Angels Camp, CA…Join Us for “Our Roots Run Deep” History of Calaveras Winemaking Sunday, December 3rd from 2 – 3 pm. Our Speakers: Jody Garcia, Executive Director, Calaveras Winegrape Alliance. Gay Callan, Founder and Owner of Chatom Vineyards. Angels Camp Museum Carriage House, 753 S. Main Street, Angels Camp, CA. In the rugged terrain of Calaveras County, the mid-19th century Gold Rush ignited a frenzied migration, drawing adventurous miners, hopeful settlers, and even the delicate tendrils of vineyards. As the prospectors sought fortunes in the golden hills, their endeavors shaped the landscape and culture of this Northern California region. Today, we’ll delve into the captivating tale of how the pursuit of gold intertwined with the establishment of communities and the roots of viticulture in Calaveras County during the 1850s. Join us as we take a look back on the past 150+ years and see how “Our Roots Run Deep” in Calaveras Wine Country.

About our Presenters:

Jody Garcia
Executive Director of the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance
Jody, a third generation Calaveras County resident, has spent her entire life around vineyards and winemaking with her parents, Mark and Laurie Jurgens, being amateur home winemakers for over 30 years. Spending weekends helping in the vineyard or bottling, Jody grew to appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes to produce each bottle of wine. She took this passion with her when continuing her education at Sonoma State University getting her B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Wine Business and a M.B.A in Wine Business. After graduating, Jody made the decision to move back to Calaveras County so she could stay involved in her hometown community and be close to her family. She has worked in the Calaveras Wine Industry for 13 years before taking the role of Executive Director for the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance in September 2023.

Gay Callan
Founder and Owner of Chatom Vineyards

Gay is a true Calaveras Wine Country legend as she has spent 40 years farming grapes and winemaking. Gay first moved to the fertile Esmeralda Valley in Calaveras County in 1980 and got to know winemaking greats including Barden Stevenot, Steve Milliaire and Chuck Hovey. In 1990, she had Chatom Winery built in Douglas Flat. With 65 acres of award-winning fruit, 8,500 case production, and distribution to 12 states, Gay built the Chatom Winery brand into a successful business before selling it in 2015. Gay helped shape our wine region into what it is today and mentored many winemakers and cellar workers along the way. Today, Gay manages her award-winning vineyard property and long-standing clients. She also serves as a board member for the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance and Calaveras County Fair where she has been a tremendous support.

All are welcome. Arrive early for refreshments.
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Join us in the Carriage House at the Museum

1:30 pm • Refreshments
2:00 – 3:00 pm • Lecture

See You There!

Cost: $10/ person

No Cost for Current Museum Members