A day of adventure deserves a celebration. After a day on the links could mean enjoying a libation on an outdoor patio. Powder hounds may thirst for a frosty pint at one of our award-winning breweries. And yet for many, nothing goes better with being in the mountains than a glass of wine. Here are five Sommelier Approved Wine Bars and Restaurants in Truckee to savor a Zin at.
Truckee River Winery
This family owned and operated winery is the highest, coldest, and snowiest winery in the country. What started as a hobby to make great wines for friends and family became a business in 1989. Since then, the winery has moved from a garage to a two story barn and won countless awards. In 2009, they opened a tasting room on Brockway Road where you can sample all their varietals from Old Vine Zinfandels to Barrel Aged Chardonnay.
Uncorked Truckee
Chris and Kel Barkman, co-owners of Uncorked Tahoe, have combined their talents and expertise to open up this welcoming wine bar. Their business model is so successful that they now have three other locations – Olympic Valley and Tahoe City along with a restaurant - Petra in the Northstar Village. What you’ll find is a well curated wine selection based on Chris’ experience as a certified sommelier and his customers' palates.
The Pour House
Looking to expand your horizons when it comes to wine? The Pour House will fit the bill. They specialize in finding smaller producers that create amazing wines for any budget. Inside you’ll find a large selection from Napa Valley to New Zealand, Oregon to Italy, and Australia to Alsace and beyond.
Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats
Since opening in 2002, Moody's Bistro has become the quintessential Truckee experience for mountain cuisine. Named after the original builder of the historic Truckee Hotel which it sits in, the building has been a waypoint for weary travelers since the late 19th century. Moody’s classic lounge inspired setting will make you feel at home, and the tasteful Zagat rated menu will ensure you’ll be happy with the selection. Depending on the mood you’re in, the lunch menu is focused on artfully done sandwiches such as a Niman Pork Sandwich to sit-down meals for dinner. A place to sip a glass of wine while enjoying farm-to-table eats as you listen to live music playing in the background.
Cottonwood Restaurant & Bar
Overlook downtown Truckee and the Truckee River as you savor a glass of Pinot in a classic ski lodge. Hand-built from salvaged railroad ties in 1928 and featured one of the first mechanical lifts in the nation, the Hilltop Lodge’s location has gone through several iterations in its life. As of 1989, it has featured the Cottonwood Restaurant, home to an elevated dining menu and a full bar with hand-crafted cocktails. If visiting in the summer months, the large outdoor patio offers plenty of legroom to take in the view and even play a little bocce.
- Website
- 10142 Rue Hilltop, Truckee
- (530) 587-5711
The Lodge At Tahoe Donner
An award winning bistro tucked in the Tahoe Donner neighborhood, it provides the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine alongside a well crafted meal with organic meats and local produce. Expect to find a menu made with French and Pacific Rim influences in dishes ranging from grilled braised Angus beef short rib with whipped potatoes, to the soba noodle filled with seasonal veggies, mushrooms, and green curry. The hand-picked wine selection and craft cocktail menu will ensure that your meal is a memorable one.
- Website
- 12850 Northwoods Blvd, Truckee
- (530) 587-9455
Great Gold
Just like music where certain genres fit into moments and others clash, so does food and wine. Dishes and wines should pair together as if doing the Rumba. The flirtation of flavors should combine for an elevated dining experience. This modern American Italian restaurant understands the importance and curates their offerings alongside their extensive wine list to make sure you have an unforgettable meal.
- Website
- 11025 Pioneer Trail, Truckee
- (530)562-9510
Pianeta Ristorante
The perfect spot for a candlelit dinner with its warm intimate atmosphere. Italian for planet, similar to a lunar body that revolves around the sun, the “star” here is the cuisine. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, you’ll find an extensive menu featuring their homemade pastas, seafood such as mussels, and double-cut lamb chops in a minty pesto sauce. And like any great Italian meal, Pianeta provides an excellent wine list to go with the star-filled entrees and appetizers.
- Website
- 10096 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee
- (530) 587-4694
Coffeebar
While known for crafting artisan coffee creations, in the morning hours just like an Italian bistro, it serves wine as well. And mirroring their coffee roasts, their wine selection leans towards unique Italian varietals such as La Quercia Aglianico which is bottled in Abruzzo. They also serve exclusive wine from the Podere Ciona Estate in Tuscany.
- Website
- The OG: 12047 Donner Pass Road
- The Bakery: 10120 Jibboom St
- Accepts Sustainable Truckee Gift Cards (The OG Location)
- (530) 587-2000
Truckee Wine Walk
Sample wine and enjoy bite-sized snacks from over 30+ restaurants and vendors. Every fall around the 1st weekend of October, the historic Downtown area opens its arms and doors to residents and visitors for the Downtown Truckee Wine, Walk and Shop. This year, the two-decade-old tradition will have you tour through the historic district surrounded by fall colors on October 7th.
Toast Your Valentine During The Month Of Love
February is the month of love and Truckee goes out of its way to help you celebrate with your better half. If you both love champagne or wine, here’s 7 places to enjoy a glass of bubbly or California wine in Cupid's favorite month in Truckee.
