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The Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival 2025 is a "foodie" event simply not to be missed, as it offers a relaxing afternoon of enjoying all the good things that downtown and old town Auburn have to offer, including small food bites, wine and beer samples, with a lot of good times in the mix! This fun food, wine and beer tasting event took place Saturday afternoon, October 11, 2025, in the beautiful Sierra foothills city of Auburn, CA. As with all of reviews that I publish, I have no affiliation with any of the restaurants, wineries or breweries posted in this article, and there is no monetary gain on my part, as I am simply a person who likes to eat, and I love to write-up, and publish my culinary experiences.
Photo: Beautiful downtown Auburn, looking east on Lincoln Way from the top of the hill at Harrison Ave., just a couple hours before the 2025 Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival is scheduled to begin. Note the historic Placer County courthouse, constructed in 1898 and is still a functioning courthouse. Old town Auburn is just over the hill from the courthouse. On this beautiful Saturday morning in mid-October, we were gifted with perfect weather, as it was a sunny day with afternoon highs in the low '70's. Such a perfect day for wine, beer and food tasting! Imagine... strolling through the streets of historic old town and charming downtown Auburn, venturing inside various stores and enjoying samples of wine, craft beer, from over 20 Gold Country wineries and breweries, and amazing food samples from over 20 area restaurants. It's late Saturday morning, October 11, 2025, and in just two short hours, I'll be sampling some of the best small food bites, craft beer and wine that you can imagine, from restaurants, wineries and breweries, local to western Placer County.
Photo: Promo posted on social media, and on the cover of the event brochure, published by the sponsor of the event, Placer Wine Trail, a local organization that promotes the many amazing wineries that Placer County has to offer. Did you know the foothills of western Placer County are home to many wineries, and that most of them offer wine tasting? The Auburn Wine Ale and Food festival gives you a chance to sample many of the fine wines, and craft beer the area as to offer, along with highlights from local restaurant. This was truly an event for all Placer County "foodies" to enjoy! Click on the above image or the hyperlink to see the list of all RESTAURANTS, WINERIES and BREWERIES participating in this year's event.
Photo: The event began at 01:00 in the afternoon, with check-in at "Central Square" in downtown Auburn, or at "Herschel Young Park," in Old Town. As I was in line to check in at "Central Square," I noticed fellow guests taking advantage of the mural that outlines the "Placer Wine and Ale Trail." It all added to the festive atmosphere of the event.
Photo: At check in, a friendly volunteer scanned your QR code - from your email or from a printed ticket - and after scanning, you were rewarded with a green wristband, to prove you were 21 or older, and that you'd paid to enjoy the event. Keep in mind to attend this event you must purchase your tickets online, before the event.
Photo: At the check in booth, one of the friendly volunteers handed you a wine glass, a plastic food tray, and a brochure outlining the event.
Photo: Here are two of the amazingly friendly volunteers handing out food trays and wine glasses. The wine glasses were a crafted glass, with would make for great wine enjoyment at home, and a souvenir of today's event.
Photo: I have my wine glass and my brochure, which highlights all of the food and drink offerings, and I'm ready to enjoy the event in style!
Photo: After checking in at "Central Square," my first stop was Twin Rocks Winery, co-located inside Persimmon Art Gallery along with food host The Baker and Cakemaker.
Photo: Today's first pour was a delightful glass of red wine. Unfortunately, due the sheer volume of wine tasting, along with the enormity of the event, it was impossible to take notes, and equally impossible for me to remember each individual glass of wine I enjoyed. I recall this red wine was simply delicious, and had a somewhat smoky taste, thanks to the oak barrels it was aged in.
Photo: I raise my glass and toast the amazing folks at Twin Rocks Estate Winery, located in the Granite Bay area east of Roseville, and a sample of their delicious red wine. Twin Rocks Estate Winery
Photo: The Baker and Cakemaker set up shop inside the art gallery, and offered small bites of a samples from their fine bakery. This amazing bakery/restaurant bakes artesian bread, pastries, and is also a cafe, as the restaurant side offers coffee, sandwiches, salads and more for your breakfast and late afternoon enjoyment. It's a locally-sourced, farm-to-fork kind of restaurant and bakery.
Photo: My hostess hands me a miniature sample of a delicious cake with a friendly smile.
Photo: A tiny double white cake, sandwiched with chocolate frosting, and covered in rich caramel. This is a fine sample of the amazing cuisine available from the bakery side of the business. What a way to get the afternoon started with a delicious sweet treat from an amazing local bakery! The Baker and Cakemaker
Photo: Auburn local bank, River Valley Community Bank hosted Vina Castellano Estate Vineyard and Winery, and Oak House Restaurant.
