September is California Wine Month, and we can’t think of a better place to raise a glass than right here in Calaveras Wine Country. With charming small towns, rolling vineyards, and more than 30 boutique wineries, this Sierra Foothills gem is the perfect spot to sip, savor, and celebrate.
Where Wine Meets Friendship
Wine has a funny way of bringing people together. Maybe it’s the shared laughter over a tasting flight, or the conversations that seem to last longer with every pour. In Murphys, tasting rooms welcome you like an old friend, inviting you to slow down, sip, and make new memories along the way. Kick back with a bottle of Newsome Harlow’s bold Big John Zin on their cozy patio, then stroll across the street to Jazz Cellars for live jazz and a glass of their incredible 2023 Malbec in a tucked-away, intimate tasting room.
Every Sip is a Celebration
From anniversaries to spontaneous Saturday afternoons, Calaveras wineries know how to turn an ordinary day into something worth toasting. Patio tastings, live music, and cozy vineyard views make it easy to find joy in the moment. Sip Val du Vino’s award-winning Barbera on their dog-friendly porch overlooking Main Street – you might even catch the winemakers in action at Murphys’ only working winery on Main Street. Want to take your tasting straight to the vineyard? Just a quick two-mile trip up Highway 4 brings you to Brice Station Vineyards, where you can savor their 2020 Cabernet Franc, celebrate life’s big moments, or dance under the stars at a summer concert while the sun sets. Now that’s pure Calaveras gold.
Love in Every Bottle
Behind each glass is a story of passion and care. Calaveras winemakers blend tradition, family, and creativity, pouring love into every vintage and varietal. It’s not just wine in Calaveras; there’s history and heritage in every bottle. Locke Vineyards has been growing premium wine grapes and crafting exceptional wines in Calaveras County since 1995, blending five generations of farming heritage with a passion for sharing the story of wine. Located on Highway 4, just before the town of Murphys, go in and taste their elegantly structured Zinfandel, full-bodied Viognier, or their Giant Sequoia signature blend.
A Legacy of Flavor
Since the Gold Rush, vines have thrived in these foothills. Today, that history continues with award-winning wines and warm hospitality that make Calaveras a destination worth returning to again and again. Tanner Vineyards, across from the Murphys Historic Hotel, dates back to the mid-1800s when Angelo Sciaccaluga, a winemaker from Italy, became the first licensed winemaker in Calaveras. Milliaire Winery began in Liz and Steve Millier’s home cellar in 1983 and has grown into Murphys’ iconic “Roadside Chateau” tasting room, where love, legacy, and winemaking magic come together. With over 40 years of experience and grapes from historic vineyards like Ghirardelli, every bottle captures the spirit and flavor of the Sierra Foothills.
Join the Celebration
This September, come raise a glass with us in Calaveras Wine Country. Bring your friends, bring your curiosity, and bring your love of good wine. Whether you’re strolling down Murphys’ Main Street or watching the sun set over the vineyards, you’ll find yourself right at home here.
We’d love for you to stay a few days! Check out lodging near Murphys and throughout Calaveras! Or give us a call at the Calaveras Visitors Bureau at 209-736-0049!
