The Mercantile: A hyperlocal destination for the foodies & wine lovers

Sometimes you need to unwind on a Sunday afternoon with a glass of wine. Sometimes you need to share a meal with friends. Sometimes you need some quality time shopping with the family. And sometimes you need to enjoy a night of live music. 

In Lake County, The Mercantile caters to all of the above, and more. The newest addition to the Shannon Family of Wines, The Mercantile is a continuation of the Shannon Family’s philosophy of hyperlocal progressivism, regenerative farming and community sustainability. It’s quickly become a destination for locals and visitors alike.

Part wine bar, part lunch cafe, part general store, with special events and pop-ups ranging from DJ nights to a weekly Saturday farmer’s market, this versatile gathering spot is anchored by Shannon’s extensive wine selection and an excellent food menu courtesy of beloved local caterer Rosey Cooks. Here’s what you need to know.

WINE & FOOD

Founded in 1996 by Clay Shannon, today Shannon Family of Wines includes over 2,000 acres of mountain terrain—nearly half of which is “under vine,” or used to grow its grapes. The Tasting Room at The Mercantile showcases the bottled end result of Shannon’s carefully cultivated, sustainably farmed product. The Clay Shannon Collection showcases the farm’s cream of the crop, including its signature Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, among others. Meanwhile, the Buck Shack collection offers a rugged, distinctly western take on winemaking, with grapes aged in bourbon barrels and unconventionally bottled to evoke a wilder kind of tasting—appropriately described as a wine for  “rollicking good times” that goes hand-in-hand with “good food and bad judgment.” The OVIS line is a small lot collection that pays homage to the sheep of Shannon Farms, which ensure the vineyards thrive while sustaining the natural ecosystem. An offshoot of Project Ovis, the 13 Rams collection is a testimony to conservation and regenerative farming, while the Shannon Ridge collection features the unique flavor profile of grapes grown at high elevations. These collections (and more) are available for purchase directly from Shannon Family’s website.

With wine flights and a fresh, locally sourced lunch menu, The Tasting Room is the perfect way to sample a wide range of Shannon Family’s portfolio without breaking the bank. They recently partnered with celebrated local caterer Rosey Cooks to develop a lunch menu of sandwiches, salads, charcuterie, non-alcoholic beverages, and more. They’re also dog-friendly, just make sure your pups are leashed! 

The tasting fee is $20 for a flight of four wines, but that fee is waived upon purchase of three bottles. 

MARKET, EVENTS & POP-UPS

The Mercantile isn’t just a tasting room—it’s an extension of Shannon Family’s philosophy of community and sustainability. Their shop features gifts, art, and other locally produced wares from area makers—in addition to freshly harvested and butchered produce and livestock from Shannon (don’t sleep on the local lamb). Every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, The Mercantile transforms into a bustling farmer’s market, featuring the very best of local farmers, producers, florists, and artisans. 

On Friday nights from 4 to 7pm, The Mercantile transforms into a buzzy pizza pop up with DoughBaby Pizza tossing a roster of pies with local ingredients. Get there early as they are known to sell out. 

The Mercantile frequently hosts live music, DJs, and special events—like the upcoming Karaoke night with DJ Stylo (April 5) and a special Mother’s Day event (May 14) featuring live Flamenco music by the duo Austin & Owens. 

LOCATION, HOURS, AND RESERVATIONS

Situated in the heart of Big Valley, south of Clear Lake on the ridges of Mount Konocti’s ancient volcanic soil, The Mercantile is conveniently located just north of Highway 29 at the corner of Thomas Road. They’re open 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm. 

The Tasting Room encourages (but doesn’t require) reservations, and Wine Club Members never have to pay a tasting fee.

Plan Your Trip