Lake County -The Mountains of the North Coast

Lake County

The Mountains of the North Coast

On the elevated ridges and flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Range to the east, Lake County’s 8,380 acres of vineyards ring one of the oldest geological lakes in North America. Under cobalt blue skies that boast the purest air in California, some one hundred and forty growers cultivate vines in an astounding array of soils, from rocky volcanic highlands to mountain valleys lined with gravelly river courses.

Lake County’s intensity of place — climate, soils and sunlight — produces grapes and wines of compelling quality and character.  

Quality and Pricing in Line with the New Wine Market

High quality, varietally true grapes with prices targeted for $10- $30 programs. Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as other varietals (Chardonnay, Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel) have gained industry recognition with multiple high scoring wines, the evolution of some 250 Lake County labeled wines and the inclusion in a number of North Coast wine programs.

Compelling Terroir

The Mountains of the North Coast

The Mayacamas and Vaca Ranges join and rise in Lake County. The majority of the region’s vineyards are planted at 1,500’ and above and the higher elevations enjoy higher ultraviolet light levels promoting phenolic intensity with balance. The appellation boasts the purest air quality in California (Cal EPA), some of the youngest soils in the North Coast and one of the oldest lakes in North America.

Professional

Lake County Has Evolved from Historical, to Traditional to Professional

The County boasts of a small, experienced cadre of growers who have planted right varietals in the right locations at the industry standard.

Lake County has become a center of industry research on Sauvignon Blanc and effects of elevation through The Elevation of Wine Symposia and the website elevationofwine.org. The Lake County Winegrape Commission integrates research and education with the UC Extension system, The California Association of Winegrape Growers and other organizations.

Sustainable

Higher, Drier, Shorter, Colder

Higher and drier mountains have less pest and mildew pressure, cold winters reduce pest populations and a shorter season requires fewer applications. As a result Lake County has among the lowest pesticide use of any wine region in California. Lake County’s Winegrowing Sustainability Coordinator tracks this measurement using the CA Pesticide Use Reports.