Douglas Flat, CA… Dorian Faught the former owner of the Murphys Hotel has purchased Chatom Vineyards and is excited to continue and grow the rich Chatom Vineyards heritage. Before we do a piece on the next generation’s plans we thought we would repost an interview with Gay Callan as a tribute to her building Chatom Vineyards. In 2008 we had the pleasure of spending some time with one of the integral parts of the local wine industry, Gay Callan of Chatom Vineyards. Chatom Vineyards has been growing and producing great wines here locally in Calaveras County since the early 1980’s. Chatom, Stevenot, Black Sheep, Milliaire and a handful of others were the pioneers that helped our local wine industry grown and flourish. Many of the second wave wineries and winemakers got their start in the industry working at wineries such as Chatom. Gay is a native San Franciscan but her family has deep farming roots in the Central Valley.

Below is their story so far from their website….

Chatom Vineyards is nestled in the breathtaking Esmeralda Valley of the Sierra Foothills in Calaveras County. The valley was originally planted with low field crops, fruits and nut trees. When Gay Callan, owner and native San Franciscan, purchased the property in 1980, her vision was to plant a vineyard. Her first varietals were then planted in 1981, totaling 21 acres of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.

Today, the vineyard boasts 13 varietals planted on 65 acres, including Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Sangiovese and 5 Portuguese varietals.

The Esmeralda Valley’s warm days and cool evenings create the perfect climate for cultivating premium selections planted in the vineyard. The variable soils, from clay and sandy loam to shallow, rocky strata, have all proven to produce award-winning grapes for Chatom Vineyards, as well as other select California wineries.

Gay decided to build the Winery and Tasting Room facility 1990 in order to accommodate a growing customer base. The winery location is just two miles west of historic Murphys, off scenic Highway 4. After several years of utilizing custom-crush settings, it was time to bring the award winning wines under her own roof. The vision has resulted in an open Mediterranean style setting, surrounded by beautiful gardens, picnic area and a warm friendly staff who welcomes the visitor with a relaxed and unhurried pace.

Since the inception of Chatom Vineyards in 1981, many have viewed it as the “jewel” of the Sierra Foothills, for their superior, hand crafted wines and highest quality recognition for grape growing. It became a natural progression for Chatom to nurture their high-quality fruit in the vineyard and craft award-winning wines from the winery location. Everything crafted and bottled by Chatom is estate-grown and offered for tasting in their gorgeous, inviting Tasting Room located in Douglas Flat. The wines can be enjoyed daily from 11am to 5pm, from a professional and friendly staff.

Gay Callan and the entire Chatom Family invite you to enjoy the beautiful scenery, wonderful award-winning wines and the relaxing atmosphere of Calaveras County and the Sierra Foothills. It is an easy drive from the Bay Area, Valley or Tahoe region. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our adventure and our craft.