Talking Points

Clear Lake, CA

Lake County lies in the northernmost region of the internationally recognized North Coast appellation that includes Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties. Still primarily a rural area dotted with small towns and family ranches, Lake County is bordered on the south by the Mayacamas Mountains and on the north by the Mendocino National Forest.

Located in the geographic center of Lake County is Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California with over 110 miles of shoreline. Estimated to be more than 2½ million years old, Clear Lake may also be the oldest natural lake in North America. The lake attracts visitors year round for boating, fishing and waterskiing. Clear Lake is 18 miles long by 9 miles wide, with 43,000 acre-feet of water and an average depth of 28 feet.

Overlooking Clear Lake on its western shore is Mount Konocti, a dormant multiple volcano that forms a prominent landmark in the region. Mount Konocti rises to an elevation of 4,300 feet above sea level, while at its foot Clear Lake sits at 1,326 feet above sea level. The moderate elevations found in Lake County contribute to the favorable growing conditions in the region.

Lake County resides in the continental overthrust zone between the Pacific and North America tectonic plates, and consequently displays an abundance of volcanic activity - from the bubbling sulphur springs in Clear Lake and geothermal geysers in the Mayacamas mountains, to the obsidian-rich soils produced by ancient lava flows from Mount Konocti. The soils in the area are primarily a combination of pyroclastic and sedimentary types and are heavy with volcanic and mineral content. The unique variety of soil types make Lake County a geologically rich area that continues to be the subject of scientific research and an excellent foundation for growing grapes.

Numerous microclimates can be found in Lake County due to the mountainous regions that surround Clear Lake at the center of the county. The county experiences a 50-degree differential between its daytime and nighttime temperatures, producing very warm days with cool, clear nights. The dramatic temperature range contributes to the quality of winegrapes grown in the region by preserving acidity and slowing the ripening process. Unlike other counties to the south, Lake County has limited fog and moisture, which also appears to be an advantage for growing winegrapes. It is thought that the cold, clear nights may have contributed to the absence of the glassy-winged sharp shooter in Lake County, an insect that is plaguing growers in Napa and Sonoma Counties.

Another benefit for growers is the excellent air quality in Lake County. For the 16th year in a row, Lake County has been designated by the California Air Resources Board as the only county in the state to meet all air quality standards, including the visibility standard, a measure of air clarity.

Lake County's 135 winegrape growers are committed to sustainable growing techniques. Over 70% of growers have voluntarily participated in the Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook Program, a statewide program that instructs growers on how to assess their expertise in environmental and sustainable growing methods. In addition, Lake County growers have formed irrigation workgroups that meet several times a year to learn today's approaches to irrigation management. Lake County growers know that effective irrigation management is crucial to high quality winegrape production and can save them money on water and power.

Our quality fruit and fine wines are rapidly establishing Lake County as an excellent region for growing premium winegrapes. Lake County wines are repeat award winners at major competitions and have been enjoyed at the White House. Up to 85% of Lake County winegrapes are purchased by wineries outside the county, primarily by those located in Napa and Sonoma counties, to produce high quality wines and wine blends.