Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Year

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year!  With Murphys' beautiful "get out of the fog" weather, we have been blessed with guests from around the world. Even more amazing is the fact that all of the mountain passes are open!  Big Trees State Park is stunning in the sunshine with no snow on the ground and none in the forcast.  Bear Valley is beautiful too and only 45 minutes up the hill..


Yes, we do need the water, but get out there and enjoy what is, the rain is sure to come ... Get out of the fog and enjoy the sunshine! Come on up to Murphys! 

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Deadline Theme Division January 6

Artists, just a reminder that there are only 2 weeks left to get your entries in for the Theme Division of The Spring Obsession Art Show 2012.  Open Division entries due February 3.... download entry forms from the pages above... or our website http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Christmas Trees, persimmons and fujis galore!

With days left before Christmas tis time to trim the tree.

Don't panic, Ironstone has fresh just off the ranch natural trees from Murphys.  From only $20 - $30, tis a great deal as well.  I love the natural look of my tree from Ironstone.  Cut right from Ironstone's ranch, these trees will stay fresh longer and provide a great country look to your Christmas decor.



carmel coat the apples

Fujis from Calaveras County apple farm, these yummy apples are sold here at Ironstone for only .75 cents a pound. Hard to find a better deal!  Coat those with carmel for all the family and friends...




 and bake those persimmon cookies!

Yes, fresh Persimmons!  These make the best Christmas cookies ... and only .50 cents a pound you can afford to stock up, bake up a storm and present the best Christmas presents around!  Ironstone has them both small and large.  All are here while supply lasts...



Monday, December 19, 2011

CALL To Artists reminder!

Just a reminder that the Theme Division entry forms for the 15th Annual Spring Obsession Art Show are due by Friday, January 6, 2012...


Open Division entry forms due Friday, Feb. 3, 2012.  Don't miss these deadlines. This is a great show to be part of.  

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Mr. Boots Update

Thank you so much from all our wonderful "Winery Pet Fans"! Your caring inquiries into Boots, Mia, Duke & the nameless one's well being are always appreciated. You are the reason they love coming to work...  


Today's update is for those of you who have been asking about Mr. Boots.  Mr. Boots was retired from the winery last year due to one too many run-ins with neighboring feral cats. He was a perfect tour guide, lap warmer and all around great feline that deserved a comfortable retirement.  Mr. Boots spent many an hour stretched out on the red velvet cushions of the 1800's love seat here in the Heritage Museum accepting all caresses that came his way.  Here is a reminder of those past lazy days.... 


Mr. Boots has been retired to a private, full service facility here in Calaveras County where he spends his days in full comfort.  He has access to the wild outdoors, but elects to remain inside in the comforts afforded to the very special in our lives.


Mr. Boots spends most of his hours in the comfort of his own bed with only the finest feather down pillows, flannel bedding * full down comforter for those chilly winter evenings ....




Upon rising in the later hours of the morning, Mr. Boots keeps himself in fine shape with regular stretching exercises with his personal trainer...




We here at Ironstone send Mr. Boots our best, we miss him dearly but know he is happy in his new home.  We will most certainly share any updates on Mr. Boots should he find the time to send us additional photos and news.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Gold sale continues through December

 Now through January 31st. Ironstone's Heritage Museum Celebrates 15 years with fantastic savings on Gold, Gold in Quartz, Silver Quartz & Star of Alaska jewelry.

The Star of Alaska is becoming one of our current favorites. This deep blue cobaltite shimmers with reflections from the pyrite embedded in these specimens. Set in either 14k white gold or "Platinum Sterling", these pieces are at a more affordable price range than the higher priced Gold in Quartz and uniquely beautiful.   Stop by to have a look and judge for yourself... we think you'll agree.
Also new are several pieces of Gold in Quartz simply set for a more masculine look.  I like this one in particular. The gold veining is thick throughout the slab. It is simple yet quite a conversation piece. We have it on a simple black cord, but, it would look even more spectacular in a heavier gold chain.

There is currently a huge selection of natural nuggets, Gold in Quartz & Silver in Quartz jewelry here for the remainder of December. Come in soon to see the entire collection.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

SOLD! And out the door

Just one of the Vaughn Pottery pieces sold. Ironstone Museum's collectors are keeping Bill & June Vaughn very busy these days. One of our guests visiting the Heritage Museum today has actually collected over 80 pieces of Vaughn Pottery!  As Bill says, they have been collecting for "----" years now.  I know I am getting a late start, but, love it!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

15th Anniversary Sale starts this weekend!!!

Join us as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary this Saturday and Sunday, with a unique showing and SALE of OROCAL Gold in Quartz and Natural Nugget Jewelry
This weekend is your opportunity to meet Orocal designers. Bring those treasured nuggets you have found or have inheritage and let Orocal select the perfect setting for your heirlooms. Learn more about Gold, Gold in Quartz and Natural Nuggets. 

It's BACK! Limited supply, reserve yours NOW!

It's not $125.00! Its not $99.95! It's not $85.00.... The popular Marble Game board is only $65.00!
Limited number available. If you want one for Christmas, better call or come in now. These beauties go FAST!!! Located in Ironstone's Heritage Museum or call 209 728 1251 ext #47 to reserve yours before they all go!

Star of Alaska comes to Ironstone Saturday!

