With all the fires in Northern California the air quality is from unhealthy to hazardous. Outdoor events are being canceled in the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Area, schools are closed and people are being urged to stay indoors.

Just a short drive from Sacramento in the foothills to the east is the beautiful foothill wine country. Whether it is up 80 to the Placer County wineries or up 50 and 49 to the Eldorado and Amador County Wineries you will be above the smoke with good air quality and bright clear skies.

Some wineries have events going on at this time so if you are looking for a place to get out of the smoke and bad air take the short drive up the hill. Don't forget to pack a lunch and have a picnic. The area is beautiful.

Note: If wine is not your thing there is also Apple Hill, arts and crafts, historic towns and this weekend is the Mountain Mandarin Orange Festival in Placer County.