So Long Ceago

Jim Fetzer

Sadly Ceago has announced its closing. Proprietor Jim Fetzer has decided to retire. His son Barney Fetzer will continue to farm the vineyards. But no more Ceago wine will be released after mid Sept.

You can read more about it in the Press Democrat article here or in the Lake County News here.

Fetzer, formerly president of Fetzer Winery, when he and his siblings ran the Mendocino wine giant in the 1980's and early 90's, started Ceago and moved it to its current Lake County location, hoping to pioneer a resort and development on the lake shores. It was the only boat-in winery in California.

In addition to his wine industry contributions to organic farming, in particular, and his commitment to putting Lake County on the map, he was known at Bonterra/Fetzer - as well as at Ceago - for the beauty and beautiful places he created. At Bonterra today, one can still enjoy the legacy of gardens, garden structures and the winery barn he and his collaborators (including biodynamic consultant Alan York) leave behind. While the public can't visit these areas, trade and press visitors can, as well as those who work on the sites.

You can, however, still see the beauty at Ceago - at least for a few more weeks.