Welcome to the North Coast wine country's best kept secret: Lake County, California. One of the most exciting grape growing regions today, Lake County is once again thriving as grape growers and vintners alike discover the superb quality of Lake County grapes. With a history as rich as its soil, Lake County is once again producing grapes used in some of the finest wines in the world. The first Lake County vineyards were planted in the 1870s. By 1900 Lake County wines were winning awards in international competition, and the region was earning a reputation for producing some of the world's greatest wines. However, in 1920, Prohibition forced an end to Lake County wine production. Most of the vineyards were eventually ripped out and planted with other crops.

Lake County's re-emergence in the wine industry began in the 1960s when a few visionary growers discovered the area's winegrape potential and began planting new vineyards. From less than 100 acres in 1965, vineyard acreage has grown to over 8,800 acres today and is expected to double in the next ten years.

With the growing popularity of Lake County wines, Lake County's grape and wine industry continues to expand. Existing wineries are growing, and new vintners are moving into the region. Today the county has 18 wineries. Several out-of-county wineries, including Beringer, Kendall-Jackson, and Sutter Home, own Lake County vineyards. Some of the most prestigious wineries purchase Lake County winegrapes including: Beringer, Fetzer's Vineyards, Guenoc Winery, Kendall-Jackson, Parducci, and Wildhurst as well as over 50 Napa-Sonoma wineries that purchase Lake County winegrapes from independent growers.

Included in California's prestigious North Coast American Viticultural Area, Lake County is a region whose quality can stand on its own. Unique geographical factors such as the microclimates, soil types, and Clear Lake, all contribute to the growing of outstanding winegrapes. Our fine wines and quality fruit are rapidly re-establishing Lake County's reputation for producing excellent wines. Lake County wines are consistent award winners at major wine competitions and have been enjoyed at the White House.

Lake County is part of the prestigious North Coast winegrape growing region - along with Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino. Lake County winegrape growers produce premium and ultra premium varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Barbera, and Zinfandel.

Lake County winegrapes are the largest agricultural crop in Lake County, with annual sales of $40 million dollars. Approximately 35,000 tons of winegrapes will be harvested in 2007, which began the last week of August. Almost all of those grapes will be crushed and made into premium and ultra premium wines - wines that cost from $14.00 per bottle on up.

About the Lake County Winegrape Commission

The Lake County Winegrape Commission has also contributed to the success enjoyed by Lake County winegrape growers. Being one of only two winegrape commissions in the state of California, Lake County growers are committed to the success of their product - from the vineyards, to the wineries, and in the marketplace. Established in 1991, the commission supports and manages the marketing efforts of winegrape growers in Lake County. The Lake County Winegrape Commission is a state marketing order operating under the California Department of Food and Agriculture and voted in by Lake County winegrape growers. Growers assess themselves 1% of their total sales volume each year, for marketing, research and education programs. The Commission's programs are managed by seven board members who are voted in by the growers each year.