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The Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival 2024 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 food, wine, beer and good times.  This fun food, wine and beer tasting event happened Saturday, October 12, 2024, in the beautiful Sierra foothills city of Auburn, CA.

Imagine... strolling through the streets of historic old town and charming downtown Auburn, venturing inside various stores and enjoying wine, craft beer, and small farm-to-fork bites, from many Gold Country wineries and breweries, and amazing food from nearly 25 area restaurants.  Keep in mind this is a 21-and-older event, so leave the kiddies with a babysitter and enjoy yourself!

Photo:  The publicity for this fun event was out on the web, and social media a couple of months in advance.  This amazing festival is a favorite of Placer County "foodies," and for lovers of fine wine, food and beer from all over the greater Sacramento area and northern California.

Photo:  Looking west on Lincoln Way and the five blocks or so that make downtown Auburn, CA.  Historic old town Auburn is just over the hill past the historic court house, which still occasionally holds court proceedings but is now mostly a museum.

It's a little past noon on Saturday, October 12, 2024 and I'm looking forward to strolling the streets of downtown and old town Auburn to enjoy the Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival.  This one of the finest "foodie" events held annually in Placer County.

Photo:  The event is hosted by Placer Wine Trail, which posts a large map of the Placer County wine trail, which is always a delight to visitors of the event, for photos and "selfies."

Photo:  Check in for the event is set up in Central Square, downtown and at Herschel Young Park in old town at noon.  If you were pre-registered - and pre-paid - a friendly staff member scans the QR code on your ticket, or on your smartphone.  Then you turn around and present your drivers license - this is a 21 and over event - to make sure you're of age.  Everyone is scanned, even if you have a gray beard like I do.  You receive a green wrist band if you're a drinker, and an orange one if you're a designated driver.  You get an official wine glass to enjoy your samples, along with a mating food tray.  

You're good-to-go when the event begins at one...  Meanwhile, there's plenty of things to do and to enjoy at Central Square the hour before the event begins.

Photo:  This is an online list and map of the restaurants, wineries and breweries who participated in this year's event.  At the check-in, there are also paper copies.  Each location is easy to find, as there is a big yellow sign on the sidewalk with the number, and the names that are listed online and on the handout.

Photo:  Beer, wine or ale are served at most locations, but you're not in Las Vegas, so you can't venture outside on the sidewalk with your glass of alcohol, as per City of Auburn code.  At the door, all venues offering samples of alcohol have this friendly reminder posted at the door to remind you that you're in California.

Photo:  Since I checked in at Central Square, and waited at the Clock Tower for the event to begin, it was appropriate that Real Food Catering, who set up shop at Avantgard Nursery and Gifts was my food stop on today's "foodie" adventure.

Photo:  The chef from Real Food Catering was busy preparing little trays of delicious "Chinese Chicken Salad," which worked for great Gold Country Dining on this early Saturday afternoon.

Photo:  From one of the many salads on display, I chose one and asked a friendly diner to snap my photo.

Photo:  Delicious "Chinese Chicken Salad," complete with small bites of chicken, crispy fried noodles, fresh sliced cabbage and carrots, tangy dressing and more.  Such a refreshing way to begin today's eating adventure!

Real Food Catering
510 Auburn Ravine Rd.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 745-4250
www.eatrealfoodeveryday.com

Photo:  Lecavalier Cellars, a local Newcastle winery, was co-located at the nursery and was pouring a sample of the fine wine they produce.

Photo:  I went for a sample of "2022 Sierra Red Sierra Foothills," one of their flagship products, which turned out to be a fine Placer County wine.

Photo:  I smile as I sample a glass of "2022 Sierra Red Sierra Foothills" wine.  I have reason to smile, as this delicious Foothills blend of wine is made locally, and features the taste of grenache, malbec, with hints of tangerine blossoms.  Such a great red wine with a truly "earthy" taste!

