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Best Wineries in Calaveras County
Best Wineries in Calaveras County
Calaveras County — home of Mark Twain's Jumping Frog — has a wine scene as colorful as its literary history, with Zinfandel, Barbera, and Italian...
Calaveras County — home of Mark Twain's Jumping Frog — has a wine scene as colorful as its literary history, with Zinfandel, Barbera, and Italian varieties from historic Gold Country vineyards.
Featured Wineries
01
Ironstone Vineyards
The most spectacular winery in Calaveras County and one of the most impressive in all of California — a Cathedral Cellar carved into gold-bearing granite, a Heritage Museum, and wines from estate vineyards across multiple Sierra Foothills appellations.
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Twisted Oak Winery
One of Calaveras County's most distinctive and entertaining wineries, Twisted Oak produces Spanish and Rhône varieties with a sense of humor and genuine quality. The Grenache and El Lado blends are outstanding.
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Black Sheep Winery
The Murphys-based winery produces outstanding Zinfandel, Tempranillo, and Sauvignon Blanc from Calaveras County vineyards with a genuine commitment to quality and the independent spirit that the name suggests.
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Chatom Vineyards
One of Calaveras County's most established and respected producers, Chatom makes Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and estate blends from vineyards in the Murphys appellation.
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Broll Mountain Vineyards
A small mountain estate in Calaveras County producing wines of distinctive character from high-elevation vineyards. The Zinfandel and Syrah from these mountain sites show the appellation's potential for bold, complex wines.
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Milliaire Winery
One of Murphys' most beloved small wineries, Milliaire produces estate Zinfandel and blends with the intimate, family-focused approach that makes Calaveras County wine country so appealing.
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Indian Rock Vineyard
The Murphys area estate produces Zinfandel, Merlot, and estate blends from Calaveras County vineyards with a genuine commitment to regional character and approachable hospitality.
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Frog Hollow Cellars
A Calaveras County small producer making estate wines with the independent spirit and quality focus that characterizes the best of the Sierra Foothills wine scene.
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View Sierra Foothills Region →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calaveras County wine country like?
Calaveras County wine country is centered around the charming Gold Rush town of Murphys, with wineries scattered throughout the surrounding hills. The combination of historic architecture, Mark Twain literary heritage, and a growing wine scene makes it one of California's most enjoyable small-town wine destinations.
Is Murphys California a good wine town?
Murphys is one of California's most charming small wine towns — a single main street lined with tasting rooms, restaurants, and historic hotels in a genuine Gold Rush setting. The combination of wine, history, and mountain scenery makes it excellent for weekend visits.
What wine varieties does Calaveras County produce?
Calaveras County produces Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Barbera, and increasingly Spanish and Rhône varieties. The Ironstone estate dominates commercial production, but smaller producers like Twisted Oak and Black Sheep showcase the county's potential for distinctive wines.
How far is Calaveras County from the Bay Area?
Calaveras County wine country is approximately 2.5 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area via Highway 4. The drive through Stockton and into the foothills passes through increasingly dramatic landscape. Murphys makes an excellent weekend escape from the Bay Area.