Cruv

California wine region

Lake County Wineries and Tasting Rooms

High-elevation vineyards on volcanic soil sit around Clear Lake, north of Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are building a name.

15+ places in Cruv · 8 upcoming events

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Wide view over the Red Hills vineyards and farmland of Lake County, California, from the slopes of Mount Konocti.

At a glance

Places in Cruv
15+
Upcoming events
8
Known for
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Merlot
  • Malbec
Nearest city
About 35 miles by road from Calistoga

Areas in Lake County

  • High Valley and Clear Lake

    High Valley, near Clearlake Oaks, runs east-west, with most vineyards between 1,600 and 2,400 feet. The Clear Lake AVA, from 1984, centers on the lake, with vineyards from lake level to volcanic ridges.

    10+ places in Cruv

  • Big Valley District and Kelsey Bench

    Big Valley, a basin beside Mount Konocti, is one of the county's coolest AVAs and suits Sauvignon Blanc. Kelsey Bench, rising above Kelseyville, runs warmer than Big Valley; both date from 2013.

    7 places in Cruv

  • Red Hills

    Iron-rich red volcanic soil gives this AVA, on the lake's southwest side near Lower Lake, its name. Vineyards climb to about 2,600 feet, and Cabernet Sauvignon does especially well.

    5 places in Cruv

Also in Lake County: Guenoc Valley.

Know before you go

Reservations and fees
Check each tasting room's reservation and fee rules before you go. Tasting fees are often waived with a bottle purchase.
Getting there
From the Bay Area, Highway 101 north reaches Highway 175 at Hopland or Highway 20 past Ukiah. Highway 29 runs from Napa Valley to Middletown; from Interstate 5, take Highway 20 west at Williams.
Best time to visit
Autumn is harvest season, when growers also bring in pears and walnuts and the leaves change color. Winter brings smaller crowds, and with no grapes to pick, you may get more time with vintners.
Getting around
Clear Lake's shoreline stretches more than 100 miles, so cluster your stops by town. Plan a designated driver, a rideshare or a tour.

The county's official calendar lists live music, festivals, food events, holiday events, fishing and boating events, and wine, beer and cocktail events.

Lake County on the map

Map of California showing Lake County west of Sacramento (California wine regions)

Nearby wine regions

  • Napa Valley

    California's first AVA centers on a narrow valley floor about 35 miles long and is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

    340+ places in Cruv · 100+ upcoming events

  • Mendocino County

    North of Sonoma County, fog-cooled Anderson Valley pours Pinot Noir and sparkling wine, while warmer Redwood Valley is known for Zinfandel.

    55+ places in Cruv · 10+ upcoming events

  • Sonoma County

    In northern Sonoma County, pick a valley: Russian River for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Dry Creek for Zinfandel, or Alexander for Cabernet Sauvignon.

    340+ places in Cruv · 100+ upcoming events