California’s Sierra Foothills AVA Remains a Land of Opportunity for Winemakers | Eater SF

"Although founded in 1980 and long associated with Napa, Rombauer has kept a down‑home foothills personality as it expanded into a Plymouth tasting room after outgrowing its Napa production; much of the company’s zinfandel already came from the foothills. Rombauer’s jammy zinfandels and oaky chardonnays are widely distributed — appearing on restaurant lists across the state and on Safeway shelves — yet Bob Knebel emphasizes an approachable culture, interest in local varieties like barbera, and a recognition that leaders will need strategy and thoughtfulness to manage inevitable change as the region grows." - Paolo Bicchieri