Top 10 Foodie Things to do in Lake County

Clear Lake, the largest freshwater lake fully contained in CA, is the center of the county. Communities have developed all along its shore, the city of Clearlake being the largest, with a population just under 17,000. Many of the quaint towns that dot the perimeter of the lake, like Kelseyville, Upper Lake, and Lakeport, have well under 5,000 inhabitants. Yet these small towns have lots of local happenings and a thriving California food and beverage scene. The first time I visited Lake County, I had no intention of writing about it. But every time I visit Lake County, CA, I’m more and more impressed. Now that I have amassed so many special foodie finds to help you explore the best of this scenic area, the time has come to share.

1 VISIT LAKE COUNTY WINERIES

Any local will tell you, one of the best things to do in Lake County is to explore its wine country.

Lake County wineries may not be as famous as those in nearby Napa Valley, but there are plenty of great wines to be enjoyed along with beautiful scenery. Nowadays, I think it’s more fun to go wine tasting in California’s lesser known wine regions like Malibu, Paso Robles, Anderson Valley, Temecula, and, of course, Lake County.

I find the smaller regions tend to have more of an intimate setting and laidback feel. And the wines are way more affordable than in Napa or Sonoma.

There are over 30 wineries in Lake County, with cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc being the star varietals. At the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Lake County had 9 award-winning wineries take home medals.

Tasting rooms vary from fancy vineyard estates to casual cabins in the woods to storefronts in small towns. When visiting, we always seek out a combination of different types of wine-tasting venues. The four wineries below are a good representation of the different wines and types of ambience in the county.

SIX SIGMA RANCH AND WINERY

The winery where you are most likely to see wild turkeys? Six Sigma in Lower Lake. Surrounded by hundred-year-old oak trees, the cozy tasting room cabin stands at the site of an old stage coach stop. Make sure you try their signature tempranillo and their double gold winner, the 2020 Marianne’s Reserve Syrah.

WILD DIAMOND VINEYARDS

If your idea of a perfect day includes 360° views from a mountain top at 2,200 feet, Wild Diamond is the place for you. We soaked up the afternoon sun having fun sipping their red Bordeaux varietals: cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot.

BRASSFIELD ESTATE WINERY

If you’re feeling fancy, head to the Brassfield Estate Winery tasting room. It’s located in a huge mansion, and the impressive tasting room is illuminated by a towering chandelier. We took our tastes outdoors and wandered around the gorgeous property. Try a glass of their Double Gold 2022 High Valley Chardonnay.

The Shannon Mercantile

A sparkling new open air tasting room with wines on tap they toss open their doors 7 days a week to a big mix of locals and visitors. Summers brings the Sip-NSnip where you can also take home a bouquet of zinnias. Each evening they have a different food offeringDoughbaby Pizza is a Friday Night Favorite. A glass of organic Mothervine Rose is perfect on a hot summer night.

Located in the heart of Big Valley, Shannon Mercantile is home to Lake County’s largest winery. It’s also the perfect place to come, taste the many varieties of wines that Shannon Family of Wines offers, and enjoy a bite to eat.

2 DO AN OLIVE OIL TASTING

In Italy, Spain, and France, you’ll find delicious olive oils in the same regions where grapes are grown. This is also true in California, which makes 99% of all the olive oil produced in the U.S.

3 SHOP AT THE FARMERS MARKETS

I seek out the farmers markets in any city. They’re a great way to get the pulse of the food scene, see what’s in season, and explore local ingredients. I usually wind up buying some fruit to try to balance out my travel diet decadence. But in Lake County, you’ll also find prepared foods that make a great lunch.

Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill

It just so happens that the best place to do an olive oil tasting in Lake County is at Chacewater Winery & Olive Mill. They have an awesome offering of eight oils and one balsamic vinegar. Pick a favorite, purchase a bottle, and the small $10 tasting fee is waved. Two people can easily share the generous portions of bread and oil provided for the tasting. We savored the different aroma and taste of each of the oils we sampled, from mild Spanish styles to robust Tuscan flavors. I chose the Meyer lemon olive oil, which was perfect to use in my favorite summer salad: burrata panzanella.

