Lake County

Most of Lake County's vineyards thrive in the old volcanic soils of the Clear Lake basin, 1,350 feet above sea level in the northern Mayacamas Mountains. This area can become quite warm during the summer grape-growing season, but the daytime heat is moderated by Pacific breezes and the thermal mass of Clear Lake.

Spring comes later in Lake County than in Napa or Sonoma. The growing season is relatively short, but premium varietal wine grapes reach their full physiological and flavor maturity. This short growing season yields varietal flavors that are exuberant, fresh, and zesty. The flavor characteristics of the grapes encourage winemaking that takes advantage of such youthful appeal.