Close-up of grape vine tendrils wrapped around a wire at Summit Lake Vineyards with a blurred green background.

Celebrating 50 Years on Howell Mountain

Welcome to Summit Lake Vineyards and Winery. Tucked away on the slopes of Howell Mountain we’ve been crafting distinctive, terroir driven wines for more than 50 years. As the longest family owned and operated winery on Howell Mountain, our roots run deep and we believe great wine is best enjoyed with good people. We welcome you to come visit, taste, and become part of our story. Have questions? We’d love to hear from you!

Group of people enjoying a wine tasting at Summit Lake Vineyards, riding on an old van driving through the vineyards.

Family owned and operated since 1971.

Our Story begins more than fifty years ago when Bob and Sue Brakesman, the owners and operators of Summit Lake, met at Jordan Jr. High school in Palo Alto, California.

Brian Brakesman standing in front of wine barrels at Summit Lake Vineyards winery.

Brian Brakesman took over the family winemaking responsibilities full time in 2009.

Every winemaker can wax poetic about their own unique winemaking philosophy, but for me, my job is simple: to make the best possible wine with the fruit nature provides each vintage.

Five bottles of Summit Lake Vineyards wine displayed outdoors among green foliage in a vineyard setting.

Summit Lake Vineyards Wine Club Selections.

Our club now allows you to customize your wine shipments to your personal taste! Simply log in and sign up for the wines you would like to receive or leave it as the standard shipment.

Your membership includes:

  • 15-25% discount on all Summit Lake Vineyards wines
  • Priority purchase of new releases
  • Complimentary tastings for 4-8 guests