11 Amazing Wineries Near South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is a dream destination for nature lovers, skiers and hikers! Lake Tahoe is an incredible lake that has year-round activities in a picturesque setting. From water skiing to horseback riding, there is something here for everyone to enjoy, and is why it is one of my favorite vacation spots!
Little do people know though, there is actually a fantastic wine scene just a short distance away from South Lake Tahoe that I highly recommend if you are looking for something unique to do!
Wine tasting is a fantastic way to learn about the culture, roots, and families that live in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. It’s a hidden gem in the world of California wine regions!
I complied a list of some of the best wineries near South Lake Tahoe for you to visit on your next vacation here. Check out these South Lake Tahoe wine tasting experiences below!
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Map of South Lake Tahoe Wineries
Best Wineries near South Lake Tahoe
It’s time! Here’s the ultimate list of the best wineries in South Lake Tahoe! From epic South Lake Tahoe wine tours to relaxing wine tasting overlooking the lake, you’ll surely fall in love with all this region has to offer.
1. Tahoe Tastings
Tahoe Tastings is not actually a winery, but a wine cruise around Lake Tahoe! What better way to see the surrounding mountains than from a romantic boat that serves wine! It truly doesn’t get better than this South Lake Tahoe wine tour!
Start your tour by hopping aboard the “Golden Rose” in South Lake Tahoe, where you will be served sparkling wine to start, followed by a tasting flight of 7 wines heavily focused on Northern California’s wine regions. Enjoy picturesque views of Emerald Bay while sipping some of the best wine California has to offer!
You can also pre-order charcuterie that will be provided for you on the boat, or bring your own food to eat!
This experience is once in a life time, and is the perfect romantic getaway adventure in South Lake Tahoe!
2. Illanta Wines
Illanta Wines is a fabulous winery located near Tahoe City on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. It is located ~30 miles from South Lake Tahoe, which takes approximately 1 hour via Highway 89, the major highway connecting both shores of Lake Tahoe
The winery was started by two friends hoping to bring world-renowned wine sourced from Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Santa Barbara Mountains to the community in Lake Tahoe. The winery owner’s Italian roots serve as inspiration for their truly exceptional wine!
Wine tastings are available by appointment after contacting the wine maker’s via email. I highly recommend a day trip up to Tahoe City and Illanta Wines when visiting South Lake Tahoe for a unique wine tasting experience in the Sierra Nevada Mountains!
3. Truckee River Winery
Truckee River Winery is a quaint winery located in Truckee, on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. It holds the title of California’s highest and coldest winery in the state, which is an interesting accolade! To get to this winery, you will take Highway 89 43 miles north to Truckee, which will take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. I recommend combining a visit to this winery with a visit to Illanta Wines while visiting the North Shore of Lake Tahoe!
At the winery, you will enjoy a relaxing environment with tastings, wine by the bottle and wine by the glass. The winery also has popular lawn games such as Bocce Ball and Cornhole!
Throughout summer months you can also enjoy a bonfire on select evenings while sipping your wine! Be sure to call in advance to reserve as this is a popular activity booked by locals and tourists alike!
4. Miraflores Winery
Miraflores Winery is a premier winery located in El Dorado County, approximately 50 miles from South Lake Tahoe. It is a great stop to make on the way to South Lake Tahoe, as it is located off of I-50, or a perfect day trip from South Lake Tahoe.
This winery has an astounding Mediterranean rustic patio and a gorgeous tasting room. Book a tasting in advance by calling if you would like to be seated outside! The tasting fee is $20 for a flight of wine.
5. Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery
Sierra Vista Vineyards & Winery is an amazing winery located in El Dorado County, approximately 55 miles from South Lake Tahoe. This winery is clustered with dozens of other wineries in El Dorado County, making it the perfect day trip from South Lake Tahoe, as the wineries are near off of I-50.
This winery offers a white wine and red wine tasting flight, making it perfect for everyone’s specific tastes. The tasting fee is $15 for a tasting. Enjoy lawn games such as Connect 4 and Jenga, or bring your own picnic or BBQ to have a perfect day out in the sun!
