After a cozy lunch at Adams Springs we make the short drive to Laujor Estate Winery, resting in the Red Hills of Lake County. There’s a reason the Red Hills got their name. The soil is as red as I have ever seen, and it’s famous for its unique terroir. So it’s no surprise that these hills are covered in vineyards. The grey of the January winter storm settles between the rolling vineyards and Mt. Konocti. The rain isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and happily, neither are we.
Owner Cheryl Lucido greets us with her warm smile as we happily make our way inside the tasting room.
“Are you wanting to check in or enjoy a wine tasting?” she asks.
“Can we do both?” I laugh.
“Of course, you can.” She grabs two wine glasses and pours a splash of Sauvignon Blanc in each.
“We’re so excited to be here,” I exclaim. “We’ve wanted to stay in your guesthouse since we first tasted years ago.”
“I’m so glad you’re staying. You’re going to love it; it’s my happy place,” Cheryl replies.
The conversation is good, filled with laughter, and before we know it, our tasting is over. We pick up a bottle to enjoy later in the evening and make our way to the loft.
Inside the loft, Cheryl’s hospitality shows. Everything is immaculate, clean, and homey. A small island greets us in the center of the roomy kitchen; two wine glasses and a bottle of wine sit on top, reminding us that our tasting experience is far from over. A large wooden table rests near a sizeable dining room window, with a full view of Mt. Konocti. Beyond the dining room the living room opens up to a private balcony, BBQ, and sitting area, creating the perfect intimate wine staycation experience.
If it’s too cold to enjoy the outdoors, no worries! A cozy couch just behind the two glass French doors brings the view inside for our enjoyment. Beyond the living room, the expansive bedroom shares the same majestic view. A king-size bed and plenty of pillows promise a restful sleep. It’s the best way to enjoy home away from home. If we’d known then what we know now, we would have checked in with bags full of groceries and never left. The loft has a fully equipped expansive kitchen, a full laundry in the bathroom, and a tasting room open seven days a week only a few steps away, so there is every excuse to never leave.
Fortunately, all the essentials we needed were only a couple of minutes down the road. Kelseyville Riviera, known to many as The Riv, offers two bakeries, coffee shops, and a grocery store. It also has Riviera Hills Restaurant and Lounge, Pogos Pizza, and for a spontaneous, authentic Indian food experience, Arti Indian Cafe.
If wine tasting is part of the getaway plans, Laujor is centrally located for several wine tasting experiences. Boatique Winery is directly across the road. Gregory Graham Winery, Shannon Ridge Winery, and Thorn Hill Winery are only a few miles away.
But our time has just begun, and those decisions can wait until tomorrow. We’ve just finished dinner, and David opens a bottle of wine.
“Do you hear that?” I say, joining him on the couch, enjoying the massive view of Mt. Konocti outside the French doors.
“Hear what?” he asks, taking a sip of wine.
“Nothing,” I smile. The overcast evening sky hides the hills surrounding Mt. Konocti in the distance. And the nothing we hear fills the space in our minds, quieting all thoughts away.
Peace.
Laujor’s Loft is the perfect quiet getaway. I recommend three nights if you have the time. Checking out will be the hardest part. Leave work behind and bring a book or two to read. That is, if you can take your eyes off the view.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:00 – 5:00
8664 Seigler Springs Rd, Kelseyville, CA 95451
(707) 349-8236
