Brice Station Vineyard is a truly unique Murphys area destination. The ranch features a pottery shop, fine art offerings, blacksmithing, organic gardens — and, of course, wine! 

At 3,300 feet, Brice Station is one of the highest vineyards in California. The winery was originally part of a homestead deed signed by President McKinley in 1900. In 1943 Paul (senior) and Kitty Quyle purchased the land with the reward he was given for apprehending one of the F.B.I.’s 10 most-wanted criminals (a very bad man who killed 26 people in the course of his bank-robbing career). During this time, new owners Paul and Kitty gave Mr. Brice a life-time estate on the land.

In 1954 Paul (junior) and Joyce Quyle built Quyle Kilns clay and pottery business, now the second oldest manufacturing business in Calaveras County.

In 1976 Dolores Quyle, middle daughter of Paul and Joyce, married Stuart Mast, a 5th generation farmer from Yolo County.  Stuart and Dolores helped operate the clay and pottery business, started a family of their own, and in 1993, planted the first acre of wine grapes.

The winery is also part of WOOF — World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms — and hosts volunteers seeking experience working on farms in exchange for room and board.

Cabernet Franc

Brice Station’s Cabernet Franc is winemaker Stuart Mast’s current “go-to” wine. He said the Cab is fruit-forward and has a very nice, smooth fruity finish for a dry wine. The Cabernet Franc was paired with toast points with fig jam and gorgonzola cheese.

Fire Season Red

Named Fire Season Red due to the blend of Syrah grapes that were touched by the Butte Fire in 2015, making them too sweet on their own, and Brice Station’s cabernet sauvignon, this wine is a favorite of local firefighters. Dolores Mast paired this mild red blend with a shrimp dip and chips. It also pairs well with ribs or barbecued beef or pork.

Merlot

The Merlot is paired with cocktail cheese wafers, a recipe Dolores got from her aunt who did a lot of entertaining. The hor d‘oeuvres include cheddar cheese, butter and rice cereal and pair well with the medium-bodied red taste of the Merlot.

BRICE STATION WINERY
3353 E. Highway
Murphys, CA 95247 

Contact: 
www.bricestation.com

Hours: 
The tasting room is open from noon to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.