NICE ? Congressman Mike Thompson introduced Jed Steele, guest of honor, as “Our friend, our homeboy,” on Saturday night at the 11th annual Lake County Wine Auction. He said Steele”s wines were the buzz at the nation”s capitol the last time Thompson was there.
“Everybody there was talking about your wine,” Thompson said. He dispensed the advice, “Don”t let your children grow up to be grape growers; have them be winemakers.” Steele got his start at Stoney Hill Winery in the Napa Valley and Thompson”s father was the vineyard manager there.
The sold-out event featured fine wines, incredible pairings, sparkling dresses, tuxedos and a whole lot of goodwill, as the proceeds benefit Lake County nonprofit organizations. Farmers, dignitaries, politicians, community members and out-of-towners mingled as though it was a family reunion.
Budge Brown, honorary chair of the Lake County Wine Auction and owner of Tulip Hill Winery, located just across Highway 20, said, “I purchased that property from Jimmy Fetzer and we”re still friends.” Brown”s Cleavage Creek wine benefits victims of breast cancer.
Guests and vendors commented on the beauty of Ceago Vinegarden and how attractive the setting was, enhanced by the complementing choice of colors of the d?cor. The courtyard by the lavender fields looked like the cover of the Eagles album Hotel California, as the sun set over Clear Lake. Those who stayed late into the evening experienced the full-effect of the overhead strands of lighting in the Mountain View Courtyard.
The dance floor was packed with revelers for every number played by the LC Diamonds, including the two encore numbers that were coaxed from the musicians by the enthusiastic dancers. The weather cooperated and didn”t deliver the predicted rain until well after the party was over.
The sponsoring Lake County Wine Alliance confirmed Sept. 17, 2011 as the date for the 12th annual Lake County Wine Auction. It was announced at the event that Bill Brunetti of Lakeport will assume the role of honorary chair for next year and be responsible for leading the fundraising efforts to attract sponsors and donors. To date, The Wine Alliance has contributed $771,665 to Lake County nonprofit organizations since the first wine auction in 2000. Donations from sponsors so far total $49,000. Sales of individual tickets were more than $10,000. The live auction income was $45,000 from 32 items.Silent auction income was $6,179, an average of more than $100 for the 57 items. Raffle lots and Vintage Vault ticket sales totaled $2,625. Sales of John Clarke posters have not been calculated, but sales will continue at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro and Specialty Care & Surgery Center in Kelseyville as well as Inspirations Gallery in Lakeport. Additional donations at the event totaled $5,100, for a total of $117,904 so far.
A presentation of the funds is expected to take place in late November or early December.
Additional donations, which will be contributed directly to the beneficiaries may still be made through the Lake County Wine Alliance Web site, www.winealliance.org.