Photo: Vina Castellano was offering three varieties of their fine wine, Verdejo, Rosado and Garnacha. Vina Castellano is a local Auburn winery, whose motto is, "A little piece of Spain in the Sierra foothills."
Photo: The super friendly bartender pours a sample of "Verdejo," a fine white wine. This wine was chilled and was simply delicious.
Photo: I simply had to try a taste of "Verdejo," a rose wine, and my super friendly bartender was happy to give me a pour, along with a friendly smile.
Photo: I toast my friendly bartender, the amazing wine from Vina Castellano Estate, along with the fine hosts at River Valley Community Bank. Cheers!
Photo: Isn't the glass of wine beautiful? It was quite an interesting experience to be enjoying a sample of Placer County locally grown and produced wine, inside a bank, as banks aren't normally associated with tasting fine wine. Vina Castellano Estate Vineyard and Winery
Photo: Oakhouse Restaurant and Lounge was co-located inside the bank, and was handing out samples of a small pulled steak pie, topped with colorful caviar. Oakhouse is due to open at the end of this month, and will be a reservation-only steakhouse, which will be a new offering for fine dining in Old Town Auburn. The lounge side of the business - a speakeasy-type cocktail bar - opened a few weeks ago.
Photo: The friendly hostess was handing out small samples of a pulled steak meat pie, which was melted in my mouth, and was simply delicious. It appears to be a preview of fine dining to be enjoyed when the restaurant opens at the end of this month.
Photo: My delicious pulled steak pie, featuring savory grilled steak, surrounded by a crispy pastry, and topped with colorful caviar. Simply delicious! Oakhouse Restaurant and Lounge
Photo: Hotel Vista Sierra, a local Auburn hotel, was offering samples of delights on skewers, made fresh in the hotel's kitchen. They, along with Casque Wines were located inside of Golden Swann Jewelers, downtown Auburn on Lincoln Way.
Photo: The restaurant was serving two different variations of appetizers on skewers; I opted for one of each, as I'm always interested in fine Auburn cuisine.
Photo: My two samples of meat, cheese and vegetables on skewers, thanks to Hotel Vista Sierra, located on Bowman Rd., just east of Auburn.
Photo: I cycled through the line again to enjoy a sample of the meat skewers the restaurant was serving. The gentleman representing Casque Wines, located next to the restaurant, is pouring a sample of his delicious 2023 "Adrian Blanc."
Photo: I'm a happy guy, as I hold my "Beef Mushroom Cheese Skewer," ready to enjoy the goodness.
Photo: Fine samples from Hotel Vista Sierra included "Beef Mushroom Cheese Skewer" and "Chicken Onion Skewer." Both were equally delicious! Enjoy this fine cuisine at The Terrace Restaurant, located at Hotel Vista Sierra, in Auburn. Hotel Vista Sierra
Photo: Casque Wines was set up next to the restaurant, and pouring two samples of their fine wine.
Photo: My friendly hostess pours me a sample of the 2023 "Adrian Blanc," a light red wine.
Photo: Such a delicious sample of wine to enjoy! Casque Wines
Photo: Located inside of For the Love of Art Gallery, local vintner Wise Villa Winery, located in nearby Lincoln, was pouring two varieties of their fine, Placer County grown and produced, wine. The hosts today were a friendly husband and wife team.
Photo: I enjoy a sample pour of a delicious Chardonnay wine. Wise Villa Winery
Photo: The Hillmont at Remedy Supply Co. was the restaurant co-located inside the art gallery with the winery, and they were dishing out small "Lamb Meatballs," which is a delicacy that you seldom find in downtown Auburn. The restaurant's brochure goes on to say, "A vintage-inspired restaurant and bar, built by locals, for local, where small plates, crafted cocktails, and warm hospitality come together in downtown Auburn."
Photo: My friendly host handed me a meatball from the tray set up on the display table.
Photo: I'm a happy "foodie," as I hold my "Lamb Meatball" with pride, and I'm ready to enjoy the savory bite.
Photo: "Lamb Meatball," as prepared from The Hillmont, located in downtown Auburn. Their menu describes this savory delight as, "Tossed in Remedy Supply Co. BBQ sauce, heirloom tomato and hazelnut jam." This savory ball of lamb was mouth-watering delicious! The Hillmont at Remedy Supply Co.
Photo: The Station Public House, and Hillebrand Farmhaus Brewing were co-located inside Victory Velo Bike Shop, and shared a sign, describing their fine food and drink offerings.
Photo: The friendly hosts works on a sandwich, custom made for a guest, by pouring fresh chimichuri on to a small toasted slab of sourdough bread. The Station Public House is a great restaurant, showcasing a GIGANTIC patio, and serves fine foothill cuisine every day of the week.
