Once upon a time, not so long ago, in a valley known more for cattle ranching than vineyards that the story begins. It was the Winter of 1999 when Frog's Tooth Vineyards began its life as a tadpole with the purchase of 67 acres of land in the Salt Springs Valley of Calaveras County. It slowly grew through infancy until the Spring of 2003 when it began its transition to adolescence with the planting of approximately 10 acres of premium wine grapes.
After three years of traveling to various wine regions of the world, Charles B. Mitchell has returned the vineyards to operate with the highest standards possible. With estate grown fruit this winery strives for the highest quality from vineyard to bottle.
The vineyard of Chatom Vineyards is nestled in the breathtaking Esmeralda Valley of the Sierra Foothills in Calaveras County. The valley was originally planted with low field crops, fruits and nut trees. When Gay Callan, owner and native San Franciscan, purchased the property in 1980, her vision was to plant a vineyard. Her first varietals were then planted in 1981, totaling 21 acres of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Today, the vineyard boasts 13 varietals planted on 65 acres, including Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese and 5 Portuguese varietals.
In the heart of California’s scenic Gold Rush Country, Ironstone Vineyards will surprise and delight you with a winery that places as much emphasis on the natural beauty and history of their surroundings, as they do on the quality of their wines.
Explore Calaveras County, where there is plenty of sunshine and wine to soak up. Nestled at the base of the Sierra Foothills, Appaloosa Vineyard, home to Prospect 772 winery, is just under a 2-hour drive from Oakland. Boasting pristine vineyard views, a gorgeous new winery and tasting room bar, shaded bocce ball court and amazing wines, make Prospect 772 your next wine tasting destination.
Black Sheep Winery opened in 1984, featuring small releases of wine handcrafted from high quality grapes grown in Calaveras, and Amador Counties. Black Sheep Winery produces about 2,500 cases of wine per year, specializing in Zinfandels, but also producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and a second label called True Frogs Lily Pad Wines. This wine pays homage to jumping frog heritage here in Calaveras County!
