Ironstone Vineyards
A premier destination winery located in Murphys, California.
About the winery
"Come for the wine. Stay for the day." Ironstone Vineyards is a premier Calaveras County destination with Wine Tasting, Estate Tours, Fabulous Gardens, Weddings, Concerts, Corporate Events, Gourmet Deli, Wine Caves, Jewelry Shoppe and more awesome things to do in Murphys, CA. Our wines reflect the diversity of offerings from the Lodi and Sierra Foothills Appellations of Northern California. Through emphasizing the practice of Sustainable Viticulture, Ironstone Vineyards conserves water use, builds healthy soil, and maintains our surrounding wildlife habitat.
Learn more about Ironstone Vineyards and their facilities at:
Location
California
History & Geography
Starting in Nebraska in 1915 and later moving into Colorado, John Kautz’ German-born parents, Fred and Marie, topped sugar beets by lantern “because there wasn’t enough daylight” and slept in mud huts. Eventually settling in Lodi, CA, the Kautz family began farming there in 1926. At the age of 35, John Kautz is named “National Outstanding Young Farmer”. During that time he established John Kautz Farms for the purpose of growing vegetables. “We’re really just dirt farmers,” recalls John. “We’re farmers, and when you grow a crop, you’d better get into the program all the way.” John Kautz then establishes Bear Creek Winery and the family’s first wine grapes are planted in 1968, in the Lodi area. Over the next 20 years the family vineyards would expand to the current holding of 7000 acres. In 1989, the development/building of Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys begins. Ten thousand square feet of underground caves are blasted from solid rock. In 1990 the winery is completed.
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