Visiting a Winery or Vineyard in Lake County, CA
Strolling Through Wineries and Vineyards in Northern California
Nov 4, 2009
Before Prohibition, Lake County was home to many wineries and vineyards. Today the county is becoming more widely recognized as a good location for wineries and vineyards.
Discover the Terroir in this California County
The land can be mountainous. Volcanoes created mountains and vineyards in the county have volcanic red soil. Clear Lake provides some warmth and a breeze passes over the lake to moderate the growing conditions in nearby vineyards.
Snows Lake Vineyards in Lake County, California
Snows Lake Vineyards with 810 acres of vineyards produces wine and sells tons of grapes to other wineries. The vineyards are located in the new Red Hills AVA. The soil here consists of red volcanic soil that is ideal for vineyards. The grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Syrah, and Zinfandel. These ultra premium grapes are sold to Dynamite, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Rosenblum, Cakebread and La Famiglia and other wineries. Snows Lake began producing their own wine with the 2004 vintage. Snows Lake One and Snows Lake Two wines are available in California and on the Internet.
Fortress Vineyards in Red Hills AVA
Fortress Vineyards is located high above Clear Lake, California’s largest natural lake. The vineyards are also in the Red Hills AVA. The views are outstanding. The 70 acres of vineyards include Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Semillon and Albarino. These vineyards are 100 percent sustainable. Wines produced include Sauvignon Blanc, Petite Sirah and Finale produced from Semillon. The wines are available around the country and online. Several of the wines are rating in the 90s on the 100-point scale.
A Biodynamic Winery in Lake County
Ceàgo Vinegarden is a biodynamic winery and provides a congenial respite for weary travelers. The Mediterranean-style facility is enhanced with landscaping that is delightful. Visitors will discover gardens of herbs and vegetables plus a pasture where sheep may be grazing. The vineyards have been certified by Demeter USA since 1996. The winery can be reached by helicopter, boat or car.
Brassfield Estate Winery Established in the Shadow of an Extinct Volcano
Brassfield Estate Winery is located in a valley created by Round Mountain volcano. The vineyards extend up the hillsides. Tastings are generally outside under a patio roof of the facility where one can view the vineyards and Round Mountain. The vineyards consist of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Malbec. Wines produced at Brassfield are 100 percent estate grown.
Langtry Estate & Vineyards
Started by a former British Actress Langtry Estate & Vineyards offers visitors a history dating back to 1888 when actress, Lillie Langtry owner of the property had Syrah planted. Today the one lone survivor is valiantly producing fruit. The Langtry Estate & Vineyards property is immense consisting of 34 square miles. On this property the current owners have 500 acres of vineyards that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
Current Lake County wineries respect nature. Some provide a passage of safety for animals to travel through. Some use sustainable farming methods. Those who choose to move to or open wineries and vineyards would do well to look at the current Lake County wineries and follow their example.
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