Life without creative expression is stifling. Human beings have the need to be creative in…read morewhatever outlet that might be. While I am not artistic, I certainly appreciate artistic expression. I enjoy visiting museums, art galleries and art studios. I am in awe when I view many of the amazing works created by the artists. Thankfully, Murphys has its share of art galleries where one can go to appreciate a variety of creations. The newest one to open is Independent. The store is a working studio for the owner. It is also a retail location where customers can purchase paintings, woodwork, children's clothing, soy candles, ceramics and glass work. Most of the art is produced locally. Independent also carries art supplies so you can let your creativity flow. I feel it is so important to support our creative artists. They create beautiful pieces of art in so many forms for us to enjoy. So, if you ever have one of those days when you can't think of anything to do, go visit an art gallery and support the artists. Happy viewing!

This shop is so cute! They have a lot of locally made items and some other hand made items from…read morethis region. The lady who was working was really nice and conversational while we were browsing. They have a selection of some really dainty and pretty jewelry like this ring I bought and now love! Prices were great for the quality!

This review is all about the art gallery in Murphys which shows its art pieces within the tasting…read moreroom called Allegorie. Ms Stine is a very creative artist and hand makes all of the art on display. A wide variety of her art can be seen on her web site, www.stariastine.com She is constantly placing new pieces on display and for sale. This is some of the most beautiful art I've ever seen. There are also hand made jewelry pieces for sale. When you are in Murphys and are looking for a once in a lifetime gift for your loved one, stop in and check out the beautiful pieces on display. You won't be sorry you did. And while your there try tasting some of Calaveras counties finest wines. I am including in this Yelp review the Artists Statement, with the Artists permission, this statement also appears on the web site. 5 thumbs up here folks. Driven by my curiosity and passion for the natural environment, I am interested in the complex tension that occurs between the man made and organic world. As human evolution becomes increasingly dominated by technology and science, our connection with the natural environment has gradually become more distant, reformulating what we consider to be natural or synthetic. As we continue to advance as a species, it is obvious that we share the mutual desire with nature to survive, to persevere, and to thrive successfully. Through this, I have found that a symbiotic relationship is not always formed, constructing an intricate tension within our co-evolutionary development. Primarily, I find most interesting the issues of how we view, understand, and attempt to reconstruct the natural world around us. With our scientific knowledge of nature being relatively surface (but more highly revered), we continue to try to harness the unknown and untame. By sorting information into rigid systems and highly structured formats through studies and testing, dissection and experimentation, we continue our pursuit of harnessing the unknown. Being crucial to our existence, our desire and need to control and manipulate nature is evident. The effects of this are revealed in the ways that we address our bodies through contemporary medicine, and confront the issues of birth and death by means of synthetic intervention and treatment. Similar are the ways in which we cultivate our foods using genetic modification and chemical supplement to optimize results, radically shifting our ideals of what we consider food and health to be. The aspect in which these artificial and organic elements collide and integrate physically and visually through our current events inspires me to further initiate a dialogue and question this dichotomy through my work. Working abstractly in both organic and manmade materials, I hope to allow the viewer a new opportunity to investigate and question the delicate nature of this equation and reconstruct what we assume as ordinary, embrace a renewed curiosity of the natural, and become re-enchanted with the familiar.

The tasting room, while nothing fancy, is roomy and inviting, with their resident dog greeting…read moreeveryone who comes in. Personally I like their red more than their white. Unlike other tasting rooms they do not charge a flat rate tasting fee. In fact, they don't charge, trusting that you will want to buy a bottle or two instead, out of enjoyment or guilt (saying this in jest - their wine is perfectly nice and the guys there do know their wine).

On the Main Street in downtown Murphys, the tasting room has plenty of seating indoors, along the…read morebar and outside as well. Not sure how much tastings actually cost, but I believe it runs the gamut of most of the fees in the area which average about $15 per person. The owner didn't say how much the fee was but that we would "work something out." I tried about 6-7 different wines, my favorite being a rare Italian varietal (can't recall the name) but at $70 a bottle it was out of my price range.

Upping my rating to 5 stars. Stopped by on a rainy day no one was there. the server was Florence…read moreand she was delightful and seemed glad to have the company. It was a fantastic tasting we tasted a lot of different wines and bought several. The quality is good here better than most Murphys wineries and we have tasted quite a few however you will pay a premium they are bit pricey as well. I was tempted to join the wine club but we belong to so many already and I didn't want to commit to quarterly pickups if they had a semi annual option I probably would have joined. We will be back!

To call this place a hidden gem fits it perfectly…read more As a Sommelier I enjoyed all of the wines. Ken, who was working the wine bar was experienced and knowledgeable about the wines and the region. Another couple in my party joined the wine club. I totally recommend them.

Such a great place. Had a friend visiting from New Hampshire so we stopped in and Linda was…read moreamazing. She has the best personality that is warm and welcoming. Will certainly be back to see my new friend Linda.

We had such a good time at Millaire this weekend! Linda was an amazing host! She was so kind and…read morefriendly, we definitely will be back.

The personal attention and knowledge of the server were great…read more She was friendly and knowledgeable about the wines and the Murphys area. The location is convenient on Main Street with seating where you could hear (some views) of the creek. Not vineyard views but quiet, comfortable and a great place to try some wines. We enjoyed the wines from Milliaire.

The wine was excellent, the service even better! Linda was amazing and such a sweet and funny…read moresoul. We would come back just to visit her!

First time here and we enjoyed our visit and Sue was delightful and let us taster quite a few…read moredifferent wines. Tasting room is very small so this was the first time after trying a couple previous times we found room to sit at the bar and taste. I really wanted to like the wines more since it was a good experienece but to my palate they were pretty average for Murphys nothing really stood out as a must buy. We left with a couple bottles wines but will stick to our favorite wineries in the area for future tastings.

Gossamer Cellars has a friendly, welcoming tasting room, and the owners are incredibly kind and…read moreknowledgeable. They take time to talk with everyone and make you feel comfortable. We'd definitely recommend it and can't wait to come back!

Came about an hour before closing but they still accommodated us!…read more The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable. The flights and snacks were super delicious. We tasted wines, cheese and crackers that were so unique! Great selection on cheese, snacks, and gifts to take home. Cannot wait to be back!

FOOD/DRINKS: all the cheeses were really good 4.5/5 - 2017…read moreGrenache 4/5 - 2016 Mourvedre 4/5 - 2015 Cotes du Calaveras 3.75/5 - 2015 Syrah 4/5 SERVICE: Our host was welcoming, friendly, and accommodating. 5/5 FINAL THOUGHTS: We would come back. We love a wine and cheese pairing.