A world-renowned company teaching vineyard pruning techniques has partnered with a vineyard organization in Lake County, California, on their shared mission to train everyone from hobbyists to management to field workers.

Just north of Napa County and Mendocino lies a lesser-known wine region, Lake County, which is a part of the North Coast AVA. Influenced by elevation (at 1,200 feet), volcanic soil, and proximity to Clear Lake, the largest inland body of water in California, the vines in Lake County benefit from a large diurnal swing and lots of daytime sunshine. The result? Grapes with thick skins and high phenolics – in other words, that winning combination of tannins and acid that leads to great wines.

With vineyards dating back to pre-prohibition and then reemerging in the 1960’s, the region has catapulted to success over the past 30 years. Today, with approximately 30 wineries and nearly 10,000 acres under vine, Lake County is quickly developing a reputation for producing bright and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Syrah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. And now the wine region is establishing itself as an innovator in other ways: developing a first-of-its-kind program that not only aims to benefit the region’s vines, but the region’s people as well.

The Lake County Winegrape Commission has recognized a need to READ THE COMPLETE STORY HERE ON THE VINTNER PROJECT.