LAKEPORT — The deadline for entries in the annual Lake County Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival is rapidly approaching.
The event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. June 23 at Lakeport”s Library Park. Contestants are urged to sign up no later than June 16.
The “Winefest,” its abbreviated name, is the major fundraiser for nonprofit Clear Lake Performing Arts (CLPA), with proceeds going to support the group”s local music activities, including the CLPA Youth Orchestra, scholarships and the Lake County Symphony.
Several symphony members are planning to provide musical entertainment during the event, along with David Neft and Steve Dubois of the David Neft Duo. Classical acoustic guitarist Travis Rinker will also perform.
Amateur wine makers may contact Ed Bublitz at 277-8172 or edandcharb1@att.net to register and receive booth assignment.
There are no fees but participants are asked to provide their own shade canopy, table and chairs if possible and to pour tastes of their wines.
For people who wish to enter their wines for judging by a panel of professionals, there will be a fee of $7 per bottle. However, any and all homemade wines served will be eligible for the People”s Choice awards with winners voted for by the attending public.
Many of Lake County”s leading wineries will also be on hand to provide tastes of their premier wines.
The Winefest gives them the opportunity to not only introduce new and/or favorite products and promotions, but also to show their support for the sponsoring organization. Wineries wishing to obtain registration information may contact Connel Murray at 277-7076 or murrayjc@sbcglobal.net.
Artists and craftspeople will also display and sell their work, as well as a limited number of commercial and food vendors. They may also contact Ed Bublitz for registration information.
Admission to the Winefest is free and families are urged to participate. However, tasting the many wine varietals requires a fee of $20 in advance or $25 at the gate, which includes a commemorative wine glass.
Tickets can be obtained at the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Band Box and Watershed Books in Lakeport and the tasting room of Bell Hill, Moore Family Winery, Rosa d”Oro, Shannon Ridge, Steele, Thorn Hill, Wildhurst and Vigilance wineries.
Continuation of the Winefest and that of similar events, including wine and beer judging and tastings at county fairs, was made possible by an act passed by the State Assembly in 2008 that removed prior legal restrictions.
