36 Hours in Lake County: Sauvignon Blanc Experience Weekend – Upper Lake Itinerary

April 27, 2018

Catch the wave of world-wide recognition of Lake County as an emerging wine region. Straight from the mouths of those who know, The Somm Journal: “The Lake County Eruption: The Region’s Wines Rumble with Intensity and Elegance.”
Our famous varietal Sauvignon Blanc will be showcased at an International Symposium, the Sauvignon Blanc Experience May 4-5 2018. Now’s the perfect time to visit Lake County California as we celebrate the wine called ‘sunshine in a glass.’
Coming into the county from the North Bay area on Highway 101?
Friday: Visit the City of 10,000 Buddha’s on Talmage Road in Ukiah. Walk the grounds of the school and monastery and visit the extraordinary temple.
Complete the short drive to Upper Lake, California for your stay at lovely The Tallman Hotel. Relax on the front porch of the hotel as you enjoy a glass of Lake County Sauvignon Blanc. Reserve a spot for dinner in the ambiance of the courtyard of The Blue Wing Restaurant and Saloon, just steps from your room. Stretch your legs after your drive with a walk down Main Street Upper Lake to peruse gift shops, antique and collectibles, and art. Stop by The Vintage Station Deli to view the Quilt Block on the north wall.
Visit Lake County Wine Studio. Meet the featured Artist of the Month and enjoy an art and wine reception with Stonehouse Cellars and artist Terry Taylor.
Cross the street to your room at The Tallman and down the steps to dinner at The Blue Wing.
Wrap up the day of travel with a soak in the Jacuzzi under our noteworthy nighttime skies and rekindle your love of stargazing in our dark skies sprinkled with thousands (millions!) of stars. If you’re all about soaking, make sure to book a room with ofuro soaking tub.
Saturday: Wake refreshed from a night in luxurious linens to a fine breakfast in The Tallman’s dining room. Rent kayaks, standup paddle board, or check out their huge fleet of electric boats at The Lodge at Blue Lakes to explore the shoreline of these deep and beautiful aptly named lakes. Take time to drive to Rodman Slough County Park on the Nice/Lucerne cutoff to hike the short trail up to a viewing spot and enjoy the abundant wildlife along the shores of Clear Lake.
Drive back to Upper Lake for lunch at The Vintage Station Deli before you head over to the Sauvignon Blanc Experience Grand Tasting at Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill. Make sure to venture out into downtown Kelseyville to visit the shops, tasting rooms, and brewery with a ride from McCarty’s Live Oak Belgians.
Meander Main Street to uncover more discoveries and then grab a swim in the pool and a soak in the Jacuzzi. Rinse, repeat with dinner at The Blue Wing and another night of star gazing and peaceful sleep. Reserve a place for brunch tomorrow. Good night, sleep tight.
Sunday: Country roads, take me for a walk. Find your own way or ask for direction from the hotel, but don’t miss a leisurely morning stroll through Upper Lake. Walking and talking works up an appetite so you’ll be ready for Sunday brunch at The Blue Wing.
Lace up the hikers and head to Clear Lake State Park, Kelseyville and enjoy the boardwalk trail to see waterfowl, otters, and turtles. Life is good out in nature. Grab coffee at Studebakers in historic downtown Kelseyville before you head back to The Tallman.
Order up a cheese board with a Lake County Sauvignon Blanc pairing of local goat cheeses at The Blue Wing. Local goat cheese by Bodega and Yerba Santa Dairy. Take a dip, read a book, cat nap before dinner at Mi Chelas for Mexican food to knock your socks off. They do breakfast too, so plan on a re-do!
Repeat Friday’s successful equation: Soak, stargaze, and sleep under the clean air of Lake County.
Monday: Breakfast at Mi Chela’s or back to The Tallman Hotel dining room before you head home, with plans of your next Lake County trip taking shape in your head. Maybe next time a stay at The Lodge at Blue Lakes and a pontoon boat reunion with friends? Did your best friend (Rover) have to stay home? Well, we’re as dog-friendly as they come. Have dog, will travel? We’re dog (and people) friendly! Check out the latest and greatest all things dogs in Lake County on https://dogtrekker.com/Destination/Lake_County
We say yes. Just do it. Come on back soon.
More information about visiting Lake County CA. https://lakecounty.com, our visitor guide Destinations 2018 https://www.lakecochamber.com/destinations2018/