irish vineyards winery

Each region has its specialties and quirks, so it's hard to say which is the best winery, period. Murphy's has something like a couple of dozen tasting rooms in the downtown area, with a few tasting rooms located nearby. It's nice to be able to park and wander down the street, stopping where serendipity takes you .... there is something for everyone there. I also like the fact that local winemakers are constantly experimenting with varietals, blending and the big question of oak. Add to that the fact that people pouring are sometimes the winemaker or family and friends and it makes the whole experience very enjoyable and, probably, educational as well !In the limited amount of tasting we've done in this area, Irish Vineyards stands out (we don't seem to ever get all the way into town after stopping at Irish, Twisted Oak and Chatom ! We always make an exception for Black Sheep. These other three also produce superb wines). YES, the wine is more expensive than the below $15 mass market stuff you can buy at Safeway. But, they also taste much better than wines at that price point. If you compare them to other wines in the same price range, I think they more than hold their own. It's a different market.They have quite a list of varietals and blends, so there should be something for everyone. On occasion, their wines do go on sale (think about the need to make room for new releases). If you live nearby, find something you really like but can't quite afford, call them and see if it's on sale. If it does, buy by the case ! because you may never get it again or get it at that price.The wines are pretty well priced for wine club members, so again, here's another way to get great wine at a good price. You'll have to bite the bullet on your first purchase, but you'll be thankful later. The wines are complex and tasty already, but we're going to experiment with some cellaring. If you have questions or aren't familiar with wines, go and taste and learn something. We've had a lot of fun with Andrea the past few visits ~ we laugh and drink and drink some more. And then, cases of wine somehow end up in our car ;-) When we get home, we're never sorry with our choices ! (We're very partial to the Barbera and Kilkenny Red; on more than one occasion, we've brought the former to a restaurant and paid the corkage. Well worth it and usually both a better wine and more cost effective to do so.) btw, there is now a minimal tasting fee (something like $3, which is well below most other regions); I believe it is waived if you buy something. This is not an unreasonable practice (and for what you're drinking, even if you don't buy something, it's a pretty good deal !)

It is too easy to be looking ahead and miss the signs announcing the Irish Family Vineyards as you drive between Murphys and Angels Camp. So this is a heads up that just east of Vallecito, which is just east of Angels Camp and single digit miles short of Murphys, is a wonderful winery owned by a singular family. Few have the calling to make wine that Russell Irish has. This man has passion, knowledge, charm, and a supportive wife. Guess which is most important.They have a broad range of wines to taste, all made with a sure hand. You will learn something new about wine, I guarantee, and you will be happy you stopped.

This was a nice family run winery enclosed on the actual home owners property. Wine is delicious and they also sell packets of green hot chocolate for St. Patricks Day. I haven't been therefor that party yet but I hear they do it up BIG! This is a place to put on your tasting list.

Lovely family winery on Highway 4 near Mrphys with pourers who know their stuff. Nice wines from an entrepeneur who is always trying new and interesting things. And in the summer, concerts in the yard! How fun is that? Buy a glass or bottle of wine and, last time we were there, some lovely catered Mexican foods, put your camp chair on the grass, and enjoy.

Not too friendly...the wine seemed a little pricey.

We have been Irish Vineyards wine club members for at least 5 years. They have no bad wine, every one you taste you will love. Russell has a passion for making good wine, and there winery is a family winery. His mom and dad in the tasting room serving you and sometimes you even get his beautiful wife it is a real down home treat, they are all wonderful friendly people. I hand out there card all the time and people tell me they come home with at least a case of wine, even the people who said they were not big wine drinkers. When you go there and you must make it a point to do so you will have the wine experience of your life. Take a picnic and eat in there patio and enjoy a bottle of wine, it will make for a beautiful day.

I was visiting friends who live in Murphys and one day we toured several wineries. Irish was the first of the day. I had no plans on buying wine first thing in the AM, but was impressed by some of the wines and bought 2 bottles of several offerings. Now that I am home and have let the wine rest since I traveled 3000 miles in the car, over several mountain passes etc! OH MY GOD!!!The 2005 Petite Sirah,I can't say enough, the Ruby Port....Holly Crap, I have died and gone to heaven. Nice wine related words, Right? These are great wines! Thank you so much for makiing them!!!

This has got to be some of the best wines I have ever had. The atmosphere, wine, winery dogs and people are great. Russell is so fun. We had a great time. A must see.

My wife and I are not big wine-drinkers. Usually, what tasting-rooms serve is about the right quantity for us, and we'll occasionally buy a bottle or two after a tasting, if they impress us.Yesterday on a trip through Calaveras County, we stopped at a winery and tasted what they had. Nothing was at all remarkable; all were mediocre at best, tasted pretty much the same. We drove on.Then I saw "Irish Vineyards," and was intrigued. We pulled off the road, and saw a fairly large group of people, with two folks rushing about offering about 8-10 wines for tasting. Both were very friendly informative, and funny. We saw these tasters buying cases and half-cases of wine.The very first wine was delightful, already well above anything at the previous winery. But every subsequent wine was better: complex, fruity, distinctive, uplifting nose and flavor. We were amazed. There was not one bad (nor even mediocre) wine in the lot.The upshot? We bought a half-case to take home and share — which, in 18+ years of marriage, we've never done.If you're in the area and enjoy wine at all, this winery is not to be missed.