Photo: "Bistro Steak" open faced sandwiches, shown being made fresh, on-site, from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The staff created the sandwiches on site and kept them warm in a small warming tray.
Photo: My friendly host hands me a freshly made "Bistro Steak," with a smile. These small sandwiches were simply amazing, and were some of the finest cuisine offered at today's event.
Photo: I'm a happy guy, as I hold my "Bistro Steak," ready to enjoy the goodness.
Photo: My "Bistro Steak." The menu board described the steak as, "Bistro steak on Parmesan crostini, finished with fresh chimichuri." My description in a single word: Delicious. A thin slice of marinated, juicy steak, grilled to medium began this amazing journey. The slice of steak was topped with chimichurri sauce, which was a "first" dining experience for me, and added a new dimension to a slice of steak. All this goodness was added to a toasted slice of sourdough bread, with melted parmesan cheese to add a mellow, somewhat smoky flavor to this amazing open sandwich. The first bite... CRUNCH ... and the reward was a melting of the delicious flavors of tender steak, chimichurri sauce, toasted sourdough toast and parmesan cheese... all in one bite. I was simply blown away at first bite! Such an amazing bit of goodness! Back on Thursday, December 14, 2023, I enjoyed an amazing lunch at this fine restaurant. Click on THIS LINK to enjoy this amazing dining experience I enjoyed at this fine restaurant. The Station Public House
Photo: The friendly bartender at Hillerbrand Farmhaus Brewery, located in nearby Newcastle, has just poured a sample of his "Bunkhaus Saison" lager beer for me to enjoy. The brewery set up a small display and only poured a single... no problem as the beer was delicious!
Photo: One sample pour of "Bunkhaus Saison," a refreshing lager beer, that really helped make for a great afternoon. Hillerbrand Farmhaus Brewery
Photo: Today, Mother Nature blessed the event with perfect early fall weather, as the temperature reached the low 70's, the sky was sunny, and there was not even a slight breeze. The weather folks had predicted a chance of rain, which would have truly dampened the parade, but not the event! As a side note, two days later, the rain finally arrived, and Auburn enjoyed over an inch of rain. Little Bird Mercantile, located at 815 Lincoln Way in downtown Auburn was the gracious host of Rebellion Brewing Company, and Carol's Market and Deli.
Photo: Carol's Market and Deli, located in nearby Newcastle, was serving small pulled pork sliders, on sweet Hawaiian rolls, which added a festive note to the occasion. Carol's is a small grocery store that includes an amazing deli, and offers delicious custom-created sandwiches, handcrafted by talented staff. The staff provided a plate of sandwiches, and you simply helped yourself to the sandwich of your choice.
Photo: Small pulled pork slider, ready enjoy. The sandwich was filled with spiced, roasted pulled pork, that was tender, savory and delicious. It was held together on a fresh, lightly buttered Hawaiian roll, which made a delicious slider, and for the perfect small bite.
Photo: Cross section of my delicious slider, showing all of the goodness this amazing sandwich has to offer. Carol's Market and Deli is located in Newcastle, CA, west of Auburn, and their fine deli has been featured on several Sacramento local television "foodie" shows. Carol's Market and Deli
Photo: Rebellion Brewing Company set up shop inside, and was pouring three varieties of the delicious beer they locally produce.
Photo: I raise my generous pour of "Resistance," a delicious tropical IPA, and toast my friendly host, Rebellion Brewing Company, and the fine staff who made this wine, ale and food tasting event happen.
Photo: My delicious pour of "Resistance," showcased in the souvenir wine glass that's included with the price of admission to the event. "Resistance" is a tropical IPA, that includes citra, mosaic with simcoe, and has an alcohol content of 7.0%, which works with me. This delicious IPA features a bold taste, and when chilled - as it was served today - is a refreshing, thirst quencher. I love it! Rebellion Brewing Company
Photo: Today, Tre Pazzi Trattoria was serving samples of their delicious "Ricotta Ravioli Alla Nonna." This fine restaurant is located on Lincoln Way in downtown Auburn, and offers the finest of Italian cuisine. This fine restaurant, along with Smokin' Barrel Winery set up inside of Wildflower, located on Lincoln Way in downtown Auburn.
Photo: I receive a sample of "Ricotta Ravioli Alla Nonna," with a friendly smile from the staff.
Photo: I'm a happy guy, as I'm ready to enjoy a sample of fine Italian cuisine from Tre Pazzi Trattoria.
Photo: Such a delicious sample of "Ricotta Ravioli Alla Nonna," from Tre Pazzi's "Pasta" section of the menu. The menu describes this amazing selection as, "Ravioli stuffed with fresh ricotta in a San Marzano tomato sauce with sauteed onion and fresh basil." I love Italian cuisine and this ravioli was simply delicious! Tre Pazzi Trattoria
Photo: Smokin' Barrel Winery, located just outside of nearby Lincoln, CA was co-located with Tre, and was pouring samples of their delicious red wine.
