Raise a glass in gold country: wine tasting in Murphys

Wine-tasting in historic Murphys, only 15 minutes away from Happy Lake Chalet, makes for a fun day trip or afternoon excursion. The town is steeped in history, with plenty of tasting rooms to explore during a wine stroll. The region is known for its Rhône, Italian, and Zinfandel varietals. Small, family run vineyards are the norm, giving visitors a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the wine. Here’s a guide to a some of our favorites, along with a few places that are on our bucket list of tastings to try.

Main Street Murphys

Main Street Murphys has over two dozen tasting rooms, all within easy walking distance. If you don’t want to worry about driving, a wine stroll is a nice way to get a taste of local wines while chatting with winemakers and soaking in the town’s Gold Rush–era charm.

  • Milliaire Winery, the town’s oldest winery, has been crafting Zinfandels since 1983. Its creekside patio is a nice spot to relax with live music and a glass of locally-crafted wine.

  • Black Sheep Winery, the colorful “little yellow farmhouse,” serves both red and white Rhône varietals. Visit to try their Cinsault, Shiraz, and port-style pours.

  • Hovey Winery offers a shady wine garden and outdoor seating. Try one of Hovey’s crisp white wines for a refreshing treat on a hot, summer day.

  • Stevenot Winery, just off Main, has a welcoming vibe with live music Sundays and relaxed, reservation-free tastings.

  • Frog’s Tooth, hidden in a storefront on Main Street offers public tastings, as well as appointment‑only tastings. With a bit of pre-planning, a private tasting at Frog’s Tooth offers an intimate tasting experience with award-winning, small lot wines.

  • Hatcher Winery, down a staircase off Main Street into a cool, inviting cellar, originally drew us in to try the port, which a friend rightfully suggested we could not miss. We came for the port (luscious) and stayed for the wine (amazing). In their vineyards in Angels Camp and Vallecito, this family of winemakers and sommeliers, grow and pour wines made from Zinfandel, Syrah, Carignane, Merlot and Malbec.

Scenic Vineyard Escapes
If you are up for a short drive, nearby vineyards offer wine tasting at the source.

  • Brice Station is a small, family-owned winery that produces red wine from its seven-acre vineyards, with a tasting room open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 6 pm.

  • Ironstone Vineyard offers tastings, tours, and food on its 11-acre grounds. Pair wine tasting with a show. The Ironstone Ampitheater is a local favorite for live music and events.

Tips for a Happy Wine-Day

  • Stroll, don’t drive if you don’t have a designated driver. Round out your day with dinner in Murphys. Restaurants like Alchemy, serving “modern American comfort food,” and Toscano’s, with traditional Italian fare, offer local wines.

  • Mix Main Street with hillside havens for a vine to glass experience that gives you a chance to see where all the magic happens. Start in town, then venture to Brice Station, Ironstone Vineyards, and the many other family-owned vineyards along the Highway 4 corridor.

  • Finish your day sampling your wine finds on the deck at Happy Lake Chalet and planning your next trip.

To plan a visit to Happy Lake Chalet, get in touch.

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