With 11,307 acres (4,576 ha) acres of vineyards[6] planted at elevations ranging from 1,370 feet (Clear Lake's level) to 2,640 feet,[7][8] Lake County enjoys a reputation for bright, concentrated red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Zinfandel, and fresh, aromatic whites made from Sauvignon blanc.

[9] One of the county’s earliest viticulturists was a Frenchman, "Professor" William Claudius Mottier, who near Harbin Springs experimented in the early 1870s with grafting European varieties on californica rootstocks, notably “Carbonet Malbec” (probably Carménère) and Mourvèdre.

[15] The number of wineries had risen to over 30 when Prohibition hit, dealing a serious blow to Lake County's vineyards and wine production.

Wineries were shut down, and most vineyards were ripped out to plant walnut and pear orchards, which have remained significant, although secondary crops in the region.

[17] In 1972, a phylloxera control ordinance was passed to address the ongoing pest problem affecting many North Coast vineyards.

By 1980, 2,990 acres of vineyards had been planted in the county,[19] and Lake Wine Producers had been formed to promote the use of local grapes.

Lake County Vintners was spun off that group, a co-op of 34 wine growers which took an interest in Konocti Winery.

[25] In 1996, Jed Steele, who had worked for Kendall-Jackson in Lakeport until 1990 and had since already started his own label as well as consulted for Wildhurst Vineyards in Kelseyville,[26] purchased Konocti Winery.

While the physical damage to vines has been minimal (some were actually credited as helpful firebreaks[29]), smoke taint affected several vintages.

[30] The Lake County Winegrape Commission has been collaborating with UC Davis, public agencies, laboratories and other wine groups to investigate the effects of wildfire smoke on crops.

[33] As of May 2024, nine American Viticultural Areas have been recognized by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in Lake County.

[36] The Big Valley District is located south of the southern shore of Clear Lake and was established as a viticultural area on October 2, 2013.

Red volcanic soils can be found on the hillsides while alluvial fans and benches on the valley floor provide well-drained beds for the vines.

The hills lie at the foot of Mount Konocti, a volcano which last erupted 11,000 years ago, but which is still regarded as active.

[45][46] Some local grapes are also used in wines labelled North Coast, as Lake County is encompassed within that large AVA, or even simply California.