, CA is a city suburb with a rural feel. The best wineries in Lincoln, CA combine high-quality wine with a down-to-earth vibe.
The Mediterranean climate has bright sunny days to cool windy nights. The big temperature swings lead to balanced grapes that turn into delicious wines.
You can see why Italian settlers of the 1800’s loved this California wine growing region.
Lincoln is located in Placer County in Northern California. It’s only 35 minutes from the center of Sacramento. Which makes Lincoln the ideal weekend day trip destination.
The wineries on this list belong to the Placer County Wine Trail. The wine trail is a group of twenty wineries that stretch all the way to the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe.
Sounds like a fun pilgrimage to me!
How to access wineries in Lincoln CA (a suburb of Sacramento)
Lincoln, California is a short 35 minute drive from Sacramento, California.
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) serves the city. It would be super easy to fly into Sacramento, rent a car, and drive from the airport to Lincoln.
Lincoln, California is just under 2 hours and 30 minutes from San Francisco by car. That’s a little far for a day trip…
But it’s the perfect distance for a Northern California wine country getaway!
Where to go wine tasting at wineries in Lincoln CA
Wise Villa Winery
Wise Villa Winery has two big things going for it. One, they make wine. And two, they make great food.
This Tuscan-style gourmet restaurant right in the heart of Lincoln is the only winery in Placer County to feature a “full dining experience.”
Their full restaurant includes a tasting bar, wine educators, an executive chef, and a charming courtyard for outdoor dining. Their locally sourced ingredients perfectly compliment their locally made wine.
The restaurant at Wise Villa Winery is a solid choice whether you want a great meal or just a glass of wine and a few small plates.
Wise Villa Winery has the highest number of quality wines in the area. They make tons of fine wines that range from Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Tempranillo, to Pinot Noir.
There are also white wines like Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, and Pinot Gris. And don’t forget the sparkling wine and a port-style dessert wine.
Their tasting room serves wine tastings of five wines for $20. The tasting fee is waived with a purchase of two bottles of wine.
Guests can also take a winery tour that includes a guided walk through the beautiful vineyards and an inside look at this lovely winery.
Rancho Roble Vineyards
Rancho Roble Vineyards is owned by an engineer and a teacher. They moved from Wisconsin to the Sierra Foothills and fell in love with Barbera wine.
Barbera appears in two of their wines: The Reunion Red Blend (Sangiovese and Barbera) and The Friendship (only Barbera), and The “Red Blend” Break-Up.
Rancho Roble Vineyards also makes Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé di Barbera.
Their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir based sparkling wine has notes of orange blossom, peach, and pear.
Wine tastings cost $15 per person for a two ounce flight. Guests are welcome to bring outside food and have a picnic on the property.
The tasting room is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Monday through Thursday is by appointment only.
Smokin’ Barrel Winery
Smokin’ Barrel Winery is Placer County Wine Trail’s newest winery.
It’s now open on Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 PM.
They host fun combos like taco and wine slushy night.
Although Smokin’ Barrel Winery does not appear to have a website, you can check their Facebook or Instagram accounts for updates.
Ciotti Cellars
The Ciotti family is full of winemakers. Giuseppe and Archangelo Ciotti watched their forefathers make handcrafted wines.
Family legend has it that one Ciotti grandfather stowed away on a ship from Italy to America. And where did he hide? In a wine barrel!
Now that’s commitment.
Today Ciotti Cellars continues their Italian heritage with gorgeous red wines like Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Barbera, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine tastings are $12 per person. The tasting fee is waived if you purchase a bottle of wine.
Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the live music on Saturdays. Bookmark that idea for one of your upcoming date nights!
Ciotti Cellars is also kid and dog friendly if you’re looking for a family friendly winery.
Dora Dain Wines
Dora Dain Wines is a small family owned winery that began as a pumpkin farm.
They describe themselves as a “micro micro” winery that produces wine in very small batches.
Dora Dain Winery makes between ten to twenty different wines per vintage. They focus on well known varieties like Chardonnay as well as lesser known varieties like Tannat and Nero D’Avola.
Tastings are $10 and waived with a bottle purchase. Bottles cost between $25-35.
Dora Dain Wines offers seated tastings on the weekends and by appointment. The tasting area is located outdoors under a veranda.
Similar wine regions to explore
If you’re based in Sacramento, San Francisco, or the Bay Area in general you have tons of amazing wineries at your fingertips.
Walnut Creek, California is between 30 to 45 minutes from San Francisco depending on traffic conditions. We found seven wineries in Walnut Creek, CA that are worth a trip to the area.
Placerville wineries create liquid gold. And by “liquid gold” I mean wine! This former Gold Rush town in El Dorado County is situated about halfway between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe.
Brentwood, California is about 90 minutes from both Sacramento and San Francisco. Depending on traffic of course. Let’s not get too optimistic, ok? It’ll probably take you longer to drive. But at least there will be wine at the end of your journey! Our list of the best wineries in Brentwood, CA will show you where to go.
Somerset, California is only a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Sacramento. We made a list of the eight best wineries in Somerset, CA. Somerset is a small town in El Dorado County, which is located south of Placer County.
