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 removed 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 wine grape 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 continue to expand. 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 five wineries. Several out-of-county wineries, including Beringer, Kendall-Jackson, Louis Martini and Sutter Home, own Lake County vineyards. Prominent wineries such as Fetzer, Dynamite, and Beringer Blass are among nearly 150 different out-of county wineries that purchase Lake County grapes from independent growers.

How fast is Lake County re-emerging as one of the wine industry's fastest growing regions? The animated photo at the right documents the development of a typical hillside vineyard in Lake County’s mountainous hillsides from planting in the spring, through harvest.

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 grapes. 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.

Quality grapes and quality wines. In Lake County vineyards and at Lake County wineries, the future is now.

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