Visit Lake County
Come up to California’s Lake County and taste high-elevation wines, craft brews, and olive oils.
Visit several distinct AVA’s to find some of the youngest volcanic soils in the North Coast – bright red dirt shot with chunks of black glass-like obsidian in the Red Hills or High Valley – or ancient uplifted riverbeds with well-drained gravelly content and deep alluvial deposits in the Big Valley District, Upper Lake Valley, or Kelsey Bench. Experience the history of Lilly Langtry's Guenoc Valley or find out why Long Valley is pushing the boundaries of Lake County wine country.
Soak in the stunning scenery. Get active at your own pace – biking, hiking, fishing, paddling. Kick back at a farm or winery stay, lakeside, cabin, hotel or cozy inn.
Located in Northern California, north of the San Francisco Bay Area, it is closer than you think! Located slightly inland from the Pacific Ocean and bordered by Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Glenn, Colusa, and Yolo counties. Travel times and distances -
For information on wineries and events, visit Lake County Winery Association.
For places to stay and things to see visit Lake County, CA Wine Country Done Differently
Where to Go in Lake County -Tips from Local Experts
Two types of visitors venture to Lake County, Joy Merrilees, Director of Winemaking for Shannon Ridge says: “history buffs and outdoor adventure seekers.” People interested in the past head to the remains of 19th-century geothermal spas at Highland Springs and Witter Springs. Several old stagecoach stops dot the region, which include Six Sigma Ranch and the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum, which hosts monthly Fiddler’s Jams. The Lakeport Historic Courthouse Museum tells the Native American story.
People interested in the past head to the remains of 19th-century geothermal spas at Highland Springs and Witter Springs.
Merrilees, whose parents were hippies who moved back to the land, was born in Lake County and embraces the open spaces. She recommends the Konocti Regional Trails kayak maps for Clear Lake and says that a good bass guide like Chris Childers makes fishing a sure victory.
