Just as the foothills’ grasses ease from lush emerald into a soft olive, their quiet pause before the golden tones of summer, the promise of abundance in Placer County appeared in the tiny drupelets forming on young grape clusters. On May 2nd, 2025, seventy of our region’s decision-makers, policy-makers, and community leaders gathered for the annual Placer County Ag Tour to take a closer look at the county’s grape industry. Framed by the theme “Grape Expectations: Uncorking Placer County’s Ag Potential,” the day offered a valuable opportunity to build connections and deepen shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the Foothills.
The tour began on a crisp spring morning at Twin Rocks Estate Winery, where guests were welcomed by Placer County Supervisor Bonnie Gore. From there, attendees toured a selection of Placer County’s wineries, vineyards, and production facilities. At Twin Rocks, winery representatives shared the story of their operation, learned about the ways it is diversifying into a mixed-use agricultural operation with small farming, an olive orchard, and livestock, and spoke about future plans at a critical moment of uncertainty for the wine industry as a whole.
The tour continued to Lecavalier Cellars, where participants learned about innovative irrigation practices and the impressive range of grape varieties grown on site, as the winery attempts to bring the best grape and wine production the world has to offer to Placer County.
The final official stop was Casque Wines in Loomis, where attendees had the opportunity to see firsthand the production facility and learn about the advantages of sourcing grapes from across the region and at various elevations, particularly within Placer County.
The group then returned to Twin Rocks for a relaxing lunch and more informal conversation among attendees.
A recurring theme throughout the tour was the shared commitment to building businesses and experiences that reflect the quality and character Placer County residents—and visitors—deserve. Each stop showcased a dedication to excellence, whether through sourcing the best tools and materials or cultivating unique offerings that thrive in the local landscape. Casque Wines, for example, uses carefully selected oak barrels from Minnesota to refine its wines. Lecavalier Cellars is experimenting with rare grape varieties that are difficult to grow in most parts of the world but flourish in Placer County’s unique conditions. Twin Rocks Estate Winery emphasizes not only quality production but also creating an inviting and memorable experience for every guest. And this is just a “taste”!
Placer RCD extends our sincere thanks to Placer County, PCWA, NID, and our generous hosts at Twin Rocks Estate Winery, Lecavalier Cellars, and Casque Wines. Your support helps cultivate a thriving and resilient agricultural future for Placer County.
2025 Placer County Ag Tour Video
2025 Placer County Ag Tour Photos
