Shangri-La of romantic getaways in Lake County
Upper Lake, Calif. – Are you looking for a more affordable and less crowded experience in California wine country? Feeling a bit romantic? Lake County delights and exceeds on many fronts.
Home to Clear Lake, the surrounding hills are home to the region’s burgeoning wine and grape industry. Small communities around the lake offer scenic dining and recreation opportunities. The county’s size and population often present challenges to first time travelers in search of lodging and dining options. Today, we’ll share some of the hidden treasures that we recently discovered during a visit to Lake County. Explore with us!
Lodging: Tallman Hotel
Oozing charm and character, Tallman Hotel is a beautiful and intricately refurbished 19th century property on Main Street in Upper Lake. Embracing simpler times, exuding romance and tranquility, this modern-day Shangri-La in Lake County adds just the right touches of comfort and refinement for that well deserved romantic getaway.
Much more than a hotel, the Tallman evokes the feeling of visiting an upscale family resort of a golden era. Despite the property’s modest physical size, Tallman Hotel delivers the feel of a grand destination. Very spacious rooms and suites are comfortable and include front and back decks that make you feel right at home. Our room included a private outdoor shower and a heated Japanese soaking tub (Ofuro) to unwind. Heated between 92 and 98 degrees, the Ofuro with room for two was one of the highlights. A super relaxing pleasure to be experienced!
The thoughtfully landscaped grounds on the property offer a relaxing and visually soothing experience. Comfy wicker chairs on the main building’s old-fashioned wrap around porch will coax you into taking time out for some conversation. There’s no hurried pace here at the romantic Tallman Hotel.
For complete details and to book your romantic getaway visit the Tallman Hotel.
Wineries & Tasting Rooms
Soak in the spectacular scenery and enjoy friendly, unpretentious service while sipping on tasty California varietals for less than other California wine regions. Full wine tastings are remarkably affordable at all the locations we visited. Due to the volcanic soil and micro-climate, Lake County offers wines with some unique tasting local flavors.
An affordable and beautiful wine country experience without crowds!
Gregory Graham Winery
It doesn’t take long to realize Greg Graham loves what he does and does what he loves. With a focus on distinctly fruit forward wines, Greg enjoys all aspects of wine growing and his club members we encountered all raved. The 2015 Estate Zinfandel is a real treat. Learn more at http://ggwines.com/
Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill
Causal wine bar atmosphere with an engaging staff helped guide us toward some tasty wines along with a few laughs. Our favorites included: ’18 Engine House Sauvignon Blanc,’15 Catspaw Petite Sirah, (Organic) and superb 15 Year Tawny Port – 94 PTS Wine Enthusiast. Visit https://chacewaterwine.com/
Boatique
This scenic winery is open 7-days a week. One visit and you’ll see why in addition to great wine, this is such a popular event location. It’s got plenty of room, amazing views, an industrial appointed kitchen for events…and a stunning collection of rare custom wooden boats. The 2016 Malbec was a hit, but we were most surprised after trying their 2016 Rosé, a perfect hot summer refresher. Boatique’s down to earth and super friendly staff makes the experience even better. Check them out online at https://www.boatiquewines.com/
Laujor Estate Winery
Go for the wine, stay for the views and great company. Cheerful vintner, Cheryl Lucido enjoys meeting and chatting with guests at this chill winery with a view. Order up a bottle and head out back to gaze upon beautiful Mt Konocti. Bring a picnic and you may never want to leave. A wine lover’s paradise in the form of a 900 square foot loft upstairs is available as a rental. View more at http://laujorestate.com/
Sightseeing Experience
Eyes of the Wild Tour
Being open-minded and willing to try new things usually leads to a great time during travels. Having never considered bird watching, the opportunity to hop aboard a pontoon boat and set sail upon Clear Lake to see some birds sounded like fun. We came away more than impressed with the sights and sounds along Clear Lake. Witness ospreys, blue herons, double-crested cormorants, pelicans with 8-foot wingspans taking flight and actively courting grebes who build remarkable floating nests. The Eyes of the Wild Tour reminded us just how much you can learn and appreciate when you simply take a little time to step into someone’s else’s passion in life. We loved every minute!
Check it out at http://eyesofthewild.us
Dining
With smaller communities that are spread out a bit, it’s always helpful to get a little guidance on where to eat. Thankfully, friendly locals gladly offer up some great suggestions.
Blue Wing – Upper Lake
A regular stop along our travels through the area, the Blue Wing was rebuilt to match an 1870’s east coast pub and includes a full service bar and restaurant that adjoins Tallman Hotel via outdoor courtyard. Casual, indoor-outdoor eatery where you can dine at a bistro table or chill with friends in a circle the Adirondack chairs around the fire. Grab a beer or a bite! Upper Lake’s go-to dining spot, it’s the perfect complement while staying at the Tallman. https://tallmanhotel.com/blue-wing-saloon/
Park Place – Lakeport
There’s a good reason Park Place is very popular. Their great location near the lake, deliciously healthy food options and a solid wine selection make it a Lakeport and regional fave. Alfresco is really the way to go here so be sure to call ahead to reserve a table. After dining, step across the street for a stroll along the waterfront at Library Park –a romantic combo for sure! Check it out https://www.parkplacelakeport.com/
Saw Shop Public House – Kelseyville
Seasonal menus and local ingredients along with some live outdoor music make the Saw Shop a fun dining experience. A little casual outside, a little upscale inside, we snagged a cozy spot on the porch. The Saw Shop is delicious from start to finish with attentive service.
https://www.sawshoppublichouse.com/
Visiting Tallman Hotel & Lake County
About a 2 hour drive from the Sacramento and Roseville area, Tallman Hotel’s geographic location in Upper Lake serves as a practical and convenient launch pad for exploration along both sides of Clear Lake. Closer than it seemed and a world apart.
As one of California’s uncrowded regions, Lake County is a place to experience a slower and friendlier way of life while enjoying breathtaking California scenery, tasty wines, scrumptious food and plenty of recreational opportunities.
A romantic getaway that provides a splendid opportunity to leave the hustle and bustle behind while transporting you back for a taste of a bygone era, Tallman Hotel delivers it with elegant and uncompromising style.
