Less than an hour north of Napa Valley, Lake County offers a different kind of wine country escape—one where scenic backroads lead to locally owned boutiques, relaxed eateries, and welcoming tasting rooms pouring exceptional wines without the crowds. From lakeside dining and small-town shopping to vineyard views and award-winning wines, Lake County invites travelers to discover authentic wine country experiences at every stop.
Morning: Shop Local in Lakeport and Upper Lake
Start the day exploring Lake County’s collection of locally owned boutiques, antique stores, specialty markets, and artisan shops scattered throughout Lakeport and Upper Lake. In downtown Lakeport, browse vintage treasures and home décor at Main Street shops before stopping into local galleries and gift stores showcasing handmade goods and regional art inspired by Lake County’s natural beauty.
Between shopping stops, take in scenic views of Clear Lake, pause for coffee at a local café, and browse artisan foods, handcrafted goods, and wine country gifts that reflect Lake County’s laid-back character.
Midday: Local Dining and Wine Country Flavor
After a morning of shopping, recharge over a hearty lunch at one of Lake County’s locally loved eateries. In Kelseyville, Saw Shop Public House serves elevated comfort food with seasonal ingredients and an impressive selection of local wines from wineries like Brassfield Estate Winery, Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Langtry Farms Vineyard & Winery, and Wild Diamond Vineyards.
If you’re spending time along Clear Lake, Boathouse Bar & Stowaway Grill pairs casual lakeside dining with regional wines and relaxed outdoor seating. Travelers exploring Upper Lake can enjoy California comfort food, live music, and local wine pairings at the Blue Wing Restaurant & Saloon, located beside the historic Tallman Hotel in the heart of town. In nearby Lakeport, On The Waterfront rounds out the options with seasonal California cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional Lake County wines in a welcoming lakeside setting.
No matter where you choose to dine, Lake County restaurants proudly showcase wines from nearby vineyards, making every meal an opportunity to explore the region’s acclaimed wine scene alongside fresh Northern California cuisine. While featured wineries like Brassfield Estate Winery, Six Sigma Ranch & Winery, Langtry Farms Vineyard & Winery, and Wild Diamond Vineyards are excellent places to start, explore the complete list of Lake County wineries to discover even more tasting rooms, vineyard experiences, and award-winning wines throughout the region.
After lunch, continue exploring Lake County at your own pace. Enjoy a scenic drive through rolling vineyards, browse local shops in Lakeport or Upper Lake, or unwind along the shores of Clear Lake before the evening begins.
Evening: A Taste of Lake County After Dark
Cap off the day with dinner at Manzanita Restaurant inside Twin Pine Casino & Hotel, where contemporary California cuisine is paired with wines from Twin Pine’s private label collection. After dinner, enjoy live entertainment, try your luck on the casino floor, or linger over another glass of local wine before settling into the Hotel at Twin Pine Casino & Hotel for a comfortable overnight stay just steps from the evening’s entertainment.
From boutique shopping and locally crafted wines to memorable meals and vibrant nightlife, it’s the perfect way to end a day spent shopping, sipping, and savoring the best of Lake County.