6. Crystal Basin Cellars
Crystal Basin Cellars is a quirky and welcoming winery located among the other incredible wineries in El Dorado Hills. The winery is located 50 miles from South Lake Tahoe via Highway 50, and will take approximately 1 hour to get there.
The tasting is done in the tasting room. Reservations are not required but will ensure you have a spot. The tasting fee is $15 and is waived with a one bottle purchase. They have several award winning wines available for purchase. This winery makes many different types of varietals from red wine to bubbly.
7. Lewis Grace Winery
Lewis Grace Winery is a beautiful winery located in El Dorado County, approximately 50 miles from South Lake Tahoe. To get here, take Highway 50 for approximately 1 hour and you will arrive at this winery along with several other wineries nearby.
This winery is special, as they grow their grapes on their estate! Enjoy a tasting of several wines grown from the land to taste the unique terroir of the landscape. It’s one of my favorite South Lake Tahoe wine tasting spots!
The patio has incredible views, and the hosts are extremely hospitable. I highly recommend stopping by this winery on your way to South Lake Tahoe, or making a day trip out to visit!
8. Lava Cap Winery
Lava Cap Winery, named after the volcanic soil in the terroir, is a gorgeous family-owned winery that has a lot to offer! This winery is located in El Dorado County, approximately 1 hour from South Lake Tahoe.
The winery grows its own grapes on its estate, allowing you to get a taste of what the volcanic soil can bring to the wine. They grow an abundance of different types of varietals, making it the perfect destination to sample lots of types of wine!
The winery has a gorgeous patio to enjoy the tasting, as well as a picnic area to purchase bottles and bring your own food. The tasting fee is $15. I highly recommend a visit here while in the area!
9. Starfield Vineyards
Starfield Vineyards is a breath-taking rustic winery that is perfect for a get away experience! The winery is located approximately 1 hour from South Lake Tahoe and only 45 minutes from Sacramento.
The winery is located on a beautiful estate with a lake, patio and lounge. Tasting fee is $10-$20. A picnic can be requested in advance for you to enjoy food while sipping on delicious wine. The winery will inspire awe in you and is worth a visit when in South Lake Tahoe!
Other wineries located near Starfield Vineyards:
- Bumgarner Winery
- Chateau Davell
- Myka Cellars
- Rucksack Cellars
- Findleton Estate and Winery
- Nello Olivo Winery
- 1850 Wine Cellars
- diVittorio Winery
- Red Poets & Skyhawk Lane
- Via Romano Vineyards
- Edio Vineyards
- Andersonia Wine
- Goyette’s North Canyon Ranch
10. Fenton Herriott Vineyards
Fenton Herriott Vineyards is a picturesque winery located in El Dorado Hills. The winery is 50 miles from South Lake Tahoe along Highway 50. There are several other wineries in the region that I recommend making a day trip out to while visiting the Sierra Nevada Mountains!
The winery is a located in a beautiful setting among the vineyards on the property. Enjoy a bottle of wine or a tasting flight while sitting on the patio! This is is a great destination for larger groups because of the large picnic tables that can accommodate those groups.
11. Boeger Winery
Boeger Winery is a beautiful winery set in El Dorado County, approximately 50 miles from South Lake Tahoe.
The winery features many different places for you to enjoy your tasting, from the tasting room, to the cellar, to the outdoor lawn where you can also enjoy a picnic.
This winery also has a summer music series where you can listen to live music while sipping on your favorite bottle. It’s a fan-favorite for those who love live music, great views, and delicious wine. Be sure to add it to your South Lake Tahoe wine tasting list!
Have you been to any of these wineries in South Lake Tahoe? Let me know your favorite in the comments below!
I love south Tahoe!
I didn’t realise how many wineries are near Lake Tahoe! They’re all so dreamy and I’ll be adding them to my travel bucket list for America. Thanks for sharing all your recommendations!
Not only do I love Lake Tahoe! I love Wine!
Whether you go for the wine tastings, the amazing scenery, or any of the outdoor adventures, Tahoe will have you wanting to come back again and again.
You had me sold at a wine cruise around Lake Tahoe! A day of a hike & wineries sounds amazing too.
I have enjoyed time at Lake Tahoe but not the wineries. I would love to tour them and taste. I especially like the idea of wine tasting on a boat tour. That would be fabulous.