Photo: I asked for, and I received a pour of "Rose 2024," which was a fine, mellow red wine, which worked great with this beautiful afternoon.
Photo: What could be better than to enjoy a sample of "Ricotta Ravioli Alla Nonna," paired with a glass or "2024 Rose" wine? Smokin' Barrel Winery
Photo: General Gomez Arts, located at 808 Lincoln Way in downtown Auburn was host to Lone Buffalo Vineyards, restaurant Real Food Catering, along with the local duo Time-Slip, which provided musical entertainment.
Photo: Duo Time Slip, a Placer County local band, provided great covers of pop classics from the 1960's and 1970's.
Photo: Lone Buffalo Vineyards, a local Auburn winery, was providing samples of their red wine "2022 Just Syrah," and white "2024 JBrand Ali B - Albarito." I didn't get a chance to enjoy the white wine, as I simply couldn't resist a pour of their red syrah.
Photo: I get a pour of "2022 Just Syrah" from my friendly host. The menu describes this delicious red wine as, "Estate grown fruit stands alone because it deserves it! Bramble fruit character with smooth mouthfeel and delicate tannins, earth, spicy and delicious." Well said, as this wine was simply delicious!
Photo: I toast Lone Buffalo Vineyards along with the Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival with a glass of delicious "2022 Just ," a new release. Such a fresh, delicious, "fruity" red wine, with just the perfect touch of tannins. This could easily become my favorite wine to enjoy with a dinner of fish or pork. Cheers! Lone Buffalo Vineyards
Photo: Just across the aisle from the winery was Real Foods Catering, where two very friendly gals set up a table of delicious chocolate fudge cookies and offered one to me. I'm not a big one for dessert, but I simply couldn't resist.
Photo: Go ahead... make my day! I toast the event with a glass of "2022 Just Syrah" red wine, and a delicious cookie. The best of both worlds!
Photo: I seldom venture into the dessert world, but today it happened... perhaps too many samples of fine wine! Such a delicious melt-in-your-mouth chocolate fudge cookie, from the talented staff at Real Foods Catering, located in Auburn. Real Foods Catering
Photo: Roper's Jewelers, a long time Auburn provider of fine jewellery was next on my list, where Ciotti Cellars was pouring fine wine, and Old Town Pizza was serving some of the finest pizza in Auburn.
Photo: Ciotti Cellars set up shop at the back of the store, and was pouring several varieties of their fine, Placer County grown wine. This winery is located in Lincoln, and offers wine tasting nearly every Friday through Sunday.
Photo: I enjoy a pour of "2019 Barbera," a fruity and full-bodied red wine, with old world earthiness with a mineral finish. It was truly a refreshing, delicious wine.
Photo: Cheers! I enjoy a generous pour of "2019 Barbera," thanks to Ciotti Cellars, located in Lincoln, CA. Ciotti Cellars
Photo: At the entrance to Roper's Jewelry, just inside the store, Old Town Pizza, an Auburn local pizza outlet since 1999, set up a table and was handing out slices from three varieties of their pizza, from a special "Event Menu." They were so near to the front door that when I entered, I didn't even see them, as I headed straight to the back of the store, toward the winery. After enjoying a sample of fine "2019 Barbera," I looked around to see that I'd passed Old Town Pizza. I got a chuckle out of that!
Photo: From the "Event Menu," I went with a slice of "Caboose Pizza," as it had it all and looked simply delicious. "Cheese" and "Porter Pesto" were the other pizza choices listed on the special menu.
Photo: My slice of "Caboose Pizza" was simply delicious, as it had nearly everything! The pizza began with a perfectly baked, regular thickness, golden brown crust, perfectly melted Mozzarella cheese, with traditional red sauce, which provided a great foundation for this superior pizza. Toppings included pepperoni, sausage, salami, mushroom, yellow onion slices and black olives. The pizza was simply delicious in every way! Old Town Pizza
Photo: Loved Again Boutique was the home to Dora Dain Wines, with Baked and Brewed Cafe.
Photo: Baked and Brewed Cafe was handing out samples freshly made "Baklava," a Middle Eastern treat, that's a famous Greek dessert. Baked and Brewed Cafe is located in downtown Auburn, and is a friendly restaurant, with a cozy ambiance, that serves freshly made pastries, scones, cookies, freshly brewed coffee, and much more, served by friendly staff. You can enjoy your treat along with your cup of coffee inside their comfortable dining room, or the pleasant outside seating, weather permitting.
