Ironstone

Ironstone is a winery in Murphys, Calaveras County, California. John and Gail Kautz began planting vineyards on their farm in 1968. The Kautz family began building the winery in 1989, and it opened in 1990.

Its wines showcase the diversity of the Lodi and Sierra Foothills appellations of Northern California. In the vineyards, cover crops and compost help maintain soil fertility and prevent erosion, while leaf pulling improves air circulation and increases sunlight reaching the fruit. Ironstone also uses integrated pest management, prioritizing prevention, monitoring and targeted intervention over synthetic treatments.