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Nevada City in
California's northern California Nevada County offers splendor to behold. The
burnt gold trees framed by deep blue skies provide an awe-inspiring image that
early settlers to this Gold Country region must have equally enjoyed over 150
years ago. Nevada City is located in the heart of Tahoe National Forest along
the crest of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Among the many types of trees you'll
see in this wonderland are Douglas Fir, Foxtail Pine, Giant Sequoia, Grey Pine,
Incense Cedar, Jeffrey Pine, Kellogg Oak, Live Oak, Ponderosa Pine, Red Fir,
Sierra Juniper, Sugar Pine and White Fir. From these golden foothills on the
western slope to high peaks at Sierra crest, the forest thicket protects a floor
containing hundreds of historic and prehistoric sites representing human
influences over several thousand years. In reality, it's likely that pre-Gold
Rush peoples also stood on mountain tops to enjoy the autumn splendor of the
changing tree leaves.
The Tahoe National Forest at Nevada City offers outdoor recreational
opportunities throughout the seasons. Millions of people visit this forest to
bicycle, camp, hike, hunt, ski, snowboard, take pictures and swim.
For those who prefer a more urban pace, there are many wineries, museums,
restaurants and shops throughout the region that you can enjoy. Nevada City
wineries features wine tasting, wine sales, some tours and products for sale.
When visiting, sample local "gold" from Double Oak Winery Tasting Room,
14510 Blind Shady Rd., Nevada City, CA 95959 Phone: 530-292-3235
www.doubleoakwinery.com; Indian Springs Vineyards Tasting Room from
its 450 acre plantings, 303 Broad Street, Nevada City. Phone: 530-478-1068.
www.indianspringswines.com; Iron Mountain Vineyard features a tasting
room in the landmark ASSAY OFFICE building at the very end of Main Street in
Nevada City. Phone: 530-478-9450 www.imvwines.com; Nevada City Winery,
Best of Sierra Foothill awards recipient, features Syrah, Zinfandel,
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus an antique corkscrew collection.
Phone: 530-265-9463 / 800-203-9463 ncwinery.com.
In addition to
wine tasting, the wineries are host to a great list of cultural events
throughout the year. In fact, wineries have become gathering points for the
community and visitors to enjoy food pairings, dinners, musical concerts and
other special events. Check the websites listed above to discover the many great
cultural events you can enjoy at Nevada City wineries.
Nevada City
backgrounder: The word nevada in Spanish means snowy or snow-covered. A region
that enjoys a dusting of snow in the winter months, was one of the first
California towns with electric lights, thanks to the Pelton wheel which was
designed to power gold mines. Nevada City is also home to the first
commercially viable picture-phone. Most visitors to this rustic region know that
over 50 high tech firms and more than 1,000 hardware and software design and
development professionals call Nevada County home. In fact, it is often called
the Silicon Valley of the Sierras. When visiting, don't assume that the docent
in coveralls telling you about the Gold Rush is a country bumpkin. Oftentimes,
you'll find yourself in awe that you're speaking with someone so incredibly
intelligent that you'll need to throw your stereotype out the window before you
blow your cover.