Photo: The staff had trays of freshly-made baklavas on hand, ready to enjoy.
Photo: I hold my delicious "Baklava," ready to enjoy. "Baklava" is a layered pastry, a Middle Eastern treat, and is especially associated with Greek and Turkish cuisine. It's a delicious pastry, featuring sweet rich flavor and crispy, flaky texture, thanks to the filo dough, nuts, spices and the sugary syrup. Delicious! Baked and Brewed Cafe
Photo: Dora Dain Wines, a local Lincoln winery, poured several varieties of their fine wine, which is noted for being bottled and crafted by hand. Baked and Brewed Cafe can be seen in the background, serving delicious "Baklavas."
Photo: I'm getting ready to enjoy a pour of "2022 Chardonnay," a barrel fermented, creamy wine, with a taste of oak, thanks to aging in an oak barrel. It was a delicious, full-bodied white wine, and simply delicious. Dora Dain Wines
Photo: Gold Country Plaza, located in downtown Auburn was home to Cante Ao Vanho, and Royal Indian Cuisine, both hosted inside Insumataq Studio, which is located inside the plaza. The plaza has been reconditioned into a mall or sorts, and is home to North Fork Deli, which happens to be one of my favorite soup and sandwich restaurants in western Placer County.
Photo: Cante Ao Vinho is a local winery, located on the outskirts of nearby Rocklin, that prides itself on producing wines in old world style. A wide variety of wines are made that include Portuguese, Spanish, French and Italian grapes. The friendly bartender was pouring from five varieties of European wines produced by the winery.
Photo: My pour of choice today was "Trincaderia 2020," a Portuguese wine, that frankly, I'd never sampled before today. No problem, as the wine was simply delicious!
Photo: I hold the bottle of "Trincaderia 2020," along with my glass, as I enjoy the fine wine and hospitality provided by Cante Ao Vinho, located in Rocklin, CA. Cante Ao Vinho
Photo: Royal Indian Cuisine, a simply amazing Indian restaurant, was serving samples of delicious "Naan" along with "Chicken Tikka Masala." The friendly owner of the restaurant was busy preparing samples of "Naan" when I came to visit. He recognized me from previous visits to his restaurant, as I enjoy his friendly company and the fine Indian cuisine his restaurant is famous for.
Photo: I'm given a small tray with "Naan" bread, along with a sample of delicious "Chicken Tikka Masala." I simply adore the fine food served at Royal Indian Cuisine!
Photo: I'm a happy guy, as I'm ready to enjoy some of the finest authentic Indian cuisine served in Placer County.
Photo: My sample of "Chicken Tikka Masala," along with a helping of "Naan." Naan is a popular flat bread that seems to be the "Bread of India," as it's served with every meal. It's delicious! Along with the "Naan," I enjoyed a sample of "Chicken Tikka Masala," which is cubed chicken cooked in a creamy butter sauce. Enjoyable!
Photo: I tore off a small piece of naan and dipped it into the rich butter sauce, and was instantly transported to "Bollywood Nirvana," thanks to my taste buds and the friendly staff of Royal Indian Cuisine, located on Lincoln Way in downtown Auburn. Back on Friday, June 07, 2024 I had the pleasure to enjoy lunch at this fine restaurant, located in downtown Auburn. Click on THIS LINK to enjoy my visit. Royal Indian Cuisine
Photo: PaZa Estate Winery, along with Restaurant Josephine set up inside the Placer County Visitor Center, with at one time served as the city's main firehouse.
Photo: The friendly staff from PaZa Estate Winery, located in Auburn, set up shop inside the Visitor's Center and was handing out samples of the delicious wine they produce.
Photo: My choice of wine was "2021 Primitivo," an estate grown, naturally made California wine.
Photo: I enjoy a fine pour of Placer County red wine, thanks to the friendly staff at PaZa Estate Winery, located in Auburn. Cheers! PaZa Estate Winery
Photo: Restaurant Josephine, a delightful restaurant specializing in French cuisine, located on Lincoln Way in downtown Auburn, was serving delightful little trays of a delicious chicken meatball, which was a new delight for me. The owner and chef of the restaurant, Chef Eric, cheerfully handed me a tray of his delicacy.
Photo: I'm a happy diner, as I'm ready to enjoy a sample of French cuisine, which isn't very common to Auburn, and for gold country dining. I'm happy as I love it all!
Photo: My plate included a small meatball, perfectly seasoned, made of chicken breast, and coated in a sauce, that I could best describe as mole. Small sweet crunches complimented this fine offering, along with diced purple cabbage and a garnish of parsley springs. This was delicious, and was a completely new dining experience for me to enjoy.
