This story is part of our February 2026 issue. To read the print version, click here.

There’s nothing better than the stillness of a pastoral view as you sink into your chair and breathe the fresh Sierra Nevada foothills air, a glass of wine in one hand and the other interlaced with your Valentine’s. Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s or a little behind on planning a romantic date, I’ve got the perfect option for you.

We often hear of Sacramentans heading to Lodi or the Shenandoah Valley to get their wine glasses filled, but Placer County has a distinct and oft-overlooked viticultural scene, made up of more than 20 wineries. Every year, the county hosts its Fall in Love With the Placer Wine Trail events, which are refreshingly accessible and some of the region’s best-kept secrets.

Just a 45-minute drive up the mountain, it’s an easy day trip with gorgeous views, relaxed tasting rooms and a pace that feels romantic and restful. If you’re looking to make a weekend of it with friends, renting out the six-suite Park Victorian in Auburn is ideal. Otherwise, there are well-curated Airbnbs with downtown walkability in addition to the hotel chains.

And because wine is always better with something delicious, these notes come with food recommendations. Find yourself a proper lunch or dinner, a warm brunch worth lingering over or a food truck snack break to keep everyone happy between tastings (because, yes, the way to anyone’s heart is through food).

Saturday: Auburn-area wineries

I’d suggest hitting the Auburn wineries on Saturday and saving Granite Bay and Loomis for Sunday. Why? There’s always more traffic coming down from Tahoe on Sunday evenings.

From there, make your way to the first cluster of wineries, starting with Lone Buffalo Vineyards. Lone Buffalo is a family affair, and you’re more likely than not to run into owner and winemaker Phil Maddux and his wife, Jill, or their adult children, all of whom take a turn helping run the operation. It’s got that country farm vibe, and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot cattle roaming the surrounding farmland. They use regenerative agriculture practices to produce their wines, which support soil biodiversity across their farm.

Lone Buffalo often has a food truck, but save room for lunch (or an early dinner) at Wise Villa Winery and Bistro. Their Tuscan-style dishes are curated by Chef Marc Riedel. Be sure to look into the cluster of tasting rooms on your way from Lone Buffalo to Wise Villa. Those include Dono dal Cielo Vineyard, Rappé Family Vineyards and PaZa Estate Winery. Farther west sits a second cluster made up of Dora Dain Wines, Ciotti Cellars and Smokin’ Barrel Winery, to name a few.

Lastly, Mt. Vernon Winery is an Auburn staple, having expanded its outdoor seating a few years ago. It often has music and a food truck, along with the largest tasting menu on the trail.

Sunday: Granite Bay and Loomis

On Sunday, I recommend hitting the Granite Bay and Loomis stretch of the trail. These wineries are a quick jaunt from Sacramento, and if you’re hoping to avoid that I-80 ski traffic, you can take the back roads home.

One challenge with a day trip: Wineries usually don’t open until 11 a.m. or noon. So if you want an early brunch before you start tasting, I’d recommend The Flower Farm in Loomis. Surrounded by dancing willow trees and terraces draped in grapevines, service begins as early as 9 a.m. The Flower Farm is connected to Casque Wines. It’s family-friendly and the perfect way to begin (or end) your trail adventures.

From there, you can hop around some of the boutique tasting rooms. Hill Top Oaks Winery sits on a hillside overlooking the rolling Loomis hills. You can jump to Secret Ravine Vineyard & Winery’s tasting room or head to Old Town Rocklin for Cante Ao Vinho, where you’re likely to catch live music among stone-masoned walls.

If you want a slow morning and don’t mind making a reservation, Twin Rocks Estate Winery serves brunch starting at 11 a.m. This is more on the fine-dining side of service, and it only allows kids on Sundays. They’ll accommodate walk-ins, but since we’re talking Valentine’s Day weekend, it’s better to play it safe. They are offering a reservation-only five-course meal with wine pairings starting at 6 p.m. on the 13th and 14th. The estate is spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating and a large fountain for ambiance.

So if Valentine’s Day is sneaking up on you, or you just want something that feels more spacious than a crowded dining room, consider this your invitation: Take the scenic route, sip something local, eat something wonderful, and call it romance.

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