Middletown
Middletown is the closest town to the Red Hills Lake County AVA — the most critically acclaimed wine-growing sub-region in Lake County. Small, authentic, and surrounded by volcanic red soil vineyards, it's the best base for serious exploration of Lake County's finest Cabernet Sauvignon estates.
Wineries to Visit
Where to Eat
Local breakfast and lunch spot — simple, honest cooking beloved by vineyard workers and visitors.
Authentic Mexican — excellent burritos and tacos in a no-frills setting beloved by the local community.
30 minutes south in Calistoga — if you need fine dining, cross into Napa Valley for the evening.
Estate picnic at the historic Lillie Langtry property — buy wine at the tasting room and use the grounds.
Things to Do
- ✓ Red Hills wine road drive — volcanic soil Cabernet Sauvignon at its most intense
- ✓ Guenoc & Langtry Estate historical tour — Lillie Langtry's 1888 estate
- ✓ Robert Louis Stevenson State Park (30 min south) — Mount St. Helena hike
- ✓ Anderson Marsh State Historic Park — tule marsh and Native American history on Clear Lake
- ✓ Harbin Hot Springs clothing-optional hot spring pools
- ✓ Napa Valley day trip (Calistoga 25 min south)
Red Hills Lake County Cabernet access, volcanic terroir, Guenoc Valley history, Lillie Langtry estate
30 minutes south in the Napa Valley — luxury resort for those who want to explore both regions.
Simple B&B accommodation in Middletown — basic but convenient for early morning winery visits.
Clothing-optional hot springs retreat 10 minutes north — a unique and deeply Northern California experience.