Cure your cabin fever with a Winter Wine Tour on the North County Wine Trail

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season – and that you’re ready for more winery tours (woop, woop)!

Our South County Wine Trail itinerary was a huge hit (no shocker there). But while the holidays are over, you don’t need a reason to spend any season visiting wine country’s fastest-growing region. In fact, take it from the experts, warming up with wine this winter is the best cure for cabin fever. 

So, come out from the cold and into one of our tasting rooms, and join us as we go exploring the North County Wine Trail!

Friendly reminder that this is a self-guided tour, so please designate a sober driver. Pro tip: The best “DD” is a limousine from The Dock Factory. Just sayin’.

Laujor Estate kicks things off with the best of North County!

If you don’t know what language “Laujor” is (French, Spanish, Italian…?), don’t worry… it’s actually a portmanteau of founder/owner Cheryl Schult-Lucido’s children’s names, Lauren and Jordan. Which is appropriate, as Laujour Estate combines many of the features North County wineries are known for: breathtaking views, hospitable service, and exquisite wines. The vineyard is kind of like Cheryl’s third child, and is given the utmost level of care thanks to a sustainable system that produces plants of vigor – and wines of robust flavor. You can admire both from the wine tasting room, which is open every day from 11am to 5pm. 

Set sail for the unique Boatique Winery

Okay, so you don’t actually “sail” to Boatique Winery (driving works much better), but you may think differently when you’re surrounded by The Madeleine and The Roberto—antique wooden sailboats from founder’s Robert and Madi Mount’s beautiful collection. The boats show not only the love of the finer things in life but of the seven decade love story between the founders. No, Boatique Winery is not on the water, but is set 2,266 feet above sea level, surrounded amidst stunning alpine and oak forests, and 47 acres of verdant countryside in the Red Hills. And while you’ll be on dry land, you will be swimming in Malbec, Petite Sirah, and Sauvignon Blanc, among others. Boatique Winery offers two tasting experiences — one casual, one semi-exclusive — both exceptional. Due to limited tasting areas, please schedule your visit and “climb aboard” for a wine-tasting experience you won’t find anywhere else but Lake County!

Discover “olive” the beauty of Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill

The rich volcanic and alluvial soils of North County don’t just make robust, flavorful grapes; they make mighty fine olive trees as well. The family-owned and operated Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill is picturesque proof, as their reds and whites are matched only by their organic, olive-based oils, lotions, and soaps. Swing by their stunning olive grove when you visit their vineyard, and sip their Zin while you dip your bread into a cup of savory olive oil. With majestic views that pair well with both, you’ll definitely want to make a stop by their tasting room, open daily from 11am to 5pm.

Enjoy “all of the above,” and so much more, at The Shannon Mercantile

Turn your wine tasting escape into a shopping trip, and enjoy a bite to eat as well, at The Shannon Mercantile. Besides the full wine bar, the Mercantile offers scrumptious sandwiches, salads, and charcuterie from local favorite, Rosey Cooks Catering. There’s also the unique boutique to pick up gifts for loved ones and keepsakes for yourself. But you can’t forget about the wines (seriously, you can’t…they’re delicious), which are produced using sustainable farming techniques. Stop by any day from noon to 7pm. 

End your adventure with a sight to behold and flavors to savor at Sol Rouge!

Nestled between Mt. Konocti and the Benson Ridge in the Mayacamas Mountain range, Sol Rouge Winery is the perfect ending to your North County wine tasting experience. Located 1,800 feet above sea level, this 70-acre estate is considered the most tightly planted vineyard in the Red Hills, capable of producing wines with an unmistakable profile thanks to the rich, red volcanic soil that inspired their name (“Sol Rouge” means “Red soil” in French). Wine Enthusiast named their Petite Sirah #25 on its best wine in the world list, the first Lake County wine to earn this distinction. Of course, every one of their wines is a winner in our book. Sip for yourself, Thursday through Monday, 12pm to 7pm.

Your wine-tasting trip along the North County Wine Trail has concluded, but the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and do make time to visit our many other wineries, breweries, restaurants, and bars.

Whichever direction your adventure takes you this win(e)ter, your visit to Lake County is guaranteed to be Clearly Different!

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