Lake County booming with new wineries

Newcomers have discovered the inland region north of Napa Valley for its improving wines and low land costs. Jim Fetzer’s Ceago del Lago winery showcases organic/biodynamic farming on the north shore of Clear Lake, and Tulip Hill Winery opened a tasting room across the highway. Other new wineries in Lake County include Cougar’s Leap and Obsidian Ridge Vineyard in the Red Hills District, Six Sigma Ranch in Hidden Valley, Spencer Roloson Winery and a winery near Middletown owned by Mike Browning of Bettinelli Vineyards and Virginia Barclay. U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson has also bought land in Lake County and is making wine. – P. F.
February 7, 2006