SHANNON MERCANTILE

Yup, it turns out going to the farmers market in Lake County is also a good excuse to visit yet another local winery, Shannon Mercantile. The market there runs year-round on Saturdays, rain or shine, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The Mercantile also has a gourmet food shop inside, so make sure you at least peek in. We couldn’t resist sharing a bottle of their sauvignon blanc. Or, try a flight, and some nibbles—you’re at a winery after all.

LIBRARY PARK

May through September, check out the farmers market at Library Park in Lakeport on Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. It features many of the same vendors as the Mercantile market, but it has a totally different vibe.

Even without the market, Library Park is one of the truly great spots on Clear Lake. At the park’s center is the historic Carnegie Library, which dates back to 1918. In addition, the picturesque views of Mount Konocti and the lake are highly Instagrammable.

4 VISIT A LAKE COUNTY FARM

Even if you make it to the farmers market, visiting one of the Lake County farms is another awesome way to experience local foods. Each farm is different, and many times the farmers are on-site willing to answer questions. Some farms offer educational experiences, farm dinners, or other events. The two below both have outstanding farm stands.

Peace & Plenty Farm

When I arrived at Peace & Plenty Farm, it was love at first sight. The flowers were blooming, and every inch of this organic farm oozed country charm. At the farm stand, greens, beets, scallions, fresh eggs, baked goods, honeys, jams, and an array of lavender and saffron products were available. If you make risotto Milanese, or bouillabaisse, this is a great place to load up on farm-fresh saffron. And the saffron honey makes a wonderful foodie gift. We chose the lavender lemonade flavor— perfect for a summer day. Can you believe everything is sold on the honor system?

EDENBERRY FARM

At Edenberry Farm, you’ll find varieties of seasonal organic produce that you won’t find at grocery stores.

Piel de sapo melon, dixie queen watermelon, and candy roaster squash are just a few of the unique varieties available. At the farm stand, you’ll also find all sorts of homemade jams and preserves, fruity balsamic vinegars, and farm-fresh eggs. But freshly-picked raspberries and blackberries take center stage at Edenberry. For the absolute freshest berries, you can pick your own!

5 PICNIC IN A STATE PARK

If you’re a foodie that loves the great outdoors, enjoy a picnic in one of the local parks. Picnicking at Library Park is a no-brainer, but if you’re looking for hiking trails and a greater immersion in nature, plan a picnic at one of the two state parks in Lake County.

ANDERSON MARSH STATE HISTORIC PARK

More than half of the 1,000-plus acres of the Anderson Marsh State Historic Park are classified as a nature reserve for wildlife, but you can take the hiking and boating trails through the protected areas.

Or you can opt for a guided nature walk for the best chance of sighting Great Blue Herons, hawks, and eagles in their natural habitat while you learn about the cultural history of the land and buildings in the park.

With its colorful fall foliage, Anderson Marsh Park is a particularly beautiful spot for an autumn picnic.

Clear Lake State Park

This state park on the shores of Clear Lake offers all sorts of outdoor adventures. As a nesting ground for water fowl, the park is an important area for many bird species, and it’s also home to a variety of other lake life. Water sports like swimming, boating, waterskiing, and fishing are very popular at the park. With Clear Lake’s reputation as the “Bass Capital of the West,” anglers will want to rent a boat of their own to take out or join one of the fishing boats that leave regularly from the boat dock. Indeed, there are lots of rental options for pretty much anything related to water activities.

6 VISIT THE LOCAL BREWERIES

Lake County breweries can easily get overshadowed by the more visible wineries surrounded by scenic acres of vineyards, but don’t overlook the suds hubs! They tend to be where the locals hang out.

KELSEY CREEK BREWING

Although Kelsey Creek Brewing is typically filled with regulars, we’ve always been heartily welcomed during our visits. The rotating craft beer selection ranges from IPAs to sours to red ales to stouts. Every time I’ve stopped in, a different flavor of seltzer has also been featured on the board of available bevvies.

A great time to go to this nano-brewery (even smaller than a microbrewery) is Tuesday afternoons when local bands show up “Busking for Brewskis.”

BEER, WINE & SWINE BACONFEST

This annual festival in Kelseyville is held every Father’s Day. As the name implies, it’s a fun-filled day with craft beers, local wines, and creative takes on lots of delicious bacon. What’s not referred to in the name is the live music. With the combination of what’s on offer at this gathering, you can pretty much count on dancing in the streets at this celebration.