Lecavalier Cellars
9314 Chantry Hill Rd.
Newcastle, CA 95658
916 300-6504
https://lecel.com

Photo:  Monkey Cat Restaurant and Bar, along with Dono dal Cielo Vineyard set up shop inside Roper's Jewelers, located near the upper end of Lincoln Way, which is the main street in town.

Photo:  The friendly staff at Monkey Cat set up trays with small appetizers of bite-size grilled pork, drizzled with a thick fruit sauce and attractively trimmed with vegetable garnishes.  When I inquired about these delicious morsels, the staff mentioned they weren't on the restaurant's menu - yet - as they were offering them for the event, to gather the response of local diners.  I vote to add them to the restaurant's menu!

Photo:  Grilled pork, dipped in a thick, sweet fruit sauce and trimmed with leafy garnishes made for a delicious small bite.

Monkey Cat Restaurant and Bar
805 Lincoln Way #4806
Auburn, CA 95603
www.monkeycat.com

Photo:  Dono dal Cielo Vineyard set up shop at the back of the store and was pouring samples of their fine wine. They are a local vineyard, located in nearby Newcastle.

Photo:  I chose to enjoy a sample of "2023 Ta Rose," which is a rather dry French style of Rose de Zinfandel type of wine.  I'm a true novice when it comes to wine, but this wine was simply delicious!

Dono dal Cielo Vineyard
6100 Wise Rd.
Newcastle, CA 95678
530 615-1564
https://donodalcielo.com

Photo:  Wildflower was host to Royal Indian Cuisine and Rebellion Brewing.  Don't you adore the fine bikes parked in front of the store?  Wildflower is located across the street from the restaurant, which made for convenience.

Photo:  Royal Indian Cuisine and Rebellion Brewing set up next to each other, in the back of the store.  I just HAD  to enjoy a sample of this amazing Indian food before enjoying a beer sample!

Photo:  Trays of "Chana Masala" along with ground lamb meatballs, all served in a delicious, mildly spicy tomato sauce, seasoned to perfection.

Photo:  I'm a happy "foodie" as I hold samples of some of the best Indian cuisine you can find in the Sierra foothills, and all over western Placer County.

Photo:  Today's samples from Royal Indian Cuisine were small ground lamb meatballs, and "Chana Masala," which is garbanzo beans - chickpeas - onions, and tomato sauce, cooked with Indian spices and herbs.  Both of these entrees were mildly spicy and full of robust flavor.  I highly recommend this fine restaurant, for both amazing Indian cuisine and friendly service.

Photo:  Here's a close-up of the delicious "Chana Masala," which was simply delicious!  I especially loved the thick, mildly spicy sauce, which as the saying goes was "good to the last drop."

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
844 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA 95603
530 878-5325
www.royalindian.net

Photo:  Co-located with the restaurant was Rebellion Brewing Co., a local micro brewery located on Atwood Ave., just a couple miles north of downtown Auburn.

Photo:  Mr. Bartender poured me a sample of the flagship ale, "Gold N Honey," an amazing blonde ale, and handed it to me with a friendly smile.  The ale is characterized with having light honey taste, with sweet floral overtones, and is truly a great ale any way you look at it.

Rebellion Brewing Co.
11768 Atwood Rd.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 906-7721
https://rebellionbrewco.com

Photo:  Little Bird Mercantile, located at 815 Lincoln Way in downtown Auburn was the host to Oishii Teriyaki #2 and Dueling Dogs Brewing.

Photo:  Oishii set up shop at the back of the store, as the friendly hostess handed out samples to all who wearing a wristband for the event.

Photo:  My amazingly friendly hostess put together a sample of  the restaurant's "Teriyake Plate" for me with a smile.

Photo:  I'm a happy guy, as I'm ready sample a bite of simply delicious teriyaki chicken, thanks to Oishii Teriyaki #2, located in Auburn.

