Discover A Well-Kept Secret
The Distinctive Wines of the Sierra Foothills and the New Courtwood Wine Tours

Wines of the Sierra Foothills are one of California’s best-kept secrets. The area features small, unique wineries in beautiful settings off quiet country roads. The area offers a perfect combination of great wines, friendly vintners, wonderful restaurants and quaint charm.

Sit Back, Relax and Let Courtwood Wine Tasting Tours Escort You
Through Our Corner of Paradise

Our tours run Fridayas and Saturdays and visit a selection of the following award winning wineries and tasting rooms:

	Ayrael Vieux Vineyards: A diamond in the rough. A micro winery with estate grown organic grapes. Featuring Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Montepulciano wines. This winery had it's beginnings in 2004. The growing and production are completely hands on by the owners, friends and family.
	Brice Station: During the late 1880's Brice Station was a popular stage stop on the way to Calaveras Big Trees. In 1993 Stuart Mast, father to the current owners, planted the first vines on the ranch. At 3000 feet, this winery is a “high country” gem with a kiln and pottery shop right next to the tasting room.
	Chatom: Chatom WInery was established in 1981 by owner Gay Callan. A.k.a. the “jewel” of Calaveras County, Chatom has developed a reputation for award-winning wines, hand-crafted from grapes grown on their own vineyard on Esmeralda Rd. just four miles from Murphys.
	Irish Vineyards: In 1998 the Irish family moved to the historic 1867 Batten farmhouse on 8.3 acres. They opened their doors in August 2003. Wines made by the Irish Family are made with the finest, most flavorful grapes blended to perfection, creating the best wines available.
	Mineral Winery: At Mineral Winery, Brett Keller combines his hobby of mineral collecting and his talents and knowledge of wine making. Brett's background includes a degree from Fresno State in enology and viticulture with experience winemaking at Twisted Oak and other Calaveras wineries before establishing his label. He uses primarily fruit from his family vineyard in Angels Camp. You will find pictures from his award winning mineral collection on the wine labels. This is a very popular new stop on our tours.
	Twisted Oak: Jeff and Mary Stai found 120 acres just outside of Murphys in the Sierra Foothills to start their winery. They began with 10 acres of vineyards taking advantage of the continental Mediterranean soil types and climate. Distinctive blends are a big deal at Twisted Oak. All the wines are made by winemaker Brett Keller. Their award-winning wines come from varietals grown in Calaveras County and the surrounding foothills.
	Coppermine: Is the Bordeaux division of Lavender Ridge Winery. Their 100% varietal wines are made using artisan winemaking approaches in fine French oak barrels. Try their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cab Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot

Taste The Bold, Broad Selection of Calaveras and Amador County Wines

Calaveras and Amador Counties is all about variety and no two wineries are alike. The different microclimates and soil conditions affect the characteristics of the grapes and wines. So come and experience the bold Barberas, the sinful Zins, the tempting Tempranillos and the voluptuous Viogniers for starters.

With a wine growing history dating back to the gold rush days, the Sierra Foothills are one of the oldest wine regions in California. Calaveras County (Murphys) is one of the six American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) within this region.