Gold Country - California - page 860

Sights & Activities
Even more than frogs, wine is a consistent draw in Calaveras County, and Murphys is at
the center - a couple new tasting rooms seem to pop up downtown every summer.
Ironstone Vineyards WINERY
( www.ironstonevineyards.com ; 1894 Six Mile Rd; 8:30am-5pm; )
The unusually family-friendly atmosphere makes the wine feel secondary at Ironstone.
There's a natural spring waterfall, a mechanical pipe organ, frequent exhibits by local
artists, and blooming grounds. By the deli, the museum displays the world's largest crys-
talline gold leaf specimen (it weighs 44lb and was found in Jamestown in 1992). The
enormous tasting room accommodates crowds.
Newsome-Harlow WINERY
( www.nhvino.com ; 403 Main St; tasting $5; noon-5pm Mon-Thu, 11am-5:30pm Fri-Sun; )
This family-run winery pours the juicy red varietals that made them famous in their lively
tasting lounge. At times, this place feels like the community social club. There's an onsite
chef, fire pit, movie night, and kids and dogs are welcome.
Murphys Old Timers Museum MUSEUM
( www.murphysoldtimersmuseum.com ; 470 Main St; donation requested; noon-4pm Fri-Sun)
The name is a good hint that this place approaches history with a humorous touch. Housed
in an 1856 building, it has an inscrutable tin type of the outlaw Joaquin Murrieta and the
entertaining 'Wall of Comparative Ovations.' Guided tours of town leave from the mu-
seum every Saturday at 10am.
California Cavern CAVE
( 209-736-2708; www.caverntours.com ; adult/child $14.95/7.95; 10am-5pm Apr-Oct; )
In Cave City, 12 winding miles north of Murphys (take Main St to Sheep Ranch Rd to
Cave City Rd), is a natural cavern, which John Muir described as 'graceful flowing folds
deeply placketed like stiff silken drapery.' Regular tours take 60 to 90 minutes.