Photo: I cut a piece of the small chicken meatball to enjoy off of the goodness this fine "Small bite" had to offer. I've never enjoyed anything like this before, as it was a new dining experience for me. Restaurant Josephine
Photo: Depoe Bay Coffee Roasters set up shop inside of Auburn State Theatre and was handing out samples of ice cream, topped with a dash of espresso. Depoe Bay Coffee Roasters is more than a coffee roaster, as they are a full-service breakfast and lunch cafe who's menu includes a great selection of soup, sandwiches, salads, pastries, drinks and more.
Photo: These two friendly ladies dished out my sample with a smile. The ice cream and espresso mix was delicious!
Photo: I'm a happy guy as I'm ready to enjoy a mid-afternoon treat at the 2025 Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival.
Photo: I was truly dazzled and amazed, as I'd never enjoyed vanilla ice cream topped with espresso, and it simply wasn't something that appealed to me. Was I ever in for a surprise, as I simply LOVED this fine treat. The vanilla ice cream wasn't something that you simply picked off the shelf from your local supermarket, as this ice cream was creamy, flavorful and simply delicious! The small pouring of espresso contrasted with the ice cream and added a nice tough. Depoe Bay Coffee Roasters has made a believer out of me! Depoe Bay Coffee Roasters
Photo: As I was leaving Downtown Auburn, and heading up and over Courthouse Hill into historic Old Town Auburn, C. Hoshall Designs was my next stop, where Two Ass Brewing Company and Grumpy's Burgers and Brew were offing samples of their fine wares. It was about 3:30 in the afternoon, and I needed to visit the last few restaurants, breweries and wineries before the close of the event, and 5:00.
Photo: As I entered the store, the brewery had set up their display, just inside, and was pouring two samples of their product. Judging by the folks waiting for their pour, the product must have been amazing. I certainly wasn't disappointed!
Photo: Two Ass Brewing Company was pouring "Danke Esel," a German style Pilsner, along with "Ale of the Gods," a West Coast I.P.A. I really needed a sample of both before I could make an honest assessment of which one I preferred. I knew it wouldn't be an easy thing to do, but I was up to the challenge..
Photo: My friendly host poured me a sample of "Danke Esel" German style Pilsner with a smile.
Photo: I toast my host at Two Ass Brewing Company with a pour of "Danke Esel," but after a quick "cheers," I was ready for a sample of the "Ale of the Gods."
Photo: I savor the beauty of "Ale of the Gods" a simply delicious West Coast I.P.A. I truly enjoyed the pour of "Danke Esel" and it was tough call to decide which I enjoyed the most, but I had to go with "Ale of the Gods." That being said, both beers are winners in every way! Two Ass Brewing Company
Photo: Grumpy's Smashburgers and Brew, a relatively new restaurant in Auburn was handing out "slider size" samples of their signature smashed burger. After adding the thick, smashed meat patty to the bun, and topping it was a thick slice of dill pickle, they drenched my burger in a mixture gooey melted cheese thinned with milk. Oh my!
Photo: My burger is made and I'm ready to enjoy. I loved the combination of melted American cheese, thinned with milk.
Photo: I toast my hostesses with a glass of "Ale of the Gods" I.P.A. as I get ready enjoy my burger. Photo gives a great idea of the size of the burger, which made for a very generous simple.
Photo: Grumpy's Smashburgers and Brew specializes in smashed burger, just as the name implies. I've enjoyed may smashed burgers in my life, and this amazing burger is right up near the top of the list. This burger was a sample, and was about the size of a "slider" like you'd find at your local sports bar. The burger began with a small, sweet bun, with a nice, thick beef patty - smashed to perfection - to bring out all of the goodness and burger juice from the meat. The burger sported a very simple garnish of a nice, thick slice of dill pickle, DRENCHED in thick, gooey mixture of melted cheese and milk. All that goodness, with the juicy meat and fresh bun made for an unbelievably delicious burger. This burger was over-the-top delicious and made a believer out of me!
Photo: My "slider size" Smashburger, ready to savor and enjoy. One into this delicious burger made of believer out of me... I can't wait to pay a visit to Grumpy's Smashburgers and Brew! Grumpy's Smashburgers and Brew
Photo: Trailblazer Craft Pizza and Beer, with Secret Ravine Vineyard set up displays inside Auburn Blooms Garden and Gifts, located on Sacramento Street in Old Town Auburn.
Photo: One of the hosts was working the griddle, grilling carne asada and pulled pork, and the other host was assembling tacos, and visiting with "foodies," like me, attending the event. Trailblazer Craft Pizza and Brew is located in nearby Nevada City, in nearby Nevada County. Their restaurant menu offers everything from tacos to pizza, and lists something for every taste.
Photo: Pulled pork, carne asada along with corn tortillas are cooking on the griddle. The aroma smelled heavenly!
