Wine, gold, history, and heritage are all part of the rich and colorful tradition that is Stevenot Winery. Located downtown Murphys, in the heart of the Sierra Foothills of Calaveras County, Stevenot’s beginnings hark back long before their first release of wine in 1979.

The first Stevenots came to the area during the great Gold Rush of the mid 1800’s. During that time vineyards began cropping up throughout the region as miners from France, Germany, and Italy were creating a demand for wine on an unprecedented scale. At one time the Sierra Foothills rivaled the areas of Napa and Sonoma combined in vineyard acreage with over 100 wineries established.

Although the industry eventually declined with the advent of prohibition, it wasn’t long before a fifth generation member of the Stevenot family took up where his family had left off and established the winery in the late 1970’s. Recognized as one of the pioneers of the rebirth of wine production in the Sierra Foothills, Stevenot Winery quickly secured its reputation for producing world class wines and for their innovative and award winning style.

New Generation

On February 10, 2010 Oliveto Distributing, Inc. became the proud new owner of Stevenot Wines and now operate the Stevenot Tasting Room on Murphys’ Main Street, as well as the Stevenot Wine Club. Jon and David Oliveto, owners of the well-respected and long-standing distribution company based out of Sutter Creek, will continue great plans.

“We are very honored and excited to have this opportunity,” exclaims David. “We want to carry on the tradition of Barden Stevenot and grow the business. Stevenot has always been a quality brand, well respected in the community and has always sold very well. This compliments the wine in the bottle.”

The Oliveto family has distributed Stevenot wines since the early 1980’s, when White Zinfandel was their best seller.

“It’s all about quality,” adds Jon. “We have been in the distribution business our whole lives, and will continue to focus on wine making.”

Oliveto Family History

Born and raised in Jackson, Jon and David began working at very early ages, with their father Ross Oliveto’s milk distributing business which opened in the late 1960’s. With close to 50 years in the industry serving the region, the Oliveto family knows the business and the community well.

In 1979 the milk distribution company was sold and the Oliveto family went into the beer and soft drink distribution business serving Calaveras, Amador and Tuolumne counties. In the early 1980’s a wine division was added. The company was honored with the Miller Masters award in the early 1990, placing them in the top seven distributors in the United States. They were also awarded the High Life Achievement by Miller Brewing Company in 2002 and 2003, given to the top 40 distributors out of a roster of 450 companies.

The community was here to greet Jon and David with open arms. “It surprises us how excited people are about our new venture,” Jon said. “We are receiving overwhelming support.”

Jon is now living in Murphys, as well as in Jackson. David has lived in Calaveras County for 18 years and resides in Murphys with his wife, Lorraine and daughters Brooke and Elizabeth.
The Oliveto family welcomes and encourages your comments, suggestions and input.