Summit Lake Vineyards

A day in the Meadow

In 1971 Bob Brakesman surprised his wife with the best birthday present ever, a deed to a 28 acre ranch that included 8 acres of pre-prohibition Zinfandel vineyard on the top of Howell Mtn. While the ranch looked great on paper, this was not the case once they moved to the property on Christmas Eve of 1971. Sue Brakesman’s heart sank as she saw the overgrown orchard and vineyards and the dilapitated cottage. However her broken heart was mended with the first dusting of snow that Howell Mountain enjoys every year.

Each harvest marked a barrel full of memories for Bob and Sue. While the children learned writing, reading, and arithmetic in school, Bob and Sue learned everything they could about wine making , viticulture, husbandry, and DYI home repairs.

Today, daughter, Heather Griffin, and her husband live on the property where they now raise their children who in turn raise goats, pigs, and horses for 4-H. The property is a little piece of heaven with stunning views of the east side of Howell Mountain. In the middle of the vineyard is a meadow where in the summer Heather conducts close and personal tastings of their wines: Cab, Zin, Petite Sirah, and a Zin port. The Zinfandel boasts a beautiful label that will forever serve as a reminder of the late Sue and all her hard work at Summit Lake, especially since she personally chose the label.

The Summit Lake Zinfandel is a very good representation of Howell Mountain. High above the fog line, Howell Mountain’s volcanic soil, long growing season, and hot summers produce big bold wines that pack a flavor packed punch. Next time you are thinking of making the trek up Howell Mountain, be sure to put Summit Lake at the top of your list.