One Of California's Best-Kept Secrets Is A Historic Wine Town Full Of Scenic Vineyards

When we think of Californian wine regions, Napa Valley invariably springs to mind and it's a must-do destination for food and wine lovers. But further inland, tucked away in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is a hidden gem with a name more commonly associated with Irish stout than viticulture: Murphys. This small community that was ranked one of the best places in the country to visit by Forbes back in 2021 and has become one of the state's most underrated wine regions. There are no shortage of scenic places to sip nearby, from Ironstone Vineyards with its blooming gardens to the welcoming ambience of rustic Brice Station.

Murphys is in the heart of Californian gold country, and its history of viticulture is linked to the Gold Rush when prospectors brought grapes to the region with them. Vineyards thrived before the Prohibition Era, but it wouldn't be until the 1970s that the wineries of Calaveras County recovered and became more known to wine lovers. The location, far from the coast, is key to the quality of local wines. The region's micro-climate is well-suited to a wide variety of grapes, and lower humidity enables local vintners to grow their harvests using natural methods. Visitors to the vineyards of Murphys will also notice the personal touch — most wineries here are small outfits where the owners take a hands-on approach to almost every aspect of production. In many cases, you'll get chatting with people who make wine their passion as well as a livelihood.

Situated a little over a two-hour drive from San Francisco, Murphys is a small place with a big history. While it may be better known  nowadays as a tranquil getaway for discerning travelers who enjoy a nice drop, its origins began during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. Around $20 million worth of gold was extracted nearby and that wealth is reflected in the gorgeous 19th-century buildings that make the town such a pleasant place to visit. You'll be in esteemed company if you decide to stay overnight: Mark Twain, Horatio Alger, and President Ulysses S. Grant are just some of the luminaries who have slept at the Murphys Historic Hotel , one of the longest-serving hotels in California.

Murphys may be a small town but it is the hub of Calaveras County winemaking culture. Main Street has one of the highest densities of wine tasting rooms in the United States. Take a stroll through downtown and you will see around 25 tasting rooms offering visitors a chance to sip excellent wines and talk to the owners about their techniques. The only problem is finding enough time to fit them all in during your stay.  Check out a zinfandel or cabernet sauvignon on the shady patio of Milliaire Winery or a nice drop of malbec at Frog's Tooth wine shop. Most wineries offer the chance to sample several varietals for a nominal fee, which is usually waived if your purchase a bottle.

A trip to Murphys isn't just about sipping on wine at a less-crowded destination as it makes a good base for traveling the surrounding area. 10 minutes down the road is Moaning Caverns Adventure Park where caves descend to 460 feet. It was discovered by gold miners in the 1840s, but human remains suggest that our earlier ancestors first explored it around 12,000 years ago. Now it is popular with spelunkers and you can book a cave tour to see it for yourself. Back on the surface and 20 minutes northeast of Murphys you can hit the trails at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. As the name suggests, it's a great place if you want to see huge sequoia trees — the tallest reaches an incredible 325 feet. Further up in the Sierra Nevada mountains is Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway, a beautiful area for hiking, biking, picnicking, and fishing.

Murphys and the surrounding area also has a lively culinary scene. Grounds is a popular spot for locals and visitors, serving up breakfasts, sandwiches, and surf and turf options in a welcoming dining room. Few cuisines pair better with wine than Italian, and Sarafina's Italian Kitchen offers home-cooked classics and a decent list of local vino. Alchemy on Main Street is popular with nearby vintners thanks to modern American dishes using quality seasonal ingredients. When it's time to head home, don't forget to take a few bottles of your favorite wines with you.