Complimentary Tastings, Free Appetizers, Discounts on Rooms – Why Wouldn’t You Want to Get a Lake County Winery Passport?

February 26, 2021

Spring’s in the air, and it’s a great time to get out and support some of our local wineries and businesses. And what better way to do it than by getting a Winery Passport? It’s got complimentary tasting at eighteen Lake County wineries, plus a host of other perks. Pick up a free appetizer at the Saw Shop Public House when you purchase an entry, enjoy a complimentary kayak rental from Clearlake Campground, or get a discount on a room at one of several places, such as the The Ripe Choice, Konocti Vista, and Skylark Shores.

“The objective for the Winery Passport program is to get visitors to become repeat customers,” Helena Welsh, Executive Director of the Lake County Winery Association and overseer of the program, says. “I don’t want each passport holder to visit all eighteen wineries in one weekend.”

That might be a bit much; I’m not sure I could stand upright after eighteen wineries in a weekend. Instead, the Winery Passport is designed to encourage discovery. Try a new place, then after tasting, head over to O’meara Brothers Brewing in Lakeport and get a discount, or grab a deal on a meal at the Greenview Restaurant in Hidden Valley Lake. You’ve got lots of options to choose from.

Trudy and I’ve purchased a couple, and can’t wait to begin enjoying some new wineries. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Olof Cellars, Stonehouse Cellars, or Mt. Konocti Winery, now’s your chance to try something new.

You’ll pay $66.95 per passport, and once you go to a couple of wineries, you’ll have paid for it already. For more information about the program and to purchase, head to the Lake County Winery Association Website.