Mandy Feder — News editor
LAKE COUNTY — A break in the rain came just in time for the fourth annual Wine & Chocolate Festival held on Saturday.
It was a day of hobnobbery among Lake County residents along with many visitors from out of town.
Sweet treats accompanied Lake County wines filling two buildings with pleased patrons at Mt. Konocti Growers on Big Valley Road in Lakeport.
The benefit was presented by Kathy Fowler Auto Center, Mt. Konocti Growers, Robinson Rancheria Bingo & Casino and Umpqua Bank among other donors and sponsors.
More than 25 Lake County wineries participated, and many poured multiple premium Lake County wines.
Chocolates were paired by Certified Sommelier Stephanie Green from Focused on Wine in Kelseyville.
In addition to the wine and chocolate, entertainment included raffles, workshops, conversations with winemakers, a “name that grape” contest and an antique car show.
Participants were able to vote on favorite pairings.
Proceeds from the Wine & Chocolate Festival benefit the programs and services of Lake Family Resource Center.
Represented at this event were: Beaver Creek Vineyards, Bell Hill Vineyards, Big Valley Winery, Brassfield Estate Winery, Bullion Creek Vineyards, Cougars Leap Vineyards, Dusinberre Cellars, Eden Crest Winery, Gregory Graham Handcrafted Wines, Mt. Konocti Growers, Langtry Estate & Vineyards, Moore Family Wines, Noggle Vineyards & Winery, Ployez Winery, Red Lava Vineyards, Robledo Family Winery, Rosa d ?Oro, Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery, Shed Horn Cellars, Six Sigma Ranch Vineyards & Winery, Sol Rouge Vineyard & Winery, Steele Wines, Tulip Hill Winery, Twin Pines Winery, Villa La Brenta Winery and Wildhurst Vineyards.
Programs benefiting from this event include: Domestic violence shelter, advocacy, counseling, prevention, community crisis line, child abuse prevention, child abuse treatment, teen parenting, Early Head Start, adolescent pregnancy prevention, parenting classes, workshops, anger management classes, nurturing parent classes, tobacco cessation, tobacco education, health insurance application assistance, CalWorks behavioral health and housing assistance.
Overwhelmingly, those pouring the wine and attendees shared the sentiment that it was great to see all of the Lake County wineries under one roof, so to speak.
The fifth annual Wine & Chocolate event is slated for Feb. 19, 2011.
Mandy Feder can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or call directly 263-5636 ext. 32.
