High-elevation, volcanic-soil Cabernet from the Red Hills, serious and well-priced. Updated for 2026.
Lake County's calling card is high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon, and the heart of it is the Red Hills appellation on the southwest side of Clear Lake. Here, red volcanic soils and vineyards planted mostly between about 1,350 and 2,600 feet, many above 2,000 feet, combine with intense mountain sun, clean air, and cool nights to produce Cabernet of deep color, firm structure, and concentrated fruit, with the freshness that elevation preserves. Cabernet is by far the county's most planted grape, and major Napa producers quietly source Red Hills fruit, yet you can taste serious mountain Cabernet here, often at estates farmed organically or biodynamically, for a fraction of Napa prices.
Below are the Lake County wineries we think make the most compelling Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style reds, centered on the high-elevation Red Hills, from a biodynamic specialist to a historic estate. These are a mix of walk-in and by-appointment tastings; reserve ahead where you can. Current as of October 2026.
Biodynamic high-elevation Cabernet
A small, family-owned Red Hills estate farmed organically and biodynamically (Demeter), Hawk and Horse focuses on structured, concentrated, high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon that has won top honors, the purest expression of serious Red Hills mountain Cabernet.
Good to know: Tastings; biodynamic estate. Lower Lake / Red Hills.
Our tip: Taste the estate Cabernet; biodynamic, high-elevation, and seriously structured.
High-elevation reds, big views
Farming high-elevation vineyards along the rims of the High Valley and Red Hills, Shannon Ridge (whose Red Hills label is Vigilance) makes bold, well-priced Cabernet and other reds with a strong sustainability ethos, poured at a hilltop tasting room with sweeping views.
Good to know: Tastings; hilltop estate. Lakeport / High Valley.
Our tip: Taste the Cabernet and Vigilance Red Hills reds with a view; great value.
Red Hills Cabernet from Crimson Hill
A respected longtime winemaker, Gregory Graham makes well-regarded Cabernet Sauvignon from his Crimson Hill vineyard in the Red Hills, at about 2,000 feet overlooking Clear Lake, alongside Syrah and other wines, a quality-minded, personal Cabernet stop.
Good to know: Tastings; small estate. Lower Lake / Red Hills.
Our tip: Try the Crimson Hill Cabernet; high-elevation and quality-minded.
Estate Cabernet and Rhone reds
A Kelseyville family producer making Lake County wines since 2005, Fore Family makes estate Cabernet Sauvignon (including from the Red Hills) alongside Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Zinfandel, a well-rounded, welcoming stop for Lake County reds.
Good to know: Tastings; family estate. Kelseyville.
Our tip: Taste the estate Cabernet alongside the Rhone-style reds; a well-rounded lineup.
Historic estate Bordeaux reds
The grand historic Guenoc Valley estate established by Lillie Langtry in the 1880s makes estate Bordeaux-style reds, including Cabernet Sauvignon, from its vast property, pairing serious red wine with a deep sense of Lake County history.
Good to know: Tastings; historic estate. Middletown / Guenoc Valley.
Our tip: Taste the estate Bordeaux reds on Lillie Langtry's historic property.
Ranch-grown estate reds
A sprawling working ranch near Lower Lake, Six Sigma grows and makes estate reds including Cabernet Sauvignon and its signature Tempranillo, offered with vineyard tours across the vast property, a genuine ranch-to-glass Cabernet experience.
Good to know: Tastings and ranch tours; estate. Lower Lake.
Our tip: Pair the estate Cabernet and Tempranillo with a ranch tour; rural and scenic.
Most of Lake County's Cabernet comes from the Red Hills and nearby high ground on the southwest side of Clear Lake, around Kelseyville and Lower Lake, where Hawk and Horse, Gregory Graham, Fore Family, and Six Sigma are based, with Shannon Ridge's reds grown on the High Valley and Red Hills rims and Langtry's estate south in the Guenoc Valley. Base yourself around Clear Lake (Kelseyville or Lower Lake are central), plan three or four stops, and book the small, appointment-only estates like Hawk and Horse ahead. These are high-elevation, structured reds, so give them air, and remember the county is rural and spread out, with warm, sunny days and cool nights, so bring a layer and allow drive time.
Do not expect Napa prices or Napa crowds; Lake County Cabernet is serious but well-priced and uncrowded, which is the point. Do not rush a flight of structured, high-elevation reds, they benefit from air and a little patience. And do not assume every estate is walk-in; several of the best Cabernet producers are small and by appointment, so check and reserve.
What is Lake County Cabernet known for?
Deep color, firm structure, and concentrated fruit with elevation-driven freshness. Most Cabernet grows in the Red Hills appellation on red volcanic soils, mostly between about 1,350 and 2,600 feet, where intense mountain sun and cool nights produce serious, age-worthy wine. Cabernet is Lake County's most planted grape, and major Napa producers quietly source Red Hills fruit.
Which Lake County wineries are best for Cabernet?
Standouts include the biodynamic Red Hills specialist Hawk and Horse, the high-elevation, well-priced Shannon Ridge (and its Vigilance Red Hills label), the respected Gregory Graham (Crimson Hill vineyard), the well-rounded Fore Family, the historic Langtry Estate, and the working-ranch Six Sigma, mostly centered on the high-elevation Red Hills.
What is the Red Hills appellation?
The Red Hills Lake County AVA sits on the southwest side of Clear Lake, named for its red volcanic soils. Its vineyards are planted mostly between about 1,350 and 2,600 feet, with many above 2,000 feet, making it one of California's higher-elevation Cabernet regions. The combination of volcanic soil, altitude, intense sun, and cool nights is ideal for structured, concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Is Lake County Cabernet cheaper than Napa?
Generally yes, often dramatically so. Despite high-elevation fruit that major Napa wineries quietly buy, Lake County Cabernet, and the tasting fees to try it, tend to cost far less than comparable Napa wines. That value, plus smaller crowds and dramatic scenery, makes the Red Hills one of California's best-value regions for serious mountain Cabernet.
Do Lake County Cabernet wineries need reservations?
Some do. Several of the best Red Hills producers, including small, biodynamic estates like Hawk and Horse, are by appointment, while larger estates such as Shannon Ridge are more walk-in friendly. Because the county is rural and spread out, it is worth planning a route and booking the appointment-only and small estates ahead, especially on weekends.
Independent reviews, verified listings, and no pay-to-play.