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 Laujor 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.

Translation: Good wine is in the small barrel.

Just off the Hwy 29 take a step back in time and indulge in some classic Italian flavors!  Discover familiar favorites like Primitivo and Barbera, alongside a hidden gem you might not know yet—Aglianico. Yes, Aglianico! This bold red wine grape, native to southern Italy, delivers full-bodied reds with rich, musky berry notes, firm tannins, and fantastic aging potential.  Don’t miss Rosa’d Oro on your North county tasting excursion.

Meet Nick Buttita—the ultimate one-man show! He’s the grape grower, winemaker, and host extraordinaire at his charming small winery perched next to his home, overlooking the breathtaking Big Valley in Kelseyville. Give Nick a call from the parking lot, and he’ll happily welcome you in to taste the estate wines his family’s been crafting with passion since 1953.

Nick’s wines—and his warm hospitality—are true classics, perfect for savoring and sharing. Raise a glass and say “Saluti!” to a timeless experience!

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 twelve wines on tap, the Mercantile offers scrumptious sandwiches, salads, charcuterie and a variety of food trucks starting at 4pm daily (Friday is DoughBaby Pizza nite, a locals fave). 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!

Sol Rouge’s tasting room is paired with and in-house restaurant On The Waterfront in downtown Lakeport on the edge of Clear Lake.  So bring your appetite and come taste a line up of award winning wines.  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, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 8pm.

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!

Plan Your Trip