I just got back from a wine trip to Lake County, California, having no idea it was going to be one of the most beautiful wine areas I've ever been to!  It's one of the newest and fastest growing wine regions in California.

Many of the vineyards are situated on the hillsides of "Clear Lake," which has more than 68 square miles of surface area and 100 miles of shoreline.  It's the largest natural freshwater lake in California and at an estimated two million years old, it's also one of the oldest lakes in North America.

It sits at the foot of Mt. Konocti, a dorment multiple volcano, from which it gets the rocky, red volcanic soil in many vineyards.  These soils along with warm, sunny days and cool evenings have created an ideal envirement for quality grape growing.

Our hosts were Clay and Margarita Shannon, owners of Vigilance, Shannon Ridge and Cross Springs wineries and vineyards.  Their vision of farming, using sustainable practices to preserve the land and wildlife, was seen as we ventured out on their property.  Clay uses sheep to keep weeds down instead of mechanical mowing and also gets a bonus in natural fertilizer and wool!  All fungicides are organic as well.

Of course the meat from the lamb was fabulous along with the multitude of delicious wines we drank from his vineyards. Have your wine consultant point out their red wines: great with grilled meat!

Marie, Wine Supervisor, North/West Coast Florida