The vineyard of 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.