Photo: MY friendly hosts handed me two tacos - one of each variety - with a friendly smile. Both tacos were amazingly delicious and I couldn't decide with one I loved the most.
Photo: Today's major decision was... Pulled Pork or Carne Asada tacos? I couldn't decide, so I went with one of each! Both tacos were cooked inside Auburn Blooms Garden and Gifts on a griddle, using a small portable, gas powered stove. When you dine at the restaurant, the carne asada is always grilled, and the pork is always roasted, but due to the limitations of on-site cooking, both varieties of meat were cooked on the griddle. That's the way it's done in Mexico, so it works well in Auburn! The juicy and tender meat was placed on DVD-size corn tortilla - the size that's used in Mexican street tacos - and grilled to perfection. Garnishes included shredded lettuce, cilantro, sliced red onion and topped with a generous helping of Mozzarella cheese. Talk about an enjoyable "small bite" to enjoy... I still can't decide which one of loved the most! After enjoying the fine cuisine of Trailblazer craft Pizza and Brew, I'm looking forward to a trip to nearby Grass Valley... Trailblazer Craft Pizza and Brew
Photo: Secret Ravine Vineyard was pouring two varieties of the fine wine they produce. The vineyard has been in operation since 1999 and is owned and operated by five generations of family. This fine winery is located in nearby Loomis, CA.
Photo: I walked away for my normal "method of operation" and went with a pour of Sauvignon Blanc, which happens to be one of my favorite white wines. It was simply delicious!
Photo: I raise my glass and toast the friendly folks at Secret Ravine Vineyard. Cheers!
Photo: An amazingly delicious and beautiful glass of Sierra Nevada foothill grown and produced Sauvignon Blanc wine, from Secret Ravine Vineyard, located in Loomis, CA. Secret Ravine Vineyard
Photo: Gold Rush Plaza, which is home to one of my favorite restaurants in Auburn - Edelweiss Restaurant 2 - was home to Dona Dal Cielo Vineyard, pouring fine wine, and Mountain Mandarin Festival, who was serving colorful little cups of fruit mixed with pasta..
Photo: I smile, toast my hosts and enjoy a delicious pour of "2021 Reserve Zinfandel" wine, grown and produced by Dona Dal Cielo Vineyard, in Newcastle, CA. Such a delicious glass of red wine! Dona Dal Cielo Vineyard
Photo: Did you know that the rolling foothills of western Placer County is home to many acres devoted to growing mandarin oranges? Every year, the weekend before Thanksgiving, the Mountain Mandarin Festival is held, which showcases the mandarin orange industry of our area, and all things mandarin. The festival features food, entertainment, vendors and lots of fun. These three friendly ladies were handing out small samples of some of the food that's enjoyed at the festival.
Photo: I'm looking forward to attending the festival next month, and the small sample of typical festival food gave me extra incentive to attend the fun event.
Photo: This delicious little cup of fruit - featuring Placer County grown mandarin oranges - was mixed with small pieces of grape, pasta and held together by a delicious sauce made from... you guessed it... mandarin oranges. Such a refreshing treat! Mountain Mandarin Festival
Photo: The 300 block of Commercial St. in historic Old Town Auburn is a steep street, as the sidewalk is stairs. Steepness doesn't stop fine food, beer and wine from being served or enjoyed, as I visit the last few places before the conclusion of this year's event.
Photo: Auburn Pasquale's Restorante, a fine Italian eatery located just around the corner was serving Tortellini and slices of Italian sausage that I simply went crazy over. This fine restaurant was serving out of Zhush Modern, located at 351 Commercial St.
Photo: My friendly hostess handed me a plate with three Tortellini, along with a slice of Italian sausage, which made for a delightful snack on this getting-to-be-late Saturday afternoon.
Photo: I'm a happy guy as I get ready enjoy a snack served to me from Auburn Pasquale's Restorante, located in Old Town Auburn, CA.
Photo: Three pieces of Tortellini, cooked in red meat sauce, along with a thin slice of sausage made for a delicious "small bite," Italian style, thanks to Auburn Pasquale's Restorante. Auburn Pasquale's Restorante
Photo: The friendly staff at Rappe Family Vineyards seemed to get quite a laugh out of my photo taking, and seemed to enjoy all of my craziness. I was truly in the minority, as there weren't many people taking photos, especially from a camera. Also, it takes a bit of technique to work a camera, when you're holding a wine glass, and occasionally a plate of food, so you have to be dedicated to make the effort to take photos, especially of every venue that you visit! Hella Tan and Boutique was host to Rappe for the wine end of things, with Max's Restaurant and Bar providing the food.
