KELSEYVILLE ? Despite daily reminders of an economic downturn, there”s never been a better time to let people know about Lake County”s winegrape industry. With that in mind, winegrape growers and staff of the Lake County Winegrape Commission recently poured wine at the largest wine industry trade show in the United States.
For the 15th year, the Commission presented information and staffed a booth at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. This year”s event, January 27-30, featured more than 600 booths at the Sacramento Convention Center in Sacramento. Commission Executive Director Shannon Gunier joined Lake County winegrape growers to pour Lake County wine, share information about the area”s award-winning vintages, and talk to current and prospective winery customers.
A highlight of the show was participating in the international wine pouring held in conjunction with the symposium, Gunier noted.
“They stuck us in a corner up on the third floor, but people were actually seeking us out. They wanted Lake County wine. Our (region”s) Sauvignon Blanc is making a name for us,” said Rob Roumiguiere of Roumiguiere Vineyards who along with his wife Dina helped with the pouring.
Rob also assisted in the Commission”s booth during the trade show portion of the symposium. In addition, Randy Krag of Beckstoffer Vineyards joined Gunier in greeting visitors to the Commission”s booth, which was designed by Rick Gunier and set up by Rick Gunier and grower John Roumiguiere.
As one of only a few grape-growing regions represented during the trade show portion of the event, Lake County was among hundreds of booths visited by thousands of wine industry experts and many newcomers. Surrounded by displays touting winery supplies, from barrels and corks to bottle glass and large vineyard and winery machinery, the Lake County entry was a unique one. “Not everyone has a Commission like we do,” Rob Roumiguiere noted, referring to the county”s ability to market its wine grapes via the work of the Commission. As individuals stopped at the booth, Lake County”s representatives answered questions ranging from “Where is Lake County?” to “How can I sell my grapes ? who”s buying?” Maps showing the county”s appellations, informative brochures, and other Lake County Winegrape Commission materials were available.
The symposium offered winemakers, wineries, and grape growers several networking opportunities in addition to four days of informative forums and sessions on a variety of topics. More information about the annual show is available on the event”s website, www.unifiedsymposium.org.
Established in 1991 by the winegrape growers of Lake County, the Lake County Winegrape Commission is a local marketing order, the primary function of which is to provide marketing, education, and research programs to Lake County winegrape growers. Wine grapes are Lake County”s largest dollar volume crop, with 2008 sales expected to exceed $40 million. For further information about the Commission, see its website, www.lakecountywinegrape.org.
