Lake County - Winery Tour

Lake County Visitor Info Center
6110 East Hwy 20
Lucerne, CA 95458
707-274-5652
800-525-3743

Just an hour north of the Napa Valley and only a half-hour from Mendocino County wineries are the wine regions of Lake County. The relaxed, rural atmosphere and clean air contribute to the refreshing character of these unspoiled regions. Well-known as a vacation and weekend getaway destination, Lake County is re-establishing its reputation for producing fine wines.

Lake County's Undiscovered Wine Country

Lake County Wine tour The communities of Lake County are alive with special events such as the Heron Festival at Clear Lake State Park (April); Wild West Day in Upper Lake and Middletown Days in Middletown (June); the Lake County Wine Adventure (July); the Kelseyville Pear Festival (September); Steele Wines Harvest Festival (October); Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day activities; as well as concerts year-round at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa and Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino. Call the Lake County Visitor Information Center for information on these and other events. The center is located at 6110 East Hwy 20 in Lucerne. The number is 800-525-3743 or 707-274-5652.

Lake County has been growing winegrapes since the mid-19th Century, long before vineyards were established in Napa and Sonoma counties. Prohibition spelled the end of commercial winegrowing in the region until the 1960’s, but Lake County’s wine industry is booming again with nearly 20 wineries, 135 growers and 8,800 acres of vineyards. Within easy reach of Napa and Sonoma, savy wine travelers are rediscovering the wines and beauty of Lake County’s Wine Country. We’ve prepared a quick overnight tour to introduced our readers to this exciting destination.

Day One:

Starting from St. Helena via Pope Valley, your first stop is 1-Langtry Estate (Read more here...). The winery overlooks the beautiful Detert Reservoir, and produces outstanding Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc. Leaving Langtry Estate drive North towards Hwy 29 and head to 2-Wildhurst Winery in Kelseyville. The tasting room is located in the restored Odd Fellows Hall building. Visitors are treated to a variety of wines including the celebrated Sauvignon Blanc as well as local merchandise. Next, stroll down to 3-Studebakers Deli and enjoy lunch where locals gather. After lunch, get back on Hwy 29 and head to 4-Steele Winery. Jed Steele was the founding winemaker at Kendall-Jackson and continues to turn out award winning Chardonnays. When you are finished tasting, head to Upper Lake and the beautifully restored 5-Tallman Hotel. Dinner is next door at the 6-Blue Wing Saloon where you will enjoy homestyle cooking prepared from locally grown ingredients and paired with local wines.

Day Two:

Before returning to Napa, head south on Hwy 20 to 7-Ceago Del Lago Winery (Read more here...). The beautiful winery rests on the shore of Clear Lake. Learn about Biodynamic farming and plans for the upcoming resort. Continue south to Hwy 53 and merge onto Hwy 29 and return to Napa via Calistoga. For winery hours see the directories in this section.

Contact Information:

Langtry Estate: 2100 Butts Canyon Rd, Middleton; 707-987-2385
Wildhurst Vineyards: 3855 Main St, Kelseyville; 707-279-4302
Studebaker's Deli: 3990 Main St, Kelseyville; 707-279-8871
Steele Wines: 4350 Thomas Dr, Kelseyville; 707-279-9475
Tallman Hotel: 9550 Main St, Upper Lake; 707-275-2244
Blue Wing Saloon: 9520 Main St, Upper Lake; 707-275-2233
Ceago Del Lago Winery: 5115 East Hwy 20, Nice; 707-274-1462