‘Tis the season for Winter Wine Tours on the South County Wine Trail

“Here we go a-wassailing all through Lake County!”

Has a nice ring to it, right? If you look up the definition of “wassailing,” it means to “enjoy oneself in a lively way while drinking wassail.”

In that case, there’s no better place to go a-wassailing than Lake County…there’s no better time than this winter…and there’s no better way than by taking our Winter Wine Trail!

Okay, so we’re trading “wassail” for “wine,” but what else would you expect from wine country’s fastest-growing region?

So, while we believe our hiking trails are second to none, we understand that sometimes you’d prefer a trail with less walking and more wine-ing. If so, we’ve got you covered.

Our self-guided Winter Wine Trail takes you through four South County wineries from Brassfield to Langtry Farm. And with all due respect to jolly old St. Nick, we think you’ll agree, the real treats aren’t being made in the North Pole, but in South County. 

Now, because this tour is “self-guided,” please be responsible and designate a sober driver. 

Or, even better, schedule limousine service with The Dock Factory. Take it from the pros and order a limo to safely ride in style and “stretch” your experience! 

Without further adieu, are you ready to go “fa-la-la-la” through Lake County? Just follow our Winter Wine Trail!

Start your journey at Six Sigma Ranch

We told you all about Huttopia Wine Country at Six Sigma Ranch back in June. Its festive blend of eco-tourism, luxury glamping, and delicious wines are still a few of our favorite things — and why you should start your tour at this majestic, 4,300-acre estate. Inspired by owners Kaj and Else Ahlmann’s love of the great outdoors (no wonder they live here), Six Sigma Ranch used natural farming techniques to produce robust, small lot, high-quality wines. Sip on the results inside their Stagecoach Tasting Room, a cozy cabin nestled among Valley Oak trees. It’s open daily from 11am to 4:30pm (except Thanksgiving and Christmas, natch). Plan your trip here.

Make forever memories at Wild Diamond

So, apparently Santa Claus gives naughty kids coal…but coal turns into diamonds so maybe that’s not such a bad thing? Certainly not if they’re the wild gemstones found only in the volcanic soils of Lake County, and which inspire the name of the next leg of your journey, Wild Diamond Winery. Their motto is “220 at 2,200,” which means their soils are type 220 (wine lingo for “red volcanic”), while their vineyard sits at an elevation of 2,200 feet. Fascinating stuff, and it creates thicker-skinned, large-seeded grapes – and truly age-worthy, full-bodied wines. Taste for yourself and schedule your tasting from Thursday through Sunday, 10:30am to 3:30pm.

Spend the season with family…the Fults Family

Your journey next takes you down a tree-lined drive to the banks of Clayton Creek at Fults Family Vineyards. While the family hails from the midwest, their hand-crafted wines are made with native grapes that are Lake County through and through. The result is a rich, robust flavor you quite literally can’t find anywhere else in the world. And with views like these, why would you want to? Besides the variety of varietals, Fults Family Vineyards also offers the warm, fuzzy feeling of being treated like family. Chances are one of the Fults’ will be tending bar and telling stories, which is what the holiday season is all about. They offer two wine-tasting experiences, so schedule yours here. 

Taste the distinction of the all-organic, vegan-friendly Martin Pohls Wines

Your journey is at an end, but what better way to close things out than a visit to Martin Pohls Wines? Formerly named Beaver Creek, owner Martin Pohls is so proud of his product (and process) that he put his name on them. And for good reason. This all-organic, vegan-friendly vineyard uses biodynamic, agricultural techniques. It’s a process that’s better for the environment, and produces a mighty fine-tasting wine. Schedule your visit to Martin Pohls Wines, but don’t delay – they’re taking a winter break during January. 

While your Winter Wine Trail through South County has concluded, there are so many wonderful wineries, breweries, restaurant, and bars to visit in Lake County. We couldn’t possibly include them all, but you should try to.

Wherever you decide to go, just remember we’re so honored to have you spend part of your holiday season and winter break with us. 

We wish you a very merry – and Clearly Different – holiday season and happy New Year. We’ll see you when you get here!

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