Winter / Spring 2008

A Real Wine Adventure in Lake County

In a not-so-remote place in Northern California, a real wine adventure awaits. Home to California’s cleanest air and largest natural freshwater lake, Lake County is the perfect setting for a wine adventure to remember.

Beckoning the adventurous visitor for a memorable wine tasting journey, Lake County offers a vast and varied territory to explore the area’s pastoral character, its small-town charm, and its stunningly scenic landscape with mountains and meadows, hills and valleys, orchards and vineyards.

A drive along picturesque mountain roads begins the adventure. People are genuinely friendly here and the relaxed lifestyle is evident. As if on cue, visitors seem to naturally relax and kick back as they begin to savor their own personal wine tasting experience.

Visitors may experience the friendly hospitality at a tasting room located in a turn-of-the-century one-room schoolhouse, journey down a country road to discover an off-the-grid, eco-responsible winery, wander into welcoming tasting rooms along a charming Main Street, or even stroll through lavender fields at a lakeside Mediterranean-style vinegarden.

At many Lake County tasting rooms, it’s likely that guests will find themselves across the counter from the winery owner or winemaker, or on a vineyard tour where they might meet the growers who are passionately dedicated to the terroir and understand that wine starts and ends with the grape. What visitors won’t find in Lake County are overcrowded wine tasting bars or overpriced, skimpy taster portions.

With highly acclaimed regions like Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties just next door, Lake County has patiently waited for its moment to shine, and shine it has. In just the past few years, the area’s wine industry has boomed, growing from just a handful of wineries to more than twenty. Several well-respected winemakers from other well-known areas have discovered the quality of the grape, and have opened innovative tasting rooms and launched exciting new wine brands.

Wine critics are taking notice—not just of the area’s Sauvignon Blanc, for which it has been traditionally known, but for classics like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Syrah, and lesser-known yet equally delicious varietals like Tempranillo, Barbera, and Viognier.

Whether for a first trip or a return visit, Lake County during any season reveals something special–springtime wildflower blooms and bud break, summer fun and water sports, autumn colors and harvest flavors, and winter’s chilly air and cozy tasting rooms. So be adventurous. Travel Lake County’s Wine Route and discover the undiscovered wine country.

A few other adventures

Ceago Del Lago

Situated along two miles of lakeshore, owned and operated by Jim Fetzer, promotes a holistic farming environment and is a showcase of biodynamic winemaking and agriculture.
707.274.1462, www.ceago.com.

Eleven Roses Ranch

Enjoy a mule drawn wagon, or carriage charter, “agro-tour” of the historic family ranch while tasting Lake County wines ending with an authentic mouth-watering chuck wagon barbecue.
707.998.4471, www.elevenrosesranch.com.

Harbin Hot Springs

Offering a spa, resort, and retreat center guests are invited to soak in the natural hot, warm, and cool spring pools, hike through the hills, or take advantage of various massage treatments.
707.987.2477, 800.622.2477, or www.harbin.org.

Lake County Aerial Tours

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of breathtaking valleys, mountains, and lakes with a flight tour in a fully restored World War II Stearman Biplane, or take the controls of a Piper Aircraft during a one-hour flight lesson with experienced flight instructors. 707.263.9920,
www.707ucanfly.com.

Top of Konocti Trails

Enjoy a peak experience with a 3½ hour guided hike to the Peak of Mount Konocti which offers a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting. Varied menu selections available.
707.245.7322, www.topofkonocti.com

Local Wine Tours

Lake County Wine Tours, 707.998.4471,
www.lakecountywinetours.com, A Taste of Lake County Wine Tour,
888.987.2376, www.aeroshuttleservice.com

For a complete listing of wine-related events and activities, please contact the Lake County Visitor Information Center at 800.525.3743 or online at www.lakecounty.com.