LAKE COUNTY — Wineries and restaurants are revving up for the fifth annual Wine & Chocolate Festival to be held at Mt. Konocti Growers on Feb. 19 from noon to 4 p.m.
Proceeds from the event support all Lake Family Resource Center (LFRC) programs and services.
“The event raises between $17,000 and $20,000 per year. It is incredibly important, especially when the state budget is like it is now,” Gloria Flaherty, LFRC executive director, said on Wednesday.
Sommelier Stephanie Green, owner of Focused on Wine in Kelseyville, will lead workshops on wine sensory and pairing food with wines. Classes and demonstrations will be take place for the duration of the event.
To sweeten the deal the event features a silent auction with wine, dining, travel and art packages.
Gail Salituri, owner of Inspirations Gallery in Lakeport donated her art for the event poster. She will be there to autograph the posters, which will be sold for $10 apiece.
The event features exclusively Lake County wineries. Wineries include: Rosa d”Oro, Lavender Blue, Brassfield, Vigilance, Laujor Estate, Tulip Hill, Steele, Bell Hill, McDermaid, Noggle, Six Sigma, High Valley, Wildhurst, Eden Crest, Shannon Ridge, Moore Family, Ceago, MKG, Guenoc, Bullion Creek, Robledo and Big Valley. Wines from the event also will be available for sale.
Flaherty said, “This is a wonderful way to promote premier Lake County wines and to benefit the county.”
The following restaurants and catering companies have confirmed a presence at the event: The Cactus Grill, Guido”s, Zino”s, Chic le Chef, Ciao Thyme, TJ”s, The Blue Wing Saloon and the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro.
A vintage auto show will be featured, weather permitting.
Ticket locations include Lake Family Resource Center Kelseyville Offices located at 4325 and 5350 Main Street, Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Hillside Honda, Six Sigma, Wildhurst, Tulip Hill, Shannon Ridge, Judy Conard Law Offices and The Saw Shop Gallery Bistro. More ticket sale locations will be added in Middletown and Clearlake. Those with a business wishing to be added as ticket outlet should call LFRC. Additionally, wineries and restaurants wishing to join the event may be added until Wednesday.
The event will take place at Mt. Konocti Growers located at 2550 Big Valley Road in Lakeport. Admission is $35 per person in advance and $40 at the door. For information, call 279-0563 or e-mail gloriaf@lakefrc.org.