Photo:  Two strips of teriyaki chicken along with a piece of veggie tempura, which is a sample from the "Teriyaki Plate" which is a favorite from the lunch menu.

The grilled chicken strips were simply delicious, as they were marinated with teriyaki sauce, grilled to perfection with a slightly sweet crust on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside.  Wow!

The tempura battered veggie was simply amazing, as it was crunchy... yes "crunch" when I bit into it, and full of flavor.  Such an amazing compliment to the teriyaki chicken strips.  

This fine restaurant offers to-go and delivery dining all over Auburn, and the greater Sacramento area.

Oishii Teriyaki #2
125 Dolores Dr.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 823-1313
www.oishiiteriyaki.net

Photo:  The most popular spot in downtown Auburn on this Saturday afternoon is the bar, hosted by Dueling Dogs Brewing, in nearby Lincoln.

Photo:  The menu offered two locally brewed micro beers:  "Hoppy Tails" and "Peach Mango Cyser."  I enjoyed a sample of both beers and I loved them both.

Photo:  My super friendly bartendress hands me a sample of "Hoppy Trails" - a 7% west coast IPA beer - she has just poured me.  I can't resist an IPA and this fine beer garnered my vote.

Photo:  I'm a happy guy, as I toast Dueling Dogs Brewing, the event, and my friendly bartendress.

Photo:  My sample of "Hoppy Tails" west coast IPA, in the glass provided by the Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival at the check-in stand.  This glass of fine IPA showcases the fine event, and all of the amazing ale, beer, wine and food that Placer County has to offer.

Dueling Dogs Brewing
3030 Barrett Park Ln.
Lincoln, CA 95648
916 434-8141
www.duelingdogsbrewing.com

Photo:  For the Love of Art Gallery was the home of Rappe Family Vineyards and SpringHill Suites, which is a hotel but was serving fine cuisine for today's event.

Photo:  The amazingly friendly staff at Rappe Family Vineyards were serving samples of four wines from their extensive catalog of local wines.  This fine winery is on the Placer County Wine Trail, and is located just west of Auburn.

Photo:  From the amazing team of Rappe Family Vineyards, I enjoyed a delicious pour of "Appellation Sierra Cabernet Sauvignon" wine, and amazingly friendly service.  Such great wine!

Rappe Family Vineyards
6680 Mt. Vernon Rd.
Auburn, CA 95603
916 847-2774
https://rappefamilyvineyards.com

Photo:  SpringHill Suites set up shop at the back of the store, and displayed goodies for the taking and lots of friendly conversation.  

The staff consisted of a chef, who kept the appetizers coming, along with a friendly person who promoted what SpringHill Suites is all about.

Photo:  The friendly chef displays and presents me with a package of goodness that she has just put together.

Photo:  What kind of a Saturday afternoon appetizer could top this amazing cup of goodness?  Oh yes... the amazing friendly service by the hostess added an extra dimension to this fine appetizer.

Each delicious cup included a stick with three cubes of white cheese, a stick of wrapped salami topped with a sweet topping of glazed candy, along with a stick of three kinds of olives, which were flavorful, salty and delicious.

Salty olives, salami, tangy cheese, along with a sweet piece of candy... what more could you ask for?

Is this one of the "Complimentary Amenities" offered while staying at the Springhill Suites located on the east side of Auburn?

SpringHill Suites
13535 Bowman Rd.
Auburn, Ca 95603
530 492-5656
www.marriott.com

Photo:  Newcastle Produce had their table set up in the back of Loved Again Childrens' Boutique, located at 826 Lincoln Way.

Photo:  These two friendly guys answered questions, and invited you enjoy a sample of their fine salad, either totally vegan, or a version with bacon.  I sampled both versions... I'll let you know my choice in a couple of photos.

Photo:  Small samples of pre-made "Broccoli Bacon Salad"  were on display, over ice, to keep the produce fresh. You simply helped yourself to a cup and enjoyed the fresh goodness.  A tray of the vegan version was also on the table.

