Summit Lake Vineyards, located on Howell Mountain, was established by Bob and Sue Brakesman in 1971. Initially, the property was overgrown and in disrepair, but the Brakesmans dedicated years to revitalizing it and planting vineyards. Bob began making wine at home in 1973 and gained professional experience at Freemark Abbey before producing his first commercial vintage in 1978, which received a double gold medal. The family-operated winery has evolved, with Bob's son Brian taking over winemaking duties in 2017, while daughter Heather manages visits and marketing. The winery specializes in handcrafted, small-production red wines, particularly Zinfandel, which offers an excellent quality-to-price ratio. Other notable wines include a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel rosé, and various Zinfandel vintages that showcase balance and complexity. The winery also produces Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the fruit. Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere, with Heather hosting tastings. Summit Lake Vineyards is recognized for its contributions to the Howell Mountain AVA, where Bob was a founding vintner.
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Angwin, CA, United States of America