SIP AT 140+ WINERIES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BEYOND NAPA AND SONOMA WINE COUNTRY

North of Ordinary California’s wine tasting scene in Lake County, Mendocino County, and Humboldt County is flowing with unique tasting rooms and attractions – think petting zoos, dog-friendly tasting rooms, and bicycle trails – as well as breathtaking vineyards with ocean and lake vistas for zealous oenophiles. 

VIEWS AND VINES OF LAKE COUNTY

Glittering lakefronts give way to rolling hills of grapevines in Lake County. It’s a treasure trove of established vines and expert makers. 

Sip award-winning wines in a sleek tasting room or patio oasis with energizing views at Stonehouse Cellars. They’ve taken great care with a winemaking process grounded in science and finished with artistry. For a true escape, book a stay in one of the winery’s Bed & Barrel luxury suites, complete with farm-to-table breakfast. 

Hike, bike, motor, or sip your way around Six Sigma Ranch & Winery’s 3,000 acres of lush foothills. Get rugged on an all-terrain 6-wheeled tour of the vineyards or go straight to relaxing in the cabin-esque Stage Coach tasting room. Savor a little longer at the ranch’s “Huttopia” glamping experience featuring ready-to-camp tents and a rustic cafe.

Swirl your glass of awarded and impeccable wine surrounded by a storybook garden patio. Gregory Graham is as intimate as you get with a homey tasting room and Greg himself is often pouring, chatting, and sharing. Making wine since the 1980’s, he’s mastered the art. Pack a picnic, pick a bottle, and enjoy fine wine and good vibes.

Soak up the lake life in Lakeport, California with a stop at The Shannon Mercantile where a wine bar and a gourmet food market experience are only minutes from the shores of Clear Lake. Drop in year-round for casual “Mercantile Tastings” (no reservations needed) or book a curated wine tasting experience featuring five of their acclaimed bottles with all the stories. Catch live music, chill on the dog-friendly shaded patio, and sip their Buck Shack Whitetail Chardonnay—baked with pear flavors from Lake County’s heritage orchards.

Perched at 2,200 feet in Hidden Valley Lake surrounded by rich volcanic soil, Wild Diamond Vineyards puts sustainability first with lofty views to match. Try one of their award-winning Bordeaux varietals during a vineyard tour or at one of their signature sunset tastings every Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss the onsite Lake Cultural Center, where local historian Linda Lake shares the rich heritage of the Pomo Indian Tribe and their deep-rooted connection to this land.

Stay and sip at Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill. Head to Kelseyville, California for a weekend getaway to explore shops, restaurants, and wine tasting without a car. Sleep in the historic 1912 Chacewater Farmhouse—with gorgeous olive grove views—located on the edge of the Chacewater estate steps away from the wine tasting room.

Chill and cheers at a shaded picnic table at The Shannon Mercantile winery in Lake County, California.

DEVINE TERRAIN FOR WINE IN HUMBOLDT COUNTY

The narrow river gorges, rolling valleys, and tall redwoods of Humboldt County make for spectacular growing conditions among its 150 acres of vineyards. 

Venture to downtown Arcata to Septentrio’s hip tasting room and sprawling patio. Explore over 50 different wines from carefully selected grapes across dozens of vineyards. Pair your flight with some charcuterie or a game of cornhole. 

Dive into the perfect pairing of wood-fired pizza and vino, and then wander the grounds of Fieldbrook Winery (which are worthy of a fairytale wedding). Find some Zin zen or a Chard recharge. Fieldbrook just feels vibrant, from the lush landscape to the staff. Family-owned since 1976, it’s not only Humboldt County’s oldest winery, but pretty sure it’s the most tranquil. 

Deepen your appreciation of wine and treat your palette at Briceland Vineyards wine. Unwind through a handpicked flight in their intimate tasting room. Humbboldt’s most awarded winemaker, Andrew, is typically pouring as he shares his passion. End your wine tasting adventure at a black sand beach in Shelter Cove, California. Follow Briceland Road for 16 more miles from the winery and you’ll end up at one of Humboldt County’s most beautiful beaches, Black Sands Beach. Stay over at Black Sands Inn or Inn of the Lost Coast to hike the nearby Lost Coast Trail. 

Briceland Vineyards has been producing small lot wines for over 80 years. Photo by Lynnette Braillard.

MUCH TO SEE AND SIP IN MENDOCINO COUNTY

Exploring the wines of Mendocino County means cruising past magical miles of vine-covered foothills and rugged coastline.

Savor something truly local along CORO wine trail, a collection of wineries crafting ultra-premium Zinfandel, Mendocino’s signature varietal. With a rigorous certification process, it’s a distinctive wine that celebrates the terrain. Meander the historic Highway 101 to Barra to swirl your Zin in a stunning 5,000 square foot circular tasting room. Stretch your legs with a stroll through the lush and inviting gardens.

Make your way south to the homey tasting room of Jaxon Keys with a sprawling porch to gaze over valleys and vines. Sniff out your favorite wine amongst a delicious variety from light Viognier to bold Primitivos. Or really brighten your spirits with a sip of one of their award-winning Brandys. Spend the night in wine country in one of their vineyard king suites or various other Mendocino lodging options.

Beyond the CORO wine trail, recharge your soul with a flight of sustainable wines sipped under the shady majesty of a redwood grove. The Nelson Family Vineyard is tucked into the woods of the family’s 2,000-acre ranch. In operation since 1951, the Nelsons also farm a variety of trees including olives and pears. The pear butter is an excellent accompaniment to any flight. 

Dive into a treasure trove of local delights at Pennyroyal Farm. Snuggle up to goats and sheep and then head over to the tasting room to chow down on their creamery cheese. In addition to the farm, the dairy, and the vineyard, you’ll also find spectacular views of wine country.

For jaw-dropping ocean views, cruise over to Pacific Star Winery. Perched on top of a rugged coastal bluff, nothing beats this stunning vista with a glass of good wine. For wisdom in a bottle, head over to Husch Vineyards. As the oldest winery in the county, this family-run business has handed down both impeccable taste and a commitment to sustainability. 

Taste at an 1880s farmhouse at Jaxon Keys. They have a wine for everyone in your group — Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, white & red blends, Grenache, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petite Sirah.

MUSIC MEETS WINE IN DEL NORTE COUNTY

Del Norte County’s famous for redwoods, not wine—until High Note Winery opened a tasting room in downtown Crescent City. This couple-owned winery crafts harmonious wines with musical names like Clarinet, Melody, and Rhapsody. Feel good about every sip knowing 10% of profits support local charities. Pair their Melody Merlot with organic Rumiano Gouda from the nearby Rumiano Cheese Co. factory store for the ultimate local tasting experience.

Drink up because High Note Winery gives back to local music and community-based charities.