Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Wines in Clearlake Oaks, CA
Cache Creek Vineyards was founded in 1997 when Bill Poppo Van Pelt discovered a 590-acre property along Cache Creek in Lake County, California. Recognizing the land's potential for viticulture while preserving its natural ecosystem, the Van Pelt family established a vineyard that harmonizes with the habitat of Tule Elk and other wildlife. Sustainable farming practices have been integral to operations since inception, including drainage systems for wildlife water sources, owl boxes for natural pest control, and deficit irrigation to conserve water.The winery was launched in 2004 to honor Bill's legacy, producing 100% estate-grown wines that reflect the region's unique terroir. Today, the family continues to prioritize environmental stewardship while crafting award-winning wines, offering immersive tasting experiences, and hosting private events in a scenic setting. The business maintains a strong commitment to quality, community engagement, and preserving the vision of its founder through every bottle produced.
Services
Wine Tasting
Vineyard Tours
Wine Club
Event Venue
Online Wine Sales
Private Events
Wine Production
Sustainable Farming
Wine Pairing
Cellar Door Sales
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We implement sustainable farming practices certified by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance.
- Our wines are 100% estate-grown from grapes cultivated in Lake County's unique terroir.
- Family-owned operation with three generations dedicated to viticultural excellence.
- Award-winning wines recognized for their expression of local terroir and quality.
- Scenic venue combining wine tasting experiences with wildlife conservation efforts.
Associations and certifications
- California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance
What people say
Knowledgeable staff
Beautiful setting
Incredible wines
Awesome staff
Great events
Services
Wine Tasting
Our tasting room offers curated wine flights featuring current releases and reserve selections. Guests can choose from four distinct tasting experiences ranging from $15 to $20, each including a take-home logo glass. Wine Club members receive complimentary tastings for themselves and guests, with options for both casual visitors and connoisseurs to explore our estate-grown varietals.
Vineyard Tours
Guided tours showcase our sustainable farming practices and scenic vineyard landscapes. Visitors learn about our unique terroir, wildlife conservation efforts, and winemaking philosophy while exploring the grounds. The experience includes access to restricted areas and educational insights about our ecosystem-friendly viticultural methods developed over 25 years of operation.
Event Hosting
Multiple venue options accommodate weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. Our outdoor patio, barrel rooms, and concert space host 20-250 guests with complete catering support and scenic backdrops. The facility includes a commercial kitchen and flexible spaces that can be customized for various event types while maintaining our signature rustic elegance.
Wine Club
Two-tiered wine club offers curated shipments and exclusive benefits. Members receive discounts, early access to releases, and special event invitations. The Premier Elk Club allows personalized selections while the Tule Elk Club provides curated quarterly shipments, both maintaining strong community connections through regular member events and educational opportunities.
Wine Production
Estate-grown wines are crafted using sustainable practices and traditional methods. Our portfolio includes 18+ varietals from Chardonnay to Petite Sirah, with attention to terroir expression and balanced profiles. The winemaking team combines decades of experience with modern techniques to produce award-winning wines that showcase Lake County's viticultural potential.
People
Bill Poppo Van Pelt
Founder
Visionary founder who established the vineyard in 1997, prioritizing wildlife conservation alongside viticulture. His legacy of sustainable land stewardship continues through the family-owned business operations today.
Don Van Pelt
Winery Manager
Third-generation viticulturist overseeing daily operations since 2004. Combines hands-on vineyard experience with strategic leadership to maintain his father's vision while developing the winery's commercial success.
Margie Van Pelt
Co-Manager
Integral to daily operations and customer relations, working alongside Don to maintain family values in business practices. Focuses on community engagement and hospitality standards in the tasting room experience.
Kaitlyn Wright
Wine Club Director
Manages wine club operations and customer communications with over a decade of experience. Serves as primary contact for membership inquiries and event coordination while maintaining family connections to the business.
Tony Medina
Vineyard Foreman
Experienced viticulturist leading sustainable farming practices for nearly a decade. Oversees vineyard maintenance and harvest operations while continuing a family legacy of agricultural expertise in the region.
Questions
What are your tasting room hours and location?
We're open daily 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM at 250 New Long Valley Road, Clearlake Oaks, CA 95423, just off Highway 20.
Do you offer wine club memberships?
Yes, we have two membership tiers with curated wine shipments, exclusive discounts, and event benefits for California residents.
Can I host a private event at the vineyard?
We offer multiple venue spaces for weddings and events accommodating 20-250 guests with complete catering support and scenic backdrops.
Are your wines sustainably produced?
We're Certified California Sustainable Vineyard practitioners using owl boxes for pest control, deficit irrigation, and habitat preservation since 1997.
How can I purchase your wines?
Order online through our website, call our tasting room at 707-998-1200, or visit in person for bottle sales and wine club options.
Reviews (4)
Curtis Dabbs
Oct 13, 2021
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My favorite place to come after work and relax. Great sandwiches and even better wine. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the wines.
S. Herschel
Sep 30, 2021
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I have ordered a favored Cabernet 2015 vintage) from this vineyard several times since a friend brought it home to CO as a gift in 2019, w mixed results. The first time, I ordered 1 bottle of non-reserve and received 1 bottle of the correct wine shipped in a 2-bottle pkg, and I was charged for shipping 2 bottles. Several months later, ordered 2 bottles of non-reserve and received reserve. Not as delicious) and charged, correctly for shipping. Recently, on 9/24/21, ordered 1 bottle of non-reserve cab, charged $16 to ship 2 bottles rather than 1 w delivery expected 7 (!) days later and advised
Adrian Deines
Sep 04, 2021
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Nice winery with landscaping and wines were decent. Staff seemed a little cranky and anxious for us to close down. We got there a little before 5pm and downed our samples pretty quick we were told if we were there past 5 PM we would be locked inside. Was like a joke but not really. Not the most hospitable or friendly staff weve experienced.
Brian Sheila Goff
Aug 25, 2021
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Really dig the scenery and the people are so welcoming. Syrah and the Petite Sarah are my favorite! But the black cat made it so much more peaceful . Sorry forgot his name but he was so friendly and loving.
