Vino in the High Valley: Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards

Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards has been a beloved staple in Lake County for over 20 years, serving up sips of vintage cabs, pinots, syrahs, sauv blancs and  rosés,  to thirsty locals and traveling connoisseurs alike. Nestled on 3,000 acres in the visually arresting High Valley just north of Clear Lake, Brassfield’s rolling vineyards benefit from varied elevations ranging 1,800 to 3,000 feet, with pronounced temperature fluctuations that help to cultivate the robust, well-rounded varietals Brassfield is known for.

Jerry Brassfield purchased the original 1,600 acres in 1973 which was a cattle ranch and wildlife preserve.  By the late ‘90s, Jerry Brassfield was eyeing the possibility of a vineyard, and in 2001, development began with the planting of its award winning Sauvignon Blanc vineyard.  Today, Brassfield is a Certified California Sustainable Winegrower with over 500 acres planted under vine.  Several of their wines can be found in retail shops and restaurants across the country.

Like Lake County itself, Brassfield’s vintage selection is Clearly Different—one of those unicorns praised by hard-to-impress oenophiles (that’s fancy speak for “wine experts”) and casual imbibers alike; you can find it winning awards and high ratings at highly competitive events (like the Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge) or being snatched off the shelves of your local supermarket. Current vintages include the acclaimed 2019 ERuption Red Blend, 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, and the 2020 Serenity Rosé of Pinot Noir.

 We love ‘em, and we think you will, too. But the wine itself is only part of the story—visiting Brassfield is an immersive experience, a snapshot of all that is lovely about this neck of the woods in Northern California. The estate is anchored by a gorgeous stucco villa, with an elegant Tasting Room and adjoining  outdoor picnic area (perfect for larger groups). The Tasting Room is open daily from 11am to 5pm and offers a range of options, from a five-wine flight for $15 per-person to a full picnic basket with wine and charcuterie for $50.  Reservations are recommended, so be sure to plan ahead!

Brassfield also hosts monthly and seasonal events open to the public with food, wine, and live music, like the upcoming Harvest Festival (Oct. 22) and December’s “Celebrate The Season” holiday event.

True connoisseurs and enthusiasts should consider joining Brassfield’s Wine Club. Members receive shipments of wine four times a year (February, May, September, November), with the choice of Reds, Whites, or Mixed, with three different club tiers ranging from 3-bottle shipments to 12-bottle cases. New member sign-ups receive an initial 50% discount on up to two cases, and club perks abound, from ongoing discounts and priority access to private events to complimentary tastings and quarterly Wine Club Pick Up Parties, during which members can enjoy homemade pizza, wine, and live music.

Ready to visit? Check out Brassfield’s website for more info, including reservations, upcoming events, contact information, and driving directions. Find you can find your hotel, cabin, or lake-front lodging.

Brassfield Estate Winery & Vineyards is located at 10915 High Valley Road, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423 707-998-1895 – info@brassfieldestate.com