Vacation at Clear Lake a snapshot of bygone summer day

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jul 13, 2008 | by Jenny Slafkosky

"Whatever type of vacation you want to have, from camping and fishing to bed-and-breakfast and wine tasting, you can have it in Lake County," says Armstrong.

New wine country

With soil and climate that's perfect for grape vines, Lake County has a long, if checkered history in winemaking.

Grapes were first planted in the area in the 1870s and award- winning wines started coming out of the region in the early 1900s. But during Prohibition many of the vines were ripped out and grapes weren't planted again until the 1960s. Since then Lake County has been a source of grapes for affluent Napa Valley wineries.

Now, with more than 8,800 acres of grapes, a number that is expected to double in coming years, Lake County is finally emerging as a growing area in its own right. With a growing list of more than 20 wineries -- including award winners Brassfield, Steele and Ceago - - wine aficionados and curious tasters are finding a respite from the crowds and prices of the better-known wine regions of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino. In late July the third annual Lake County Wine Adventure draws crowds with wine tastings, food pairings and tours at more than 20 wineries.

Anticipating the synergy of Lake County's wine country and recreational draw, many vineyards are adding restaurants, live music and even accommodations. Brassfield has plans for a restaurant and tasting room; and Ceago, which already features a boat-up tasting room, has a full-scale resort planned including a spa, restaurant and housing, all amid the resort's biodynamic gardens.

But despite plans for upscale resorts, the heart of Lake County will probably always remain in the family vacation.

Keepin' it real

"Small family destination spots are the ticket, especially in these times," says Tony Benevento, who shares ownership of Indian Beach Resort with his cousin Ken. "I think people want to go somewhere that's no more than three or four hours away, where it's not expensive to eat and where you can swim and fish -- stuff that doesn't cost a lot of money -- but where you can be together."

As gas prices rise, Lake County's proximity to the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley -- just over 100 miles from each -- makes it the perfect destination for families on a budget.

"Lake County is still a good value," says Armstrong. "You can go camping, swimming and fishing; you don't have to rent a boat to have a good time."

While the crew at Cabin 10 loves the water, there never seems to be a shortage of stuff to do on land either. We've gone hiking, geocaching (using a GPS to search for "treasure" hidden by other GPS users), antiquing (hence the giant hot dog) and wine tasting. We've driven to Lakeport to wander around town, misread the map on the way to the Borax Lake Historical Site and wound our way through the hills for a tour of Brassfield Estate Vineyard.

This year we hope to take a guided hike up to the top of Mount Konocti (still an active volcano), explore Clear Lake State Park and check out a Monday night blues show at Blue Wing Saloon. We'll go back to Andie's BBQ in Clearlake Oaks for takeout ribs; and if we feel like splurging, we'll boat across the lake to WaterColor restaurant in Kelseyville for what was by far the best meal any of us has had in Lake County.