KELSEYVILLE PEAR FESTIVAL

Kelseyville may be the most foodfestival-oriented town in Lake County. It certainly is one of the cutest. And on the last Saturday of September, it’s definitely the place to be.

The Pear Festival pays homage to the agricultural roots of Kelseyville and the Big Valley area. In addition to lots of food and beverages, there are displays detailing the farming history going back to pioneer days. Don’t worry, it’s not like school—there are also three stages for live entertainment!

The Friday night before the fest, streets close for an incredible farmto-fork dinner.

8 INDULGE IN ONE OF THE BAKERIES

If I was going to move to Lake County, I’d probably wind up in Lakeport on the western shore of Clear Lake.

Dating back to the Gold Rush, Lakeport is the county’s oldest town. But the historic architecture is just one of the things I love about this town. Between the views of the lake, the friendly people, and the bakeries on Main Street, there’s no better place for strolling and snacking. Here are three highlights.

FERRIGNO’S ITALIAN BAKED GOODS

The first time I popped into Ferrigno’s, the owner and baker (another Denise) was there. Denise shared her story and told us about the gorgeous photos of Italy on the walls.

Turns out she and I share more than a name: Both of us have grandparents from Campania, Italy, one of the best food regions of Italy.

Denise uses her grandmother’s recipes for her biscotti, pastries, savory baked goods, and creamy gelato, ensuring their authenticity.

ANGELINA’S BAKERY & ESPRESSO

Angelina’s reminds me of Roman bakeries that also sell savory items like sandwiches in addition to fresh baked breads, Italian pastries, and ice cream. Additionally, Angelina’s has a whole store of imported Italian foods from the Emilia-Romagna region. I couldn’t resist buying some Giuseppe Giusti balsamic vinegar from Modena.

The bakery’s buyers are making another trip to Bologna with the intent on expanding their Bolognese food offerings. I can’t wait to return!

DANAE’S DESSERTS

Danae received her training at The Culinary Institute of America at Copia. Located in Kelseyville, Danae’s Desserts hand crafts everything from fresh baguettes to cinnamon cardamom monkey bread! A crowd favorite.

9 EAT AT LOCAL LAKE COUNTY RESTAURANTS

Skip the chains and eat at some of the more unique Lake County restaurants. I’ve listed the restaurants in Lake County that I think have something special to offer in addition to good food and local wines.

SAW SHOP PUBLIC HOUSE

In downtown Kelseyville, Saw Shop Public House is a great place for pub favorites and creative comfort food. We danced off our dinner to live music in the Saw Shop Backyard afterwards. It was so much fun, and a good time was had by all!

RED’S AT THE SKYROOM

Watch small planes take off and land while enjoying your meal at Red’s at the Skyroom, or Red’s Skyroom as some call it. Aunt Den’s French Chicken is a superb version of Chicken Francaise. And the Crack n’ Cheese (a loaded mac and cheese) provides the original famous Virginian food with a decadent overhaul.

STEIN & WINEWINE & BEER GARDEN

Looking for easy-going vibes on the lake? The outdoor porch at Stein & Wine is the perfect place. I’m not talking about a view of the lake. This place is right on Clear Lake. With a lively music line up it is the perfect summer spot. Share a pretzel, order the bratwurst, and leave room for the apple strudel for dessert.

10 STAY AT THE TALLMAN HOTEL AND DINE AT THE BLUE WING

On our last trip to Lake County, we stayed at the historic Tallman Hotel on Main Street in Upper Lake—and we loved it! It was so cozy, it felt like more of a B&B than a hotel, and it was an ideal spot for exploring Clear Lake and the surrounding towns.

Btw, when I say “historic” I mean it’s listed on the Historical Markers Database. The original hotel was built in 1874 and has retained its Old West appeal even after its restoration in 2003.

The professional staff were so welcoming and told us about the amazing photo albums in the lobby that document the hotel’s history.

But there’s so much more to love, especially for foodies! This included delicious chocolate chip cookies in our room upon arrival!

Next door to the Tallman is the original Blue Wing Saloon opened in Upper Lake in the 1880’s. Today, you can experience a bit of history during lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Portions are large and the food is tasty. I particularly liked my blackened salmon sandwich. Sitting outside under the enormous sycamore trees was an added perk.