Lake County is a high quality winegrowing region located north of Napa Valley and east of Mendocino County in Northern California. It is the home of Clear Lake, which is the largest natural body of water in the state of California. The sheer size of Clear Lake influences winegrowing dramatically by serving as a significant moderating influence on the region's vineyards. There are five unique appellations delineated within Lake County each with their own distinct climate and soil. Clear Lake AVA receives the greatest influence from Clear Lake making it one of the coolest areas in the region, and grapes like Sauvignon Blanc can thrive here. The vineyards of the High Valley AVA are situated at high elevation and possesses distinct red volcanic soils. The most widely planted grape variety in Lake County is Cabernet Sauvignon as it grows particularly well in many of the region's most infertile volcanic soils. While not nearly as well known as some of the surrounding wine regions Lake County has the potential to produce some absolutely outstanding wine.