Photo: Rappe Family Vineyards offered a wide array of samples from their fine wine, and I went with a sample of "Petite Sirah 2018," as I hadn't had the pleasure to enjoy that variety of wine in quite some time.
Photo: My friendly hostess poured my glass of wine with a friendly smile. Thanks for the photos!
Photo: I enjoyed a delicious pour of "Petite Sirah 2018," thanks to the friendly staff at Rappe Family Vineyards, located in Auburn. Such a great sip of wine! By the way, Auburn isn't Las Vegas, so all alcohol must be consumed indoors, and can't be taken outside on the sidewalk to enjoy. Rappe Family Vineyards
Photo: Max's Restaurant and Bar had a table set up near the back of the store that was set up with pre-made cups of goodies, including a meatball along with a couple slices of bread.
Photo: The friendly hostess handed me a sample with a smile. Thanks!
Photo: I'm a happy guy as I toast my hostess with the "small bite" I enjoyed from Max's Restaurant and Bar. I was especially in a good mood after enjoying the fine glass of wine from Rappe Family Vineyards, not more than five minutes ago.
Photo: Small cup of a meatball and two slices of cut sourdough French bread, enjoyed outside in the sunshine. Max's Restaurant and Bar
Photo: Commercial Street is one of the steepest streets in town, and it's buildings and much of the infrastructure date from the 1850's. Knee Deep Brewing Company and Coyote Pizza, located inside of American Graffiti Tattoo Gold Country were to be my last stops on today's enjoyable day of strolling the streets of Auburn, and enjoying some of the best food and drink in Placer County.
Photo: Knee Deep Brewing Company, located at the Auburn Municipal Airport, set up a bar and was offering three of their refreshing beers on tap. Back on Thursday, June 06, 2023, I had the opportunity to enjoy a couple beers at their brewery. Check out my visit by clicking on THIS LINK.
Photo: The friendly bartender had set up a sign listing all three beers on tap. I truly wanted to sample all of them, but I was a bit "tapped out," so to speak, so I decided to go for the "Double Breaking Bud," as there's nothing that I love more than a great IPA, especially with an alcohol content of 9.0%.
Photo: The friendly bartender handed me a sample of "Double Breaking Bud," and it truly lived up to it's name. All kidding aside, it was a delicious, refreshing Imperial IPA.
Photo: I toast my bartender with a sample of "Double Breaking Bud," an Imperial IPA with an alcohol content of 9.0 %. After enjoying this fine beer, I certainly wasn't in any pain, and I was ready enjoy a slice of delicious pizza from Coyote Pizza, on the table next to the brewery. Knee Deep Brewing Company
Photo: I didn't mean for it to happen this way, but I just happened to save the best for last, as Coyote Pizzeria, located across the street in Old Town Auburn was the lasts stop on today's dining adventure. The friendly lady at the table had a wide selection of their delicious pizza set up to sample and enjoy.
Photo: "Coyote Supreme Pizza" was my choice, as this pizza seemed to include EVERYTHING!
Photo: The friendly pizza lady clowns up for my camera, as she hands me a piece of her amazing pizza with a smile.
Photo: I return the favor by clowning around with my pizza. Once I bit into this slice of pizza, there was no fooling around, as this was some of the best pizza I've enjoyed in quite some time. I'm looking forward to a visit in the near future to Coyote Pizzeria, located in Old Town Auburn, CA.
Photo: I went with a slice of "Coyote Supreme Pizza," which is their flagship pizza, and includes practically everything that you could ever dream about to top your pizza. "Coyote Supreme Pizza" began with a perfectly baked, moderately crispy, golden crust, which made a delicious foundation for this amazing slice of pizza. The slice of pizza included red tomato sauce, Canadian bacon, salami, pepperoni, linguica, mushrooms, red onion, green bell pepper, sausage, black olives and bacon. The pizza lived up to it's name, as it was "supremely delicious" and was of the best slices of pizza that I've enjoyed during my countless dining adventures in Auburn. I can't wait to enjoy a whole pie! As of this writing, October 11, 2025, I haven't yet had a chance to enjoy a dining experience at Coyote Pizzeria, but you can bet your pizza that a visit will be in my near future. Amazing pizza! Coyote Pizzeria Should you be planning to attend next year's event, keep in mind that this is an age 21 and older event and that tickets must be purchased online, in advance. I give my thanks to the talented and dedicated volunteer staff of the Placer Wine Trail, along with the City of Auburn, who make this amazing event happen. Thanks for putting such an enjoyable event! Samples of Placer County beer, ale, wine, food, with a lot of good times during the afternoon... along with amazing mid-October weather. What could be a better way to enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon during the second weekend in October? Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival 2025, located in old town and downtown Auburn, CA... your Placer County "foodie" event for the fall season! Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival c/o Placer Wine Trail
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