Calaveras County 2026
About
Frog's Tooth Winery Celebrates 27 Years
When we planted our vineyard, no winery in the county had yet embraced “frog” as part of its name. We wanted something memorable that reflected our local heritage without being overly whimsical. Then, one night, "Tooth" appeared in owner Larry Alderman's dream—and yes, frogs really do have teeth! That dream became the beginning of the Frog's Tooth story, a story we continue to write every day.
Our journey began in 1999 with the purchase of 67 acres in the Salt Springs region of Copperopolis. In 2001, we planted our first vineyard with two red and two white grape varieties. Our inaugural harvest came in 2005, followed by the opening of our Murphys Tasting Room on August 1, 2007.
In 2008, Larry and his sons built the winery, creating the foundation for what Frog's Tooth is today. Over the years, we have expanded the property with a bridal suite, outdoor deck, pavilion, and covered crush pad, allowing us to host weddings, celebrations, private events, and camping experiences. Whatever you're celebrating, we'd love to be part of it!
Our commitment to quality starts in the vineyard. We continually graft new grape varieties onto our original 10 acres of established rootstock. Recently, we budded 1,300 additional vines, and once they reach full maturity, our vineyard will feature eight red and four white varieties. This ongoing evolution brings us ever closer to producing wines that are almost entirely estate grown.
Visitors are always welcome to experience the beauty and tranquility of our vineyard. Whether you're traveling with an RV or simply looking for a peaceful getaway, you can stay with us through Harvest Hosts, RV Overnights, Good Sam, Hipcamp, or by reserving directly with the winery. Relax among the vines, meet the winemaking team, and enjoy our award-winning wines.
Larry and his wife Pamela have built more than a winery—they've built a community. Family, friends, partners, and loyal Wine Club members have all played a role in our success. Many members have been with us since the very beginning, and together we've created lasting memories, including our popular European river cruises held every other year. We're already looking forward to our next adventure in 2028.
In May 2024, the addition of winemaker Tana Cole marked an exciting new chapter for Frog's Tooth. Tana's meticulous attention to both the vineyard and the cellar has elevated the quality of every wine we produce. Her work has already been recognized with numerous awards, including gold and silver medals at the 2025 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Calaveras Wine Competition, the Orange County Wine Competition, and a Double Gold at the Foothill Wine Festival. The 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition brought even more recognition with Double Gold, Gold, and silver medals. Every wine crafted under Tana's direction has earned a medal.
As we continue to grow, our mission remains unchanged: to stay true to our boutique roots while producing exceptional wines. We know great wine comes from careful craftsmanship, personal relationships, and an unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. At Frog's Tooth Winery, you're not just another customer—you're part of our story...welcome to the Frog Pond!
Calaveras County is famous for Mark Twain's tale, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County...