Mountain Wineries

Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

The mountain wineries of Mariposa and Tuolumne counties are located within the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range of California. This area is often called California’s Gold Rush Country.

You'll will find wonderful mountain wineries located in this area for your next California wine tour.

Tuolumne County extends to the top of the Sierra Nevada’s Sonora Pass and includes half of Yosemite National Park, home of spectacular granite mountains and large waterfalls. The scenery in this part of California is absolutely breathtaking no matter how often you visit!

Don't miss a chance to visit Yosemite National Park while in this part of California.

California Wine Tour - Yosemite National Park Before Prohibition this area was better known for producing wine grapes than Napa. Prohibition led to a halt in most grape production in the area. However, the local wine industry is seeing a rebirth in recent years. You will find an increasing number of California wineries popping up in this area.

Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties are rich in history, blessed with beautiful scenery, and produce an increasing number of really good wines. This part of the Sierra Foothills wine region is well worth a visit during your next California wine tour.

On a recent trip to Yosemite National Park we took Highway 140 through Merced from Highway 99. This route took us right through the town of Mariposa where we were able to taste wine at 3 Mariposa wineries. It's also possible to take Highway 120 to get to or from Yosemite. This route would take you through Tuolumne County where you can enjoy Tuolumne wineries.

Yosemite National Park
Anyone who has not been to Yosemite, needs to plan a trip soon. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking! Accommodations in the park range from tent camping to a luxury resort. You can even reserve a vacation rental.

Mountain Wineries of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

Winery Map

California Wine Tour - Yosemite Sunset

We took this picture from our car not long after beginning our drive home. You can't find more spectacular scenery than Yosemite National Park.

Discover mountain wineries in other wine regions of the Sierras:

Amador County | Calaveras County | El Dorado County
Nevada County |Placer County

Butterfly Creek Winery

Address: 4063 Triangle Rd., Mariposa, CA 95338
Telephone: (209) 966-2097
Open Fri.-Sat. 10 AM – 4 PM
This family owned mountain winery began in 1972. It is located just 45 minutes from Yosemite National Park. Bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch next to the creek. Wines produced include Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.

Directions from Hwy. 140:
Turn south onto Triangle Road. Continue on Triangle Road for approximately 4.5 miles to the Butterfly Creek Winery.

Gianelli Vineyards
Address: 12581 Algerine Rd., Jamestown, CA
Telephone: (209) 532-0414
Open by Appointment Only.
This small Tuolumne County winery is located in Jamestown just west of Sonora. They produce a variety of wines and are soon to open a tasting room with regular hours for tasting.

Great Oak Vineyard
Address: 2855 Hwy. 49 South, Mariposa, CA 95338
Telephone: (209) 742-4719
Tasting is by appointment only.
This mountain winery began in 2004 and produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay.

La Bella Rosa Vineyards
Address: 17990 Old Wards Ferry Rd., Sonora, CA 95370
Telephone: (209) 533-8668
Open weekends noon - 5 PM.
La Bella Rosa is located on the eastern side of Sonora. In addition to great wines, this small family owned mountain winery has a delightful gift shop with home decor items. The grounds are lovely with a tiered garden and small lake. Weddings and other special events are held on the grassy area near the lake. Wines are mostly reds but also include Chardonnay, Port, and the rare Adlianico.

Directions:
From Sonora, take Mono Way to Sanguinetti Road. Turn onto Old Wards Ferry Road at Applebee's Restaurant and go 1 1/2 miles until you see the La Bella Rosa Vineyard sign on the right.

Mount Brow Winery
Address: 10850 Mt. Brow Rd., Sonora, CA
Telephone: (209) 532-8491
Open weekends 1 PM – 5 PM
This small mountain winery owned by Jim and Pam Costello is located outside Sonora in Tuolumne County. They produce a variety of quality wines. They specialize in red wines except for a Sauvignon Blanc made from grapes grown in Amador County. This friendly tasting room has a nice selection of wine related items for sale in their gift shop. Stop by to sample some wines and learn about their wines.

Directions from Sonora: Take Hwy 49 north approximately 3 miles to Mt. Brow Rd. Turn left on Mt Brow and go 1/2 mile. Look for white rail fence on the left. This is the entrance to the winery.

Mount Bullion Vineyard
Address: 6947 N. Hwy. 49, Mariposa, CA 95338
Telephone: (209) 377-8450
Tasting is by appointment only at this small winery.

Mount Bullion Vineyard is located near Yosemite National Park. You are welcome to call to make a reservation to taste their wine, picnic in the oak grove, play bocce ball, horseshoes or relax and enjoy learning about their family made wine. Wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel.

Directions from the intersection of Highways 140 and 49 in the town of Mariposa:
Drive 9 miles north on Hwy. 49 until you reach the winery. It is located at 6947 N. Hwy. 49.

Muir-Hanna Vineyard
Address: 36 S. Washington St., Sonora, CA 95370
Telephone: (209) 532-9463
Open daily 11 AM - 5 PM.
The owners of Muir-Hanna Vineyard are descendants of John Muir. Their vineyards and winery are located in the Napa Valley, but they have a tasting room on the main street in downtown Sonora. Muir-Hanna produces a variety of wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and some wonderful blends.

Silver Fox Winery
Address: 4683 Morning Star Ln., Mariposa, CA 95338
Telephone: (209) 966-4800 This small California winery is located outside of the town of Mariposa on the way to Yosemite via Highway 140. The winery is located at an elevation of 3000 feet. Visitors are welcome to call for reservations and enjoy the picnic area as well as sample wine. They produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel. Our favorite is the Zinfandel, which has a delightful balance of berries and spiciness with a nice long finish.

Directions from Hwy. 140:
Turn south onto Triangle Rd. Continue 1.8 miles. Turn right on Carleton Rd. Continue on Carleton for 1.0 miles. Turn right onto Morning Star Lane. The Mariposa winery is approximately .6 of a mile down this road.

Click here for information on other wine regions in the Sierra Foothills.