Seven Great Ways to Enjoy The Mercantile

Lake County’s newest experience is located amid the walnut orchards and vineyards in the heart of Big Valley, resting just off Highway 29 between Lakeport and Kelseyville. There, beneath the overarching oaks, lies The Mercantile, Shannon Family of Wines’ newest addition. Part tasting room, part store, part event center, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a weekend afternoon. Here are seven great ways to experience the best things The Mercantile has to offer.

Pick up Some Wine

Shannon Family of Wines is the largest winery in Lake County, with multiple labels and varieties, all of which can be found at The Mercantile. But you don’t have to be overwhelmed by choices. Step inside, sit at the large bar, and enjoy a tasting. Most of the wines are on tap, ready for you to find the perfect vintage. 

Visit a Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday from 10-1, the large grassy area surrounding The Mercantile fills with local farmers, florists, and artisans selling their wares. Take a stroll amid the booths, pick up some local honey and perhaps a tasty snack, then spend some time soaking in the cleanest air in California while listening to one of the many musicians who regularly play at the market.

Get Some Locally-raised Lamb

In addition to being a winery, Shannon Family of Wines raises sheep. Just inside the front doors, you’ll find a cooler filled with some of the best lamb around, perfect for your next barbecue.

Enjoy Live Music

The Mercantile regularly hosts live music on Saturday evenings. Check ahead of time, then swing by when the evening has cooled, and the brilliantly blue Lake County skies have turned a deep shade of indigo. Then kick off your shoes and spend the night dancing to some of the best bands in the area.

Find a Great Gift

There’s more than just wine at The Mercantile. They’ve also got a selection of tasteful gifts, perfectly unique and just the right thing for a friend, a loved one, or maybe even yourself.  Perhaps a new mug is just the thing, or a hat, or a beautiful serving platter, or that one small tidbit that caught your eye.

Make a charcuterie 

The Mercantile has a large selection of all kinds of tasty treats. If you’re in the mood, you’ll find everything you need to make a beautiful charcuterie tray. But, if that sounds like too much work, you’ll always find a pre-made kit made by local caterer Rosey Cooks in the cooler. You can take it up to the bar to enjoy with your tasting or head outside, which leads to #7 on the list:

Have a picnic

Several picnic tables rest outside the large, roll-up garage doors that frame each side of the building. If you’re lucky enough to have picked up some tasty snacks inside, you can enjoy them with a bottle of locally-grown wine. There’s plenty of shade, and the green grass creates the perfect space to settle down, relax, and enjoy an afternoon. 

But the truth is you can enjoy The Mercantile any way you want. The key, however, is getting there. So next time you’re in Lake County, take the time to pull off the highway and park, then walk past the fountain and into something uniquely different. 

The Mercantile
Open 11-6,  Seven days a week
4350 Thomas Drive
Kelseyville, CA 95453
(707) 279-9475

Know Before You Go

• Reservations are not required but are encouraged.
• Dog Friendly (with leash).
• Tasting fee $20, fee waived upon 3 bottle purchase and complimentary for Wine Club Members (limit 2 tastings/membership/day). We offer a flight of 4 wines.