Right along Highway 20 in the lakeside town of Clear Lake Oaks is the smart, attractive tasting room of High Valley Vineyard. Justin Brassfield has branched out from his family’s successful Brassfield Winery to create his own distinctive wines.
He sources grapes from the High Valley Vineyard at the base of the ancient Round Mountain Volcano. This is some of the most rugged terrain in the valley with giant lava outcrops that are miles in length. HighValley differs from the rest of LakeCounty and most of California, because its situated east/west instead of north/south like most valleys. This geological anomaly means that HighValley is able to pull in cool air from nearby Clear Lake allowing for a wide range of grapes to be grown.
The attractive, shingled sided building has a wrap around veranda and was completed in summer of 2008. The inviting interior has wood beamed ceilings, stained concrete floors, and a half circle copper topped tasting bar. The winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Fume Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, plus smaller quantities of Barbera, Merlot, and Petite Sirah. There is a small picnic space in the back.
