Just as its name suggests, Boatique Winery in Kelseyville, Lake County, combines the owners’ enthusiasm for beautifully restored wooden boats and elegant boutique wines. Located in the scenic Red Hills appellation, this estate produces distinctive varietals from grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc.
High in the Mayacama Mountains, at an elevation of seven-hundred metres above sea level, Boatique Winery is a truly unique viticultural enterprise. Opened in 2015, the estate has quickly established a reputation for excellence in both the vineyard and the cellar, as well as the guarantee of a warm welcome from owners Madi and Robert Mount and their dedicated team of professionals. Though at first glance classic boats and vineyards may appear to be world’s apart, there are certain parallels to be drawn between these two passions. Meticulous attention to detail, patience and dedication to craft are integral to success in both, and the qualities admired by the Mounts’ in those who design / restore the boats, are practiced by them and their team throughout every stage of the winemaking process. This adherence to strict standards of growing and production leads to high quality wines that are nevertheless, competitively priced. Set amongst Red Hills beautiful oak-studded landscape, Boatique Winery’s twenty hectares of immaculately maintained vineyards are planted to red varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Rich, free-draining, volcanic soils combined with Lake County’s renowned clean air and enhanced sunlight exposure, yield deeply concentrated, exquisitely balanced grapes and subsequently, rich and complex wines. A further seventeen hectares in the alluvial soils of Big Valley AVA, are planted to the white grape Sauvignon Blanc. Here, abundant daytime sunshine and cool nights enable a slow ripening process through which grapes develop intense flavours without sacrificing acidity. Premium quality wines abound from both Red Hills and Big Valley, with Boatique’s multi-award-winning varietals amongst the appellations’ very best. From the guard of magnificent, ancient olive trees that line its entrance, to the state of the art facilities, relaxed, inviting tasting rooms and the highly impressive boat collection, Boatique Winery offers a unique experience for wine lovers (and boat enthusiasts) from far and wide. One of a growing number of Lake County producers raising the profile of this charming wine region, Boatique delivers a range of varietals and blends that express the subtle nuances of this distinct terroir.
