One of California’s hottest (ironic choice of words) new wine destinations, Lake County is just two hours by car from San Francisco, the Sacramento Valley, and the Pacific Coast. It is situated just over Mt. St. Helena from the Napa Valley. Lake County is home to Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California and one of the oldest lakes on the continent, and Mount Konocti, an ancient volcano. Clear Lake is a regular stop on the Bass Masters Tour, as it has some of the largest bass in the country (and no leeches, gators or water snakes).

Update: much of southern Lake County is burning in the so-called Valley Fire. The community of Middletown has suffered widespread destruction and Hidden Valley Lake and many other communities/areas are threatened and have been evacuated. This is the 3rd major fire in southern Lake County this season. The long-term drought strikes again.