Foothill Vines

David Girard Vineyards lies in the Sierra foothills outside Placerville, Calif., about two hours west of Reno. The vineyards are planted mainly to Rhône varietals like roussanne, marsanne, viognier, syrah and grenache. David Girard's wine are balanced and not overoaked. Highlights: the 2005 Coeur du Terroir Blanc, a roussanne-based blend of five varietals, including rarely seen rolle and grenache blanc, and the 2003 syrah. David Girard also makes a grenache, a viognier-roussanne, a chardonnay and a cabernet sauvignon. The tasting room is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The winery is at 741 Cold Springs Road, Placerville; call 530-295-1833 or visit www.davidgirardvineyards.com.