Lake County, California

**Lake County, California** sits in the hills north of Napa and Sonoma, ringed around Clear Lake in the interior of California's North Coast. It has grown from a quiet grape-growing area into a source of well-regarded, well-priced wines. **Wines & grapes** — Sauvignon Blanc is a local calling card, joined by Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and other warm-climate reds. Sub-areas such as the Red Hills, with their volcanic soils, have become known for concentrated Cabernet. **Character** — High elevation and big shifts between hot days and cool nights give the wines bright acidity and firm structure. Strong mountain sunlight ripens the reds fully, while the cool nights help the whites keep their zip. **Good to know** — Much of the fruit was historically sold to producers elsewhere, so Lake County often offers strong value.

Wines

• Cimarron — Vigilance
• Passion — Peace Water Winery
• Sauvignon Blanc — Thorn Hill Vineyards