The Red Hills of Lake County represent one of California’s most distinctive and underappreciated wine regions, where ancient volcanic forces shaped a landscape perfectly suited for exceptional winemaking. Rising between 1400 and 3000 feet above sea level, these rolling hills are defined by their volcanic heritage—black obsidian and volcanic gravel creating soils that mirror some of the world’s greatest wine regions. Here, where Mount Konocti’s ancient eruptions left their mineral-rich legacy, Langtry Farms has discovered the ideal terroir for Viognier.
This remote appellation, far from the crowds of Napa and Sonoma, offers something increasingly rare in California wine country: untouched volcanic terroir that allows each varietal to express its truest character. The Red Hills’ elevation and volcanic soils create the perfect conditions for Viognier—a grape that demands both warmth and mineral complexity to reach its full potential. Our 2022 vintage captures this unique terroir with vibrant aromatics of melon and mango, complemented by the distinctive minerality that only volcanic soils can provide. Awarded 90 points by Wine Enthusiast, this wine stands as testament to the exceptional quality that emerges when the right grape meets the right place.