The Star of Alaska comes to Ironstone, Saturday, Dec. 3rd. 11 - 5 and Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 - 3. Stunning!!! check it out here...  http://youtu.be/hN-OT0cU_To

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Call to artists! Deadline January, get your entries in!

The Deadlines for the 15th annual Spring Obsession Art Show competition are drawing near...  We already have over 40 paintings submitted for panel review.  This is the earliest we have ever received entries as the rush usually comes in mid December. We are looking forward to a spectacular show in 2012.  Be a part of all the fun, get your entries in.

Free Music @ Ironstone today till 4:00!

Getting set up for a great time at Ironstone! Come on out and hear the fun! Till 4:00 PM, Saturday only...

While you are here, stop in the Museum. We are celebrating Shop at Home Saturday with 20% off most of our jewelry lines.  If you miss us this Saturday, come celebrate our 15th Anniversary next weekend, Dec. 3 & 4 and meet the owner/designer of the stunning Gold in Quarts jewelry, OroCal. They will be showing off new designes and assisting you with design questions.



Sunday, October 30, 2011

Pumpkins! Silent Movie & Fun!

Friday night saw Pipe Organ Master, Dave Marino, bring alive classic Halloween silent movies and cartoons.Silent movie nights are always great fun, but, this friday brings the addition of Ironstone's Pumpkin Carving Contest with Silent Movie goers as the judges! Take a look at this years contestants and see if you can select the winning pumpkin! Stop by the Tasting Room to check out the entrants yourself and see if you agree with the judges!











Silent Movie attendees!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Call to Artists! Ironstone's 15th Annual Spring Obsession

Celebrating its 15th Anniversary this year, The Spring Obsession is a glorious entity in and of itself. An event that has grown and matured along side the many talented artists that have made The Spring Obsession such a fun and wonderful event.  Through the years, we have had the pleasure of watching The Spring Obsession artists grow, finding their niche and sucesses in the wide world of art.

In striking visual glory, inspiration for the canvas, The Spring Obsession also welcomes Ironstone's brilliant Daffodil & Tulip presentation. Master Gardner Larry Ringland brings forth that special weekend almost 600 half barrels of full color and delight.  With over 22 tons of daffodils planted throughout the grounds and into this barrel program, The Spring Obsession weekend is breathtaking.  A must see for everyone.

Team work prevails as the Ironstone Team tries to outdo the previous year's team in the decor of the Saturday afternoon's Artist Reception. From indoor garden parties to koi ponds to Obsession Wine trees, you never know what is in store! 

Our in house showman, Executive Chef James is always the hit with his Cooking Demonstrations on Spring Obsession Saturday.  Then again with his many food and wine pairing stations at the Gala Artist Reception that Saturday afternoon. 
You see him here at last years Oyster Station with Champagne no less! 


The Spring Obsession 2012 opens March 3 & 4th. at Ironstone Vineyards in beautiful Murphys. Artists are invited to download the prospectus for both the Theme Division and Open Division from this blog Ironstone's main site http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/

Mark you calendars now. This is an event you don't want to miss!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Vineyard Update from Winemaker Steve Millier

Out in the vineyard last week, Steve Millier, Ironstone's winemaker, was photographed checking the Chardonnay that will go into our Ironstone Reserve Chardonnay program. Looking good too!


On Monday October 3rd, we brought in our Sierra Foothills Estate Grown Viognier. The Viognier came in at 25 brix will go into our Reserve program. The flavors were wonderful and we are very pleased with the grapes.

Tuesday, Oct 4th, we picked our Sierra Foothills Estate Grown Chardonnay. Going into press the Chardonnay was at 24.2 brix and was showing intense flavors. This was a relief to get these grapes in before the midweek rain, which caused us a delay in harvest. We had possibly an inch of rain, but the soils in Murphys tend to dry quickly.

We picked our Muscat Canelli on October 7 & 8 ... stay tuned for more as the season progresses...

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Wine & Food? Chefs & Winemakers? All together now! Nov. 5th!

Yes, they all come together on November 5th here at Ironstone Vineyards for the 4th Annual Winegrape & Gourmet. Hosted by the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance, this winelovers afternoon features the Sierra Foothills’ top chefs preparing signature dishes which are paired exclusively with a wine selection from an award-winning Calaveras winery.  It can't be more fun munching and sipping all afternoon!  

This truely is a great friends get away event. Relaxing, fun and if you want, educational... yes, you can even learn a bit if you need to justify the afternnoon!  Some of our newer dining establishments will be here to show off their chefs along with our old favorites...

Here is a teaser that was released by the CWA;

Magnolia Café’s Polenta with Mushroom Ragu and Gruyere served with Albariño Acero from Metate Hill Vineyards.


Haven't tried Magnolia Cafe yet? Or Metate Hill's Albarino Acero? Ok then! Here you go!  All in one place!
This is such a fun event I suggest you get your tickets early and bring all your friends along... you can't go wrong!

For more info or to purchase tickets, check out CWA's website,  http://www.calaveraswines.org/my_weblog/4th-annual-calaveras-winegrape-gourmet.htm.
Remember, Saturday, November 5 from 1 to 4 pm at Ironstone Vineyards. $40 in advance, $50 at the door. 


A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Calaveras Food Bank