Beat The Napa Valley And Sonoma Crowds — Visit This Quaint And Charming Wine Region Nearby

While Napa and Sonoma often spring to mind when it comes to California wine locales, they can feel almost overrun with hordes of people vying for place. Instead of gearing up for a jam-packed winery experience in Napa and Sonoma Valley, like a visit to Sterling or Francis Ford Coppola, why not set your sights on an under-the-radar California wine destination: Calaveras County. Located in mid-eastern California in the Sierra Foothills, this area is conducive to producing quality wines, like reds including syrah, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, but it still feels novel and refreshing.

Though this area started producing wine during the Gold Rush in the 1850s, its modern wine industry didn't really come to fruition until the mid 1970s. The soil and climate of Calaveras County make it friendly to wine production, and fifth-generation local, Barden Stevenot, put Calaveras County on the wine map with his Stevenot Winery which was founded in 1978. Today, Calaveras County has more than 30 tasting rooms to welcome wine enthusiasts from near and far. Even better, It retains a local and welcoming flavor, and is less than a three hour drive from Napa or Sonoma.

The wine industry in Calaveras Country is largely centered around the historic Gold Rush-era town of Murphys. The cute pedestrian-friendly downtown of Murphys features many tasting rooms, from early local player and mainstay Milliaire to popular spots like Hatcher and Allegorie. Just remember to skip the perfume if you want to avoid tasting wine wrong. Outside of town, larger producer Ironstone Vineyards is an appealing choice offering tours, tastings, and locally-sourced food at its Gold Leaf Bistro. While you are in the area, don't miss nearby Big Trees State Park for a chance to commune with the hulking sequoia trees.

If you are used to larger wine regions like Napa and Sonoma, Calaveras County has a significantly smaller growing area of around 700 acres as opposed to tens of thousands of acres. For visitors, this translates into tasting rooms where winemakers and professionals might have more time to chat about their products and craft. What's more, Calaveras County bottles ring in at a generally lower price point of about $25 to $40. Just be sure to check tasting room hours and necessity for reservations, as opening times might be limited (especially during the week). If you are looking for a wine destination that feels rooted, but almost like you are the one discovering it, consider giving Calaveras County a try. Perhaps your visit will win you over to trying other underrated wine regions across the world.