LAKE COUNTY — The eighth annual Lake County Wine Auction, a top charity fundraiser for non-profits in Lake County, sets the stage Saturday for two major wine industry personalities to lead the day, and coax auction paddles into the air.
Narsai David, the food and wine editor for KCBS Radio in San Francisco, is the master of ceremonies for the event, presented by the Lake County Wine Alliance. The black-tie-encouraged gala starts at 5 p.m. on the green under the big tent at Buckingham Golf and Country Club in Kelseyville. The $100 tickets are limited and available now.
The evening includes wine selections from 21 Lake County wineries, participation by 22 food purveyors, live and silent auctions, and music by Jim Williams and David Neft.
Lake County Wine Alliance board member Wilda Shock said each year the auction grows?in part due to the burgeoning wine industry in the county that has jumped from only four wineries six years ago to 22 wineries today.
“The growth has drawn more attention to the event, and it gives the wineries a chance to showcase what they have to the public. It”s a charity event to support local organizations, and people are attuned to that. They have the option to come and in between auctions taste wine and sample the foods,” Shock said.
This year, there are more auction items total than in preceding years, with new wineries, restaurants and sponsors participating. “We”ve put together wine and travel lots for auction that will help raise money,” Shock said. In the first seven years, $530,000 was raised for charity, and at least $125,000 is expected to be raised Saturday. Last year $115,700 was raised. The best fundraising year was 2005, with $125,000 going to charity.
This year”s auctioneer Archie McLaren will coax paddle holders to bid top dollars for the variety of prizes. McLaren is a wine expert and chairman of the Central Coast Wine Classic, a prestigious food and wine event now in its 23rd year in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. With revenues exceeding $1 million, the classic is one of America”s most successful charity wine auctions.
“We”ll have many people from throughout California attending, and a few from out of state. With both Narsai and Archie, we”re expecting even more?they have quite a following,” Shock said.
Wine auctions are a popular way to raise money for charity around the world. The nation”s biggest wine auction is Florida”s Naples Wine Festival, which raised $16.5 million at its live auction in January.
“There”s always potential we could be like Naples. We would have to enlarge the venue. The tent is only so big. That will be the next challenge,” Shock said.
As the wine industry grows, Shock said board members hope to see the auction expand along with it. In Lake County, the last of this year”s grape harvest is being picked in a rush to beat the unexpectedly persistent October rains. Still, growers say this year”s yield is good, with profits for Lake County expected at over $40 million?or $75 million once the grapes are turned into wine.
The beneficiaries this year are five non-profit organizations, five high schools, and five senior centers. Recipients include Sponsoring Survivorship, the Adult Day Care/Respite Day Care Centers, Habitat for Humanity of Lake County, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lake County, Lake County Community Radio/KPFZ, the fine arts programs at the five Lake County high schools, and the Meals on Wheels programs at five senior centers.
With 30 lots in the live auction, and more than 70 lots in the silent auction, the charity event is all about bidding often and bidding high. A feature each year is the original watercolor-on-silk painting created by area artist John. R. Clarke. Titled, “Wine Colored Days” it is another evocative piece of artwork that is certain to excite arts patrons, Shock said.
Included in the live auction are numerous wine and travel packages; a Mexican Riviera cruise, a week in a Puerto Vallarta penthouse, a trout fishing expedition in Montana, a Lake Tahoe cabin, and a springtime visit to Atlanta. Closer to home, Ceago Vinegarden, the Tallman Hotel, Brassfield Estate Winery, and Wildhurst Vineyards are offering activities that include their wines and food.
New this year, and of definite interest to true wine lovers, Shock said, is a package from the Central Coast Wine Classic that includes tickets for the 2008 event and an “unforgettable” black-tie dinner at Hearst Castle.
This year the auction chair is Marie Beery, assisted by Linda Byrd, co-chair, both of Kelseyville. They are supported by a large committee of volunteers who work throughout the year to create a successful charity event, Shock said.
Sponsors of the wine auction include Lockheed Martin, Neasham Financial & Estate Planning, Kelseyville Lumber, Conser Land Surveying, Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino, Bob Bartley Pumps, Kathy Fowler Dealerships, and Saw Shop Gallery Bistro.
To order tickets, call 866-279-WINE.
Contact Elizabeth Wilson at ewilson@record-bee.com
