Lake County was etched out of Napa County in 1861 and vineyard cultivation began in 1870. Lake County is surrounded by Napa and Mount St. Helena to the south, Sonoma to the southwest and Mendocino to the west. Wine country tourists and locals alike know this region mostly for Clear Lake, California's largest freshwater lake, and not for the amazing wineries and vineyards housed within its borders. Today Lake County is slowly building a reputation for its fine quality wineries which lack the high tourist traffic sometimes seen in other parts of wine country.
During the last century, vinters have learned that volcanic soil is an ideal substrate for growing wine-grapes and this region has a plethora of volcanoes, most notably Mt. Konocti. The prosperity of this wine region is due to the perfect climate for growing wine-grapes and the vinters will to produce high quality products. One of the best ways to experience all that Lake County has to offer is to drive around Clear Lake. A wine country tourist can explore many of the wineries and small towns of the region. Lake County exudes country Americana at its finest and all wine lovers will prize this area for its exquisite wine and small town charm.
