Winegrape Varietals Grown in Lake County
Lake County winegrape growers take great pride in producing top quality varietals ranging from remarkable Sauvignon Blancs to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and several others.
Big Valley’s terroir is home to refreshing Sauvignon Blancs, establishing Lake County as one of the premier California regions for the varietal. Volcanic Kelsey Bench and the gravel seams in Big Valley District produce intense and balanced Zinfandels and Cabernet Francs. Chardonnay, Viogner, Riesling, and Merlot are also grown in the Big Valley and Kelsey Bench AVAs.
In the High Valley AVA, growers are producing award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir.
Middletown, with its distinction of having the oldest winegrape vines in California – dating back to the 1850s – is home to top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, and Pinot Noir.
In the Red Hills of Lake County, high elevation vineyards produce excellent Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel.
And in Upper Lake, winegrape growers are cultivating high quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel vineyards.
Nearly 170 growers are committed to continue Lake County’s tradition of producing exceptional fruit and wines.
