Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Guide to Calaveras Wine Country Experiences
Established in 1989, the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance has dedicated over three decades to elevating awareness of wines produced in Calaveras County and from Calaveras grapes. Our organization champions a cooperative spirit, advancing the wine industry through educational seminars, targeted marketing initiatives, and year-round events that highlight our region's unique viticultural heritage. As advocates for family-run businesses, we provide consumer outreach programs, community relations support, and resources to enhance visitor experiences in California's Sierra Foothills. Our team operates a Wine Information Center in Murphys, offering personalized assistance for exploring 30+ tasting rooms, historic downtowns, and outdoor recreational opportunities.With expertise in promoting bold Spanish and Italian varietals alongside premium Cabernet and Zinfandels, we serve as trusted stewards of our Gold-Rush Era wine region. Through structured committees focused on marketing, government relations, education, and events, we ensure continuous improvement in representing our members' interests while maintaining transparency in all operations. Our leadership comprises industry professionals with deep-rooted connections to local vineyards and wineries, guaranteeing authoritative representation of Calaveras' distinctive wine culture.
Services
Wine Tasting Rooms
Annual Wine Events
Visitor Information
Wine Education Programs
Local Business Promotion
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have 35+ years of experience promoting Calaveras County wines
- Our organization represents 30+ family-run tasting rooms
- We offer educational seminars about local viticulture practices
- We provide curated visitor resources for wine country exploration
- Our team maintains deep connections to local vineyards and wineries
Services
Wine Tasting Rooms
Explore over 30 family-run tasting rooms featuring bold Spanish and Italian varietals. Our curated wine experiences showcase Calaveras County's unique terroir through premium Barbera, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel offerings. Visitors receive personalized recommendations for discovering local vineyards and wineries.
Annual Wine Events
Participate in signature events like the 32nd Annual Calaveras Grape Stomp and Spring Wine Weekend. These gatherings celebrate our region's viticultural heritage with live music, food pairings, and opportunities to meet local vintners in California's Sierra Foothills.
Visitor Information
Access comprehensive resources for planning your wine country visit. Our Murphys-based information center provides maps, trip planners, accommodation recommendations, and guidance for exploring local restaurants and outdoor recreational opportunities year-round.
Wine Education Programs
Engage with educational initiatives about local grape growing practices and winemaking techniques. Our programs focus on Calaveras County's ideal climate for producing distinctive varietals and the historical context of our Gold-Rush Era wine region.
Local Business Promotion
Supporting regional economic growth through targeted marketing campaigns and cooperative promotion of member wineries. We facilitate connections between visitors and local businesses while maintaining quality standards across our wine country experiences.
People
Jody Garcia
Executive Director
Leading the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance with over 15 years of experience in regional wine promotion. Manages strategic initiatives, event planning, and industry partnerships from our Murphys headquarters.
Tiffany Sturm
Accounting
Handles financial operations for the organization with expertise in nonprofit accounting practices. Provides administrative support for membership programs and event budgeting.
Gay Callan
President
Owner of Chatom Vineyards and board leader with deep roots in Calaveras' wine community. Guides strategic direction for the organization's educational and marketing initiatives.
Dan Holley
Vice President
Holley Hill Vineyard proprietor bringing extensive grower expertise to the board. Focuses on expanding educational programs and industry outreach efforts.
Jessica Johnson
Secretary
Representing the Calaveras Visitors Bureau on the board. Coordinates cross-organizational efforts to enhance visitor experiences and promote regional tourism opportunities.
Questions
What wineries are part of the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance?
We represent over 30 family-run tasting rooms producing award-winning wines from Calaveras grapes, including Barbera, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where can I find visitor information for Calaveras wine country?
Our Wine Information Center in downtown Murphys at 202 Main Street offers maps, event calendars, and personalized recommendations for exploring local wineries and attractions.
What annual wine events should I attend?
Don't miss our signature events: the Calaveras Grape Stomp in October and Spring Wine Weekend, both featuring wine tastings, live music, and local food pairings.
How do I become a member of the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance?
Membership details and dues payment options are available on our website under the 'CWA Membership' section, with benefits for both wineries and individual supporters.
What other activities are available in Calaveras wine country?
Beyond wine tasting, enjoy historic downtown tours, outdoor recreation like hiking and camping, snow sports at nearby resorts, and cultural events throughout the year.
