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Best Wineries in Calaveras County

Calaveras County — Mark Twain's jumping frog country — produces outstanding wines from the southern Sierra Foothills centered around the charming Gold...

Calaveras County is the southernmost wine-producing county in the Sierra Foothills, centered on the genuinely charming Gold Rush town of Murphys. The town's main street is lined with tasting rooms, galleries, and restaurants in a walkable setting that makes it one of California's most pleasant small wine towns.

Featured Wineries

01
Ironstone Vineyards
The largest and most visitor-friendly winery in Calaveras County, with extensive gardens, a museum housing the largest gold nugget in the world, and a concert amphitheatre.
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02
Twisted Oak Winery
One of the most fun and irreverent tasting rooms in Gold Country — don't let the humor fool you, the wines (especially the Tempranillo) are genuinely excellent.
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03
Black Sheep Winery
A small Murphys producer making honest, well-crafted wines from Calaveras County fruit with the kind of unpretentious authenticity that defines the region.
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04
Stevenot Winery
One of Calaveras County's oldest producers, farming the historic Shaw Ranch and making wines that reflect the county's distinctive character.
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05
Indian Rock Vineyard
A family estate producing Zinfandel and Bordeaux varieties from a property with genuine Native American historical significance.
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06
Chatom Vineyards
A Calaveras estate producing an interesting range of wines from the county's warmer elevations.
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07
Milliaire Winery
A small Murphys producer making wines of genuine quality from Calaveras County and Sierra Foothills sources.
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08
Frog Hollow Cellars
Named for the Mark Twain connection, a small Calaveras producer with genuine charm and quality wines.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do in Murphys besides wine tasting?
Murphys is a walkable Gold Rush town with excellent restaurants, galleries, and shops on Main Street. Calaveras Big Trees State Park (giant sequoias) and Moaning Caverns are nearby. The Mark Twain 'Celebrated Jumping Frog' story is set in nearby Angels Camp.
How many tasting rooms are in Murphys?
Murphys has approximately 20 tasting rooms on and near Main Street — one of the highest concentrations in any small California wine town. Most are walkable from each other.
Is Calaveras County wine good?
Yes — the best Calaveras producers make genuine quality wine, particularly Tempranillo, Zinfandel, and Italian varieties. The value is exceptional and the small-town tasting experience is one of California's most pleasant.
How far is Murphys from Sacramento?
About 1.5 hours east of Sacramento via Highway 99 to Highway 4. The drive through Gold Country is scenic and pleasant.