You might drive past the front entrance to Lazy Creek three or four times before you see it, but even when you turn into the driveway, you’re likely going to wonder whether you’re in the right spot.  That’s because when you arrive at the Lazy Creek property, you still have to drive another five minutes down a dusty, one-lane dirt road before reaching the winery itself.  It’s only when you see the generic “Winery” sign that you can be sure you’ve made it to your destination.

Lazy Creek is located in the Anderson Valley in California’s Mendocino County – it’s about a three hour drive north of San Francisco, but it’s well worth the trip.  A visit to this region will be rewarded with tiny crowds, picture perfect little towns and phenomenally breathtaking scenery.  Also, the Anderson Valley happens to be newly “hot” on the Northern California winemaking scene, which is largely due to the fantastic Pinot Noirs, Gewürtztraminers and sparkling wines being produced there.

Shortly after leaving our car and following a flowery stone path towards the winery, we encountered a stray rooster, a few wine barrels in a stack and an all-terrain vehicle — the starkest contrast possible to a touristy Napa winery.  Adjacent to this rustic scene was the tasting room, a wooden, barn-like structure with a couple of tables and some chairs in front, which were perfect for picnicking.  For our visit, we had brought sandwiches and some cheese to munch on prior to sampling wine.  We made good use of the picnic area, but while we ate, one of the owners came by with glasses and a bottle of chardonnay that he poured out for us.  Much like the winery itself, it was an unexpected treat.    

If you do visit Lazy Creek, don’t miss the Gewürtztraminer and the Riesling.  See The New York Times’s article about these two wines at nyt.com, which is where we first learned of Lazy Creek. 

www.LazyCreekVineyards.com
P.O. Box 176
Highway 128
Philo, California 95466
(707) 895-3623
*Tastings by appointment; no tasting fee.