6 Best Sights in Murphys, Sacramento and the Gold Country

The park protects hundreds of the largest and rarest living things on the planet—magnificent giant sequoia redwood trees. Some are 3,000 years old, 90 feet around at the base, and 250 feet tall. There are campgrounds, cabin rentals, and picnic areas; wading, fishing, and sunbathing on the Stanislaus River are popular in summer. Enjoy the "three senses" trail, designated for the sight impaired, with interpretive signs in braille that guide visitors to touch the bark and encourage children to slow down and enjoy the forest in a more sensory way.

Single-vineyard Sierra Foothills Zinfandels are the passion of Newsome Harlow's owner-winemaker Scott Klann. The ebullient Klann also makes Petite Sirah, Syrah, Carignane, and the Meritage blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals; whites include a Sauvignon Blanc on several local restaurants' wine lists. The in-town tasting room benefits from its upbeat staff, playful atmosphere, and indoor and outdoor tasting spaces.

The downtown tasting room of owner-winemaker Nathan Vader's boutique winery occupies a restored 1891 structure made of volcanic rock. Top Sierra Foothills vineyards supply grapes for his primarily reds lineup, led by best sellers Barbera and the Primitivo-based Phoenix blend. Merlot, Grenache, and the Venus red blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Franc, rank among the other stars, served inside or on the shaded rear patio.

The impeccably maintained gardens at 1,150-acre Ironstone—not to mention the mining-history museum and 44-pound specimen of crystalline gold on display—make a visit here enjoyable even if you don't drink wine. Known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, old-vine Zinfandel, and whites including Albariño and Chardonnay, the winery hosts concerts and other events. Its deli has picnic items. The history-oriented estate tour, conducted on Friday and Saturday, takes in the gardens and wine caverns.

A stone building dating from 1859 houses this boutique winery's tasting room, which also sells artisanal cheeses and lavender products. Lavender Ridge's longtime owner-winemaker uses traditional French methods to craft wines from organically farmed Rhône grapes. The lineup includes Viognier, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc whites, a Grenache rosé, and Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre reds, alone and in a blend.

Lighthearted, well-informed guides lead 45-minute tours (208 steps down, 232 steps up) into caverns a prospector named Walter J. Mercer discovered in 1885. Millions of years in the making, the sheer, draperylike formations and aragonite crystals that resemble snowflakes are enthralling. Dress in layers (even in summer) and wear nonskid closed-toe shoes for this mildly strenuous adventure.