Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dormant volcano, lords over the scene. Alas, the human settlements don't always live up to
the grandeur and thousands of acres near the lake remain scarred from wildfires in 2008.
TOP CLEAR LAKE WINERIES
From north to south, the following four wineries are the best; some offer tours by appoint-
ment. Tastings generally cost $5 to $10.
Ceago Vinegarden
(
www.ceago.com
;
5115 E Hwy 20, Nice; noon-5pm) Ceago (cee-ay-go) oc-
cupies a spectacular spot on the north shore, and pours biodynamic, fruit-forward wines.
Brassfield Estate
(
www.brassfieldestate.com
;
10915 High Valley Rd, Clearlake Oaks; 11am-5pm
Mar-Nov, from noon Dec-Apr) A stunning, unique property in the remote High Valley appella-
tion, try the Eruption and Serenity blends.
Wildhurst Vineyards
(
www.wildhurst.com
;
3855 Main St, Kelseyville; 10am-5pm) The best
wine on the lake, but the place lacks atmosphere. Try the sauvignon blanc.
Langtry Estate Vineyards
(21000 Butts Canyon Rd, Middletown;
11am-5pm) The most
beautiful vineyard. Try the port.
Sights & Activities
Locals refer to the northwest portion as 'upper lake' and the southeast portion as 'lower
lake.' Likeable and well-serviced
Lakeport
(population 4695) sits on the northwest shore,
a 45-minute drive east of Hopland along Hwy 175 (off Hwy 101); tiny, Old West-style
Kelseyville
(population 3353) is 7 miles south.
Clearlake
, off the southeastern shore, is
the biggest (and ugliest) town.
Hwy 20 links the relatively bland north-shore hamlets of
Nice
(the northernmost town)
and
Lucerne
, 4 miles southeast.
Middletown
, a cute village, lies 20 miles south of Clear-
lake at the junction of Hwys 175 and 29, 40 minutes north of Calistoga.
Clear Lake State Park
STATE PARK
( 707-279-4293; 5300 Soda Bay Rd, Kelseyville; per car $8)
Six miles from Lakeport, on the lake's west shore, the park is idyllic and gorgeous, with
hiking trails, fishing, boating and camping. The
bird-watching
is extraordinary. The
visit-
or center
has geological and historical exhibits.
Redbud Audubon Society
BIRD WATCHING