Photo:  "Broccoli Salad," vegan style with fresh organic broccoli, red onion, raisins, slivered almonds and drizzled in olive oil.  Such a great salad!

Newcastle Produce is a local grower, who specializes in fresh, organic locally grown produce.  They're located in Newcastle, which is about halfway between Roseville and Auburn, in western Placer County.

Photo:  "Broccoli Bacon Salad," which was my choice over the vegan version, which should come as no surprise.

This fine salad began with locally grown, organic broccoli, with diced bacon and red onion.  Raisins, slivered almonds with honey Dijon dressing added to the mix.  The dressing is crafted in-house and uses olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, honey and garlic salt.

Such a delicious salad!

Newcastle Produce
9320 Cypress St.
Newcastle, CA 95658
916 663-2016
https://newcastleproduce.com

Photo:  Tre Pazzi Trattoria and Smokin' Barrel Winery set up their displays at RiJu Boutique & Brotique at 938 Lincoln Way, near Central Square, near the intersection where High Street meets Lincoln Way.  Note the yellow sign that directs you into the boutique where you can find the restaurant and the winery display set up.

Photo:  The amazingly friendly staff at Tre Pazzi Trattoria showcased a tray of ravioli for today's event.

Photo:  My sample of "Ricotta Ravioli Alla Nonna," delivered to me with a smile, thanks to the friendly staff.

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
928 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA 95603
530 823-2994
https://trepazzi.net

Photo:  Smokin' Barrel Winery, a local family owned and operated winery in Lincoln, set up shop near the front of the store, and welcomed guests with samples of the delicious wine the winery is known for.

Photo:  You simply have to love a friendly host, who wears a cowboy hat, and pours a sample of delicious, local Placer County red wine.

Photo:  The friendly bartender representing Smokin' Barrel Winery pours a glass of red wine with a friendly smile.

Smokin' Barrel Winery
3700 Wise Rd.
Lincoln, CA 95648
916 759-9330
www.smokinbarrelwinery.com

Photo:  The Station Public House set up shop with Lone Buffalo Vineyards at the Placer County Visitors Bureau, which also serves as a California Welcome Center.  It's located kitty-corner across from Central Square, in the heart of downtown Auburn, where High Street and Lincoln Way meet.

Photo:  I enjoyed a visit during mid-afternoon, and the restaurant was very busy serving their amazing bistro dish. They kept the menu very simple, as they were only serving one dish, but they absolutely "nailed" the event, in my "foodie" opinion.

Photo:  The menu, posted on an "old school" sign at the serving counter.

Photo:  The staff had some assembled "bistros" on hand, with lots to go in the warming trays.

Photo:  The friendly chef handed my "Bistro Steak" to me with a smile.  Like the overwhelming majority of restaurants participating in this "foodie" event, the staff at The Station Public House were super friendly and really proud to showcase their delicious Auburn cuisine.

Photo:  I'm a happy guy as I display my "Bistro Steak" with joy and anticipation.  Note the green band on my right wrist which allows me to sample all of the delicious food the event has to offer, and maybe most importantly... ale, beer and wine.

Photo:  My "Bistro Steak."  The menu board described the steak as, "Bistro steak topped with chimichurri on parmesan cheese crusted toast point."  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!

Photo:  "Bistro Steak," with melted cheese and the signature "Chimichurri" on a toasted slice of bread.  Of all of the delicious food I enjoyed today at the 2024 Auburn Wine, Ale and Food event, I must tip my hat to The Station Public House for serving this amazing "Bistro Steak," which turned out to be my favorite of the day!

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 at the east end of downtown Auburn!

The Station Public House
750 Lincoln Hwy. Ste. 100
Auburn, CA 95603
530 820-3353
www.thestationpublichouse.com

Photo:  Lone Buffalo Vineyards, a local Auburn winery, was co-located with The Station Public House and pouring fine wine.  Like all of the wineries who participated in today's event, this winery is located on the Placer Wine Trail, which is a must-do for "foodies," wine lovers, and all who appreciate the amazing wine culture that Placer County has to offer.

Photo:  Here comes a sample of red wine, poured by the friendly host.  This gentleman was a true character and entertainer, as he made the afternoon come alive with cheerful conversation.

Photo:  My friendly host pours a sample of "Bison Blanc Viognier," vintage 2023, with a friendly smile.  Such a friendly guy and such delicious wine!

Photo:  I toast Lone Buffalo Vineyards along with the Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival with a glass of delicious "Bison Blanc Viognier" 2023.  Such a fresh, delicious, classic Viognier Rhone-style wine, with just the perfect touch of "fruitiness."  This could easily become my favorite wine to enjoy with a dinner of fish or pork.  Cheers!

Lone Buffalo Vineyards
7505 Wise Rd.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 823-1159
https://lonebuffacovineyards.com

Photo:  Old Town Pizza and Two Ass Brewing Company set up shop together at Auburn State Theater, located at 985 Lincoln Way.

Photo:  The lobby of the theater was a busy place on this mid-Saturday afternoon, as it made for a perfect place to relax and socialize as you enjoyed your pizza and beer.  What could be better than good times, pizza and beer?

Photo:  This hostess was taking pizza out from a box and arranging it on the table.  You simply picked up a slice of your choice and enjoyed.  The restaurant is located just a few blocks away from the theater, so the pizza was still warm, fresh and delicious.

Photo:  Meet Karlnne, the friendly hostess at today's event and General Manager of the restaurant, as she displays a box of "Pepperoni Pizza" with a smile.

Photo:  I'm a happy guy, as I'm about to enjoy a couple slices of some of the best pizza in the Sierra foothills!

Photo:  Two slices of "Pepperoni Pizza," with lots of melted cheese on an amazingly delicious crust.  Old Town Pizza has been a pizza icon in downtown Auburn for well over a decade.

Photo:  A slice of "Gunfighter's Pesto," which is pesto sauce, tomato, fresh basil, garlic and feta cheese.  After enjoying the slices of "Pepperoni Pizza," I simply HAD to have a slice of the pesto.  This was an amazing slice of pizza!

Which variety of pizza did I favor?  Who knows?  ... I'd have to flip a coin to make that difficult choice.

Old Town Pizza
510 High St.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 888-7600
https://otpizza.net

Photo:  Two Ass Brewing Company was co-located in the theater with Old Town Pizza, which worked, as the brewery and the restaurant are located nearby each other at the east end of downtown Auburn.  The friendly staff was serving two varieties of locally brewed beer, from the tap.

Photo:  The mascot of the brewery is two stuffed donkeys and a sample of beer, which works, considering the name of the brewery.

Photo:  The friendly bartender pours me a sample of "Danke Esel" beer, from the tap, with a smile.  The friendly service made the delicious Pilsner style beer even better.

Photo:  I'm enjoying a pour of "Danke Esel," which is a German style Pilsner beer, with a little bit of a bitter taste, but the slightly bitter tasted added to the enjoyment of this fine sample of beer.. Such a great beer, with lots of malt flavor!

Two Ass Brewing Company
140 Hoffman Ave.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 537-2333
www.twoassbrewing.com

Photo:  Nectar Cafe was co-located with Loomis Basin Brewery at C. Hoshall Designs at 1021 Lincoln Way.  This seems to be a very popular location at the moment.

Photo:  Nectar Cafe had small cups of "Thai Bowl" set out, and you simply helped yourself.  The friendly staff kept busy assembling additional bowls, as this dish was very popular.

Photo:  The menu listed all of the vegan goodies inside the "Thai Bowl."  This delicious vegan dish certainty worked in my direction.

Photo:  Nectar Cafe offered samples of their famous "Thai Bowl," which is a leading item on their menu, and a favorite of Auburn locals who embrace delicious vegan cuisine.

"Thai Bowl" is a fusion of flavors and it includes brown rice, cabbage, carrots, celery, red onion, green apple, cilantro, and is garnished with in-house made "Thai Sauce."  What a delicious vegan offering!

Nectar Cafe
948 Lincoln Way Ste. A
Auburn, CA 95603
530 820-3314

Photo:  Loomis Basin Brewery, a local brewery located in Loomis was serving two of their fine micro brews:  "The Haka" and "Golden Eagle."  

"The Haka" is a very "hoppy" beer, showcasing New Zealand hops, stone fruit and features a soft body.  "Golden Eagle" is a lighter beer, and offers lots mandarin taste to make for a very fruity and refreshing beer.  Mandarin oranges are grown locally in the foothills around the town of Loomis, so it is very natural to include them in this very local, delicious craft beer.

Photo:  I went with a sample of "The Haka," as I'm a "hoppy" kind of guy.  Such a delicious and refreshing beer!

Loomis Basin Brewery
3277 Swetzer Rd.
Loomis, CA 95650
916 259-2739
https://loomisbasinbrewing.com

Photo:  Late in the afternoon I took the short hike from downtown Auburn, over the hill past the historic courthouse - now mainly a museum - to historic old town Auburn, to enjoy more of the fine cuisine this amazing event had to offer.  The event was mainly centered downtown, but there were many restaurants set up in old town, centered around "Herschel Young Park."

My time was limited, so I sampled fine fare from several different vendors located along Commercial Street, which is a very short and very steep street located in old town.  This view is looking down the entirety of Commercial Street, along the sidewalk, and looking south into historic old town Auburn.  Alright, I admit it's a telephoto lens shot, which compresses the distance, but Commercial Street is truly short of a typical "city block."  

What the street lacks in length it makes up in steepness, as the grade is around 20-degrees, and stairs are used instead of a typical sidewalk.  The ravine where Old Town Auburn is situated totally adds to the charm and makes sightseeing picturesque.

Photo:  Pasquale's Ristorate and Ciotti Cellars were located at Zhush Modern, 351 Commercial St. in old town Auburn.  The located made it easy for Pasquale's, as the restaurant is located just across the street.  

Photo:  The super friendly staff at Pasquale's and Ciotti set up their displays together, and happily pose for my photo.

Photo:  The delicious pasta was served from large trays, and was warm and fresh, as the restaurant is located nearby.

Photo:  My friendly hostess serves a dish of pasta with a smile.  Such delicious Italian cuisine served by super friendly staff!

Photo:  I'm looking forward to a sample of this delicious pasta dish!

Photo:  This afternoon's serving was a simply delicious pasta dish, with pasta shells, rich tomato sauce and Italian seasoning.  Simply delicious!

Pasquale's Ristorante
210 Washington St.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 878-5222
https://auburnpasquales.com

Photo:  The friendly folks from Ciotti Cellars were located next to the restaurant, and were offering samples from several of the delicious wines they produce.  Ciotti Cellars is a local winery, located in Lincoln, and they are proud to advertise they produce 100% Placer County wine!  

Photo:  My first pour was a sample of "Malbec Sierra Foothills," which is a rich, red wine, grown and produced locally in Lincoln.

Photo:  Vintage "2023 Fiano," a delicious white wine was my second pour, and served by a super friendly staff member.

Photo:  I toast the event and say "Cheers!" with a glass of 2023 vintage "Fiano" wine, courtesy of Ciotti Cellars, in Lincoln.

Ciotti Cellars
3285 Crosby Herold Rd.
Lincoln, CA 95648
916 534-8780
www.ciotticellars.com

Photo:  Tavern at the White House along with Vina Castellano Winery were located at Metal Arts Academy at 337 Commercial Street.  

The restaurant is located not far from old town Auburn, as it's just over the hill from the old courthouse, as you're heading on Lincoln Blvd toward downtown Auburn.

Photo:  The chef had samples of corn, with highlights of fresh, smoked salmon, trimmed with rosemary and basil set out for sampling.  It was very informal, as you simply helped yourself.

Photo:  Small bites of premium corn, fresh salmon, trimmed with basil and rosemary.  Such a delicious sample from Tavern at the White House, located on Maple Street, near the old courthouse. As an aside, you sort of have to venture downstairs to visit the restaurant; you'll know what I'm talking about when you pay a visit.

Tavern at the White House
130 Maple St.
Auburn, CA 95603
530 820-3110
https://whitehouseauburn.com

Photo:  Vina Castellano Winery, an Auburn winery was pouring samples next to the restaurant, so a glass of wine was next in line for me.

Photo:  My super friendly hostess pours a sample of "Sarah" wine, with a smile.

Photo: Pouring wine is hard duty, so we all have to take a break and smile for my camera.

Photo:  I enjoy a glass of "Sarah" - the "think" - wine, and I toast my friendly hostess and all of the fine staff at Vina Castellano Winery, located in Auburn, CA.  Whatever the wine... it was simply delicious.  

As the photo illustrates, I'm a grizzled "foodie" and a seasoned wine taster in the Sierra foothills.   Fine gold country dining and wine tasting, any way you look at it.

Any way you look at it, the amazing wine and atmosphere is highlighted by the winery by posting "A little piece of Spain in the Sierra foothills..."

Vina Castellano Winery
4590 Bell Rd.
Auburn, CA 95602
530 889-2855
https://vinacastellano.com

Photo:  El Agave set up shop and the back of Prana Salt Lounge, located at 343 Commercial St., at the high end of the street.  Note the stairs to the left of the photo to gauge how steep this street is.

Photo:  Carnitas, served on a small red corn tortilla, along with guacamole, queso and tortilla chips were on the menu today.

Photo:  Fresh guacamole, made on-site, added creamy goodness and made the perfect accompaniment to the "Carnitas Taco."

Photo:  Fine friendly hostess hands me a "Carnitas Taco," complete with a scoop of fresh guacamole, topped with warm queso.  The tortilla chips added lots of favor, contrast and a delicious "crunch."

The Auburn location of El Agave - one of three in the greater Sacramento area - is located in North Auburn, on CA State Highway 49, also known as Grass Valley Highway.  Back on Monday, August 19th of this year, I enjoyed lunch at this fine restaurant.  Click on THIS LINK to relive my visit.  Muy sabroso!

Photo:  I smile, as I'm ready to enjoy a simply amazing sample taco of carnitas, and the fine Mexican cuisine that El Agave offers.

Photo:  My simply delicious sample of carnitas, served on a small red corn tortilla, topped with fresh guacamole, and melted, Mexican cheese, known a queso.  Tortilla chips for scooping and for added enjoyment.  

This sample of El Agave's fine Mexican cuisine was standalone delicious, and perhaps by itself made the entire event a "foodie" paradise.

Photo:  Red corn tortilla, toasted corn tortilla chips, guacamole, queso cheese, with carnitas, which is the Mexican version of pulled pork.  What more could you ask for to highlight your Saturday event at the Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival, 2024!

El Agave Taqueria
1285 Grass Valley Highway
Auburn, CA 95603
530 823-8292
www.elagavetaqueria.com

Beer, ale, wine, food and good times... along with amazing mid-October weather.  What more could you ask for to enjoy a beautiful afternoon during the second weekend in October?  Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival 2024, in old town and downtown Auburn, CA... your Placer County "foodie" event for the fall season!

Auburn Wine, Ale and Food Festival
940 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA  95603

c/o Placer Wine Trail
https://placerwine.com


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