Gold Country & Sierra Foothills
California Gold Country
Historic Gold Rush Towns and Sierra Foothills Wine
In the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada, California Gold Country preserves the legacy of the 1849 Gold Rush. Historic main streets and remnants of old mining settlements tell the stories of the prospectors who flocked here in search of fortune. Today, the region blends its colorful past with award-winning wineries, farm-to-table dining, outdoor adventures, and welcoming small towns.
Murphys
Once a bustling Gold Rush settlement, Murphys has evolved into one of the Sierra foothills’ most inviting wine destinations. Its historic Main Street is lined with tasting rooms, plus boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings. Beyond town, explore the towering limestone formations of Mercer Caverns or venture into nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park to walk among giant sequoias. The surrounding countryside offers scenic drives through vineyards and easy access to the alpine landscapes along the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway.
Plymouth
In the heart of Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley wine region, Plymouth combines small-town charm with an increasingly sophisticated food and wine scene. Its compact downtown features inviting restaurants and tasting rooms, while family-owned vineyards dot the surrounding hills. Known for robust Zinfandel and expressive Rhône-style wines, the region offers relaxed tastings and scenic drives through oak-studded countryside. Nearby historic communities such as Amador City and Sutter Creek offer more opportunities to explore Gold Rush-era architecture, galleries, and antique shops.
Placerville
Known as “Old Hangtown,” Placerville retains its Gold Rush character along a lively historic Main Street filled with shops, restaurants, and local history. Nearby, the South Fork of the American River flows past Coloma, where James Marshall’s discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 sparked the California Gold Rush. Today, the river draws outdoor enthusiasts for whitewater rafting and riverside recreation. Just beyond town, Apple Hill is known for its orchards, cideries, bakeries, and seasonal harvest festivities, while nearby wineries showcase El Dorado wine country’s diverse varietals.
Where to stay in California Gold Country
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Special Offers & Experiences in California Gold Country
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Wine Club for a Day
Fall brings harvest season, changing leaves, and crisp evenings to the Sierra Foothills. Guests of Eden Vale Inn receive a complimentary Wine Club for a Day pass to explore El Dorado County wine country. The personalized pass unlocks perks at more than 10 handpicked wineries, many of which waive tasting fees and offer discounts on […]
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Sip, Soak & Spa-aah
Pair your private outdoor soaking tub with a relaxing collection of romantic extras. This package includes a chilled bottle of Gold Hill Champagne, an artisan basket with a bath bomb, aromatic bath salts, mineral soak, and handcrafted soap, plus a pair of floating LED candles. Sparkling cider may be substituted for champagne upon request
Expires: August 26, 2028
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A Night Two Remember
Set the tone for a romantic Northern California getaway with a chilled bottle of Gold Hill Champagne, a pair of LED candles, rose petals spread across the bed, and handmade chocolates from Annabelle’s Chocolate Lounge. Sparkling cider may be substituted for champagne upon request.
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California Gold Country
