The Sierra Nevada Mountains have been a significant source for California wines for 150 years. The area is known for what are possibly the best Zinfandels in the world. Visitors are invited to taste classic Zinfandels in Amador, Calaveras, and El Dorado, each offering dozens of alternatives.
In Amador County, you’ll find the Shenandoah Valley, one of the most scenic wine routes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. In this area visitors will find vineyard after vineyard, some of the oldest wineries to produce Zinfandel in the Western Hemisphere. Renwood and Drytown Cellars are considered to be two of the best wineries in the Shenandoah Valley.
Calaveras County offers visitors a chance to see some of the more scenic wineries in the region. Calaveras County was known as one of the top wine producing areas in California by the 1880s. Many of the gold rushes ‘49ers brought their grape growing and wine producing expertise to the region. Calaveras County is now home to a thriving wine industry.
El Dorado is a mountainous area offering different climates, often compared to the Southern Rhone and Bordeaux regions of France. David Gerard Vineyards provides 85 acres of Chardonnay, Grenache and Syrah varieties.
There are several other towns in the area that offer a variety of wineries to visitors including Columbia, Grass Valley, Murphys, Nevada City, Placerville, Somerset, Sonora, and Sutter Creek.
Information on Local Wineries
Black Sheep
Opened in 1986, the Black Sheep Winery produces about 3,200 cases of wine produced from grapes grown in Calaveras, Amador, and El Dorado Counties. While their specialty is Zinfandel, they also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and their tribute to the jumping frog heritage of Calaveras County, True Frogs Lily Pad White.
Boitano Family Wines
Operated by four generations of family, they offer seven varieties of elegant, affordable wine from quality grapes.
Brice Station Vineyard
209-728-9893
The highest elevation winery in Calaveras County sits at 3300 feet and is home to 22 vineyard sheep, 3000 vines producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Broll Mountain Vineyards
Broll Mountain Vineyard has 12 acres of vineyards that are carefully managed to produce low yields and equally high quality.
Chatom Vineyards
Opened in 1981, Chatom Vineyards developed a reputation as the “jewel” of the Sierra Foothills. The vineyard boasts 14 varietals including 6 Portuguese varietals.
Domaine Becquet
209-772-1303
Wines made with less alcohol and less filtration, known by some as the so-called “French Style.” Luncheons are served inside or outside by the pond.
French Hill Winery
Specializing in Cal-Italia varietals from Sierra Foothill grapes.
Gerber Vineyards/Laraine Wines
One hundred planted acres make up Gerber Vineyards, the largest vineyard in Calaveras County.
Hatcher Winery
209-736-0085
Hatcher Winery focuses on winemaking using premium grapes from the Calaveras County. The tasting room located behind the historic Murphy’s Hotel. Located just outside of Murphy’s, the vineyard is located south of Angels Camp on Highway 49.
Indian Rock Vineyards
Nine varietals make up the 40 acres of premium vines.
Irish Vineyards
Currently tasting Petite Sirah, Cab-Shiraz, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chenin Blanc.
Ironstone Vineyards
Ironstone is complete with tasting room, gourmet deli, museum, the largest gold leaf specimen in the world, gardens, jewelry shop, 10,000 square foot wine caverns, culinary center, Alhambra Theatre and historic pipe organ, amphitheater, and lakeside park.
Malvadino/Com’ e Bella Vineyards
This family owned and operated winery specializes in small lots of premium wines infused with the tradition of European immigrants who brought their love of wine and skills to make it to this country.
Millaire Winery
Affectionately known as the “Roadside Chateau” Millaire Winery is complete with high ceilings, cement floors, large bay doors, and Murphys Creek flowing behind it all.
Murphys Winery
276 Main St.
Murphys, CA 95247
Newsome Harlow Winery
1050 Echo
Angels Camp, CA 95222
Ribbet Cellars
634 French Gulch Rd
Murphys, CA 95247
Stevenot Winery
Established in 1973, Stevenot is at the forefront of the premium wine production renaissance. Try their Orange Muscat and their new red sensation, Tempranillo. For those who enjoy the arts, come for Creek Theatre’s acclaimed production “Theatre Under the Stars,” the annual summer outdoor theatre festival.
Twisted Oak Winery
Two locations. Their wines made in the Mediterranean style of the Rhone Valley of France and of Eastern and Northern Spain, a method that goes well with the Mediterranean climate of the region as well as your favorite Mediterranean dishes.
Zucca Mountain Vineyards
Rhone and Italian varietals flourish in Zucca Mountain’s unique micro-climate. The vineyard located on a peninsula surrounded by the water of the New Melones Reservoir.