Vintage Murphys
Murphys is in the Sierra foothills about 2 1/2 hours from San Francisco. From the Bay Area, take I-580 to I-205, then I-5 north to State 120. Follow State 120 east to State 99; go north on State 99 to State 4 east. Drive about 40 miles on State 4. Or, if you're approaching from the north or the south, take State 49 to Angels Camp, then go 8 miles east on State 4.
Springtime weather is ideal, with daytime temperatures around 50° to 60° and nighttime temperatures from 40° to 50°. Murphys Irish Days is scheduled for March 16. For information on it and other area attractions, contact the Calaveras Visitors Bureau (Angels Camp; 209/736-0049, 800/225-3764, or www.visitcalaveras.org).
WINERIES
Black Sheep Winery. Zinfandel is its specialty. 12–5 Sat–Sun. Main St. at French Gulch Rd.; (209) 728-2157.
Chatom Vineyards. All of its wines are from its own vineyard. 11–5 daily. 1969 State 4, about 2 miles west of Murphys; (800) 435-8852 or (209) 736-6500.
Ironstone Vineyards. A must-see. Spring Symphony scheduled for March 16 and 17. 10–5 daily. 1894 Six Mile Rd.; (209) 728-1251.
Malvadino Vineyards. Serves wines made of mission grapes from 120-year-old vines. 11–5 Wed–Mon. 457C Algiers St.; (209) 754-1002.
Milliaire Winery. Here Steve Millier, also director of winemaking at Ironstone, indulges his passion for making higher-end wines. 11–5 daily. 276 Main St.; (209) 728-1658.
Stevenot Winery. The Chardonnay has won awards, but the Tempranillo—a Spanish varietal used to make Rioja—is the most unusual offering. 10–5 daily. 2690 San Domingo Rd.; from Main St., take Sheep Ranch Rd. and follow signs 2 miles. (209) 728-0638.
Zucca Mountain Vineyards. Try the Sangiovese along with a taste of chocolate fondue. 425E Main St.; (209) 581-1518.
DINING
Firewood. Newcomer serving wood-fired pizza with gourmet toppings like gorgonzola cheese—plus great tacos. Closed Mon–Tue. 420 Main St.; (209) 728-3248.
Grounds. The kind of place you could go for every meal: fresh, seasonal dishes in a friendly, casual atmosphere. Closed for dinner Mon–Tue. 402 Main St.; (209) 728-8663.
Pick & Shovel Cafe. Ultracasual hole-in-the-wall serves cheap eats like sandwiches, hot dogs, and fruit smoothies. Closed Tue–Wed. 419 Main St.; (209) 728-3779.
LODGING
Dunbar House, 1880. Luxurious Victorian-style five-room bed-and-breakfast. Breakfast is served in the rose garden. From $175. 271 Jones St.; (800) 692-6006, (209) 728-2897, or www.dunbarhouse.com.
Murphys Inn Motel. On the south end of downtown, this basic motel is a good alternative for those who care more about modern conveniences and good value than historic settings and charming rooms. From $75. 76 Main St.; (888) 796-1800 or (209) 728-1818.
Murphys Historic Hotel & Lodge. In operation as a hotel since 1856. The historic section has tiny rooms with shared bathrooms, all decorated in period style. There's also a modern section with standard motel-style rooms. From $75. 457 Main St.; (209) 728-3444, (800) 532-7684, or www.murphyshotel.com.
