The few larger wineries, including Montevina which is now owned by Napa's huge Sutter Home operation, is also occupied in experimentation with new varieties which are being introduced to the foothill area. Montevina has been at the forefront of the movement to grow northern Italian varieties in the Shenandoah Valley. Vino Noceto , a small family Amador winery specializes in Sangiovese, almost to the exclusion of everything else. Visiting the wineries is quite a different experience from visiting the large and glitzy Napa and Sonoma wineries. Most wine tasting operations are small and cozy.
Some wineries are downright rustic.
Others are modern buildings but most have the owners in their tasting rooms, and often the winemakers are pouring wine except during the crush season. This informal type of tasting provides a great opportunity to get to know the wines, and hear how the wines are made. Villa Toscano recently unveiled its sun-washed Mediterranean style winery and tasting room. Other new wineries are under construction, and more vineyards are being planted in former orchards and cattle-grazing fields. For those who are within driving distance of the Sierra Foothills, a day or two spent visiting wineries can be a richly rewarding experience.