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Calaveras County

Sierra Foothills · Gold Country Gems
12Wineries
ZinfandelSignature
Sierra FoothillsRegion
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Best Varietals
Zinfandel, Rhône blends, Barbera
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Peak Season
Aug - Nov
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Region
Sierra Foothills
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Known For
Zinfandel
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🤓 Did You Know?
Calaveras County combines Gold Rush history with high-elevation winegrowing.
Zinfandel Rhône blends Barbera

Why This Region Matters

Calaveras County is a scenic, less-traveled corner of the Sierra Foothills, where Gold Rush history and high-elevation vineyards combine to produce characterful Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Italian varieties. The Murphys area has become a delightful tasting-room destination, with a walkable main street that makes Calaveras one of the most charming foothill stops.

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Zinfandel Country
Calaveras County is a scenic, less-traveled corner of the Sierra Foothills, where Gold Rush history and high-elevation vineyards combine to produce characterful Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Italian varieties.
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Distinctive Climate
Calaveras vineyards at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 feet enjoy warm days and cool mountain nights, with big diurnal swings preserving acidity.
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12 Wineries
12 producers in Calaveras County are catalogued on Wino Notion, from boutique family estates to established names.
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Part of Sierra Foothills
Calaveras County is a distinct sub-region within Sierra Foothills, with its own character worth seeking out on any visit.

Climate & Terroir

Calaveras vineyards at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 feet enjoy warm days and cool mountain nights, with big diurnal swings preserving acidity. Volcanic and granitic soils drain well and stress the vines for concentrated fruit.

Visiting Calaveras County

Murphys is the jewel of the county, a historic Gold Rush town with a walkable main street lined with tasting rooms.

Wineries in Calaveras County

🗺 Wino Notion Visitor Tip
Calaveras County rewards a focused visit. Murphys is the jewel of the county, a historic Gold Rush town with a walkable main street lined with tasting rooms. Call ahead, many of the best estates here are by appointment only.
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More Calaveras County Guides

Best WineriesBudget GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Time Visitor GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonHidden GemsRomantic GetawayWeekend GuideWine Tasting Guide

Calaveras County Planning Guides

AVA GuideCouples GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Timer GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonWine Buying GuideWine Tasting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Calaveras County known for?

Calaveras County is a scenic, less-traveled corner of the Sierra Foothills, where Gold Rush history and high-elevation vineyards combine to produce characterful Zinfandel, Rhône blends, and Italian varieties. The Murphys area has become a delightful tasting-room destination, with a walkable main street that makes Calaveras one of the most charming foothill stops.

What is the climate and terroir of Calaveras County like?

Calaveras vineyards at elevations of 1,500 to 2,500 feet enjoy warm days and cool mountain nights, with big diurnal swings preserving acidity. Volcanic and granitic soils drain well and stress the vines for concentrated fruit.

What is it like to visit Calaveras County?

Murphys is the jewel of the county, a historic Gold Rush town with a walkable main street lined